The Impact of Meghan Markle’s Acting Career on her Royal Role

Meghan Markle’s Uncredited Acting Role in “Married with Children”

A Glimpse into Meghan Markle’s Early Acting Career

Meghan Markle, now famously known as the Duchess of Sussex, had a humble acting beginning. Before she married Prince Harry and became a global figure, Meghan enjoyed a number of small roles on television shows and in films. However, her first acting gig can be traced back to the iconic 1980s sitcom “Married with Children,” where her father, Thomas Markle, worked as a lighting director and later as the director of photography.

Meghan’s Brief Appearance on Married with Children

Meghan Markle made her acting debut in an uncredited role in the Season 9 episode titled “The Undergraduate” which aired in 1995. In the episode, she played a student, one among the background characters. While her role may have been small and went unnoticed by most viewers, it is worth noting that Meghan spent a considerable amount of time on the set of the show due to her father’s involvement in the production.

Growing Up on the Set of “Married with Children”

During an interview with Ellen Degeneres, actor Ed O’Neill, who starred in “Married with Children,” spoke about Meghan Markle’s connection to the show. He mentioned that she grew up on the set, often seen in a little Catholic school uniform as her father worked behind the scenes. Meghan herself has also spoken about her experience of “growing up on the set of ‘Married with Children'” in an interview with Esquire magazine.

Meghan reminisced about her time on set, describing it as a “funny and perverse place for a little girl in a Catholic school uniform to grow up.” She mentioned that her father would sometimes redirect her attention away from more mature content on set and encourage her to assist with the craft services room. Despite not being allowed to watch the show at home due to its adult content, Meghan would watch the end credits just to catch a glimpse of her father’s name and kiss the screen. She also mentioned the glamorous guest stars, like Tia Carrere, Traci Lords, and Nikki Cox, who added a touch of excitement to her childhood memories.

Meghan’s Ambivalence Towards Objectification

Interestingly, while Meghan Markle was exposed to the world of television at a young age and initially dreamt of becoming a Hollywood star, she later became critical of the objectification of women that she observed on shows like “Married with Children.” In a 2016 interview with the Toronto Star, Meghan expressed her distaste for how women were objectified in the industry, stating that she didn’t want to be looked at in that way.

Meghan Markle’s Acting Career and Its Impact

Meghan Markle’s uncredited role in “Married with Children” may have been just the beginning of her acting journey, but it was a stepping stone that eventually led her to the cable show “Suits” and ultimately to her royal role as the Duchess of Sussex. Since marrying Prince Harry, Meghan has transitioned out of acting and into her philanthropic work as part of the British royal family.

While Meghan’s acting career may be behind her, her experiences in the industry and her perspectives on objectification have undoubtedly influenced her current advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality. As a member of the royal family, she continues to use her platform to bring attention to important social issues and make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s uncredited role in “Married with Children” may have been a small part of her acting journey, but it holds significance in her personal and professional development. It served as a glimpse into the world of show business, shaped her understanding of the industry, and contributed to her eventual path as a prominent figure in the global spotlight.