Markie Post was one of my first TV crushes – she embodied grace and elegance, paired with a wonderfully kind spirit.
Unfortunately, Markie passed away in 2021 at the age of 70.
In her final years, the cherished actress bravely battled to stay alive.
Night Court was a show that had you laughing from beginning to end, and one of the standout stars of the ’80s series was the beautiful Markie Post.
As Public Defender Christine Sullivan on the beloved NBC sitcom, Markie soared to new heights in her acting career – she portrayed the character for 159 episodes until 1992.
For me, Markie seemed to have it all – intelligence, beauty, energy, talent, and charm. Those of us who grew up in the late 1970s and 1980s know exactly what I mean – you could always see the sparkle in her eyes, which was the true essence of her stardom!
I also adored her role in Chicago P.D., where she portrayed Barbara ‘Bunny’ Fletcher from 2014 to 2017. Markie truly transformed that recurring character into a remarkable highlight, demonstrating her undeniable class.
Markie Post was born in 1950 and enjoyed a privileged childhood. She grew up in Walnut Creek, California, with her father being a nuclear physicist and her mother a poet. Although she was originally named Marjorie Post, she began using the nickname “Markie” as a child because her siblings found it difficult to say Marjorie.
During her high school years, she was a cheerleader. She pursued physics in college, largely influenced by her academic background, but as she candidly admitted, Markie “did quite poorly.”
Markie Post was present at the 23rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on March 21, 1988, held at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
“I felt intimidated by my father. He’s the most cherished man in my life, and he tried to assist me with math and equations. However, his constant muttering of ‘It’s so easy!’ didn’t make it any easier for me,” she shared.
Markie’s initial foray into show business was focused on behind-the-scenes roles. Before embarking on her acting journey, she worked as a staff member and researcher for game shows like Split Second and Double Dare.
“I gained more knowledge from researching that game show than I did in four years of college,” Markie Post remarked during a visit to Bill Tush’s show in the 1980s.
Her hard work eventually led to guest roles on shows such as Cheers and Hart to Hart. In 1977, Markie transitioned to acting full-time. She truly made her mark on television by playing bail bondswoman Terri Michaels on The Fall Guy.
The adventure series, which aired from 1982 to 1986, became Markie’s big break. However, shortly after her debut on The Fall Guy, she grew tired of the character of Terri and began seeking more challenging roles.
“I feel quite functional on the show,” Markie told The Times and Democrat in 1984.
“I’m like the tape at the start of Mission: Impossible. But sometimes, they involve me in the caper, which adds excitement.”
In 1985, Markie signed a contract that would transform her life. Following a successful guest spot in the second season of Night Court, NBC producers persuaded her to take on the new female lead for the third season.
Markie’s performance on Night Court was outstanding and propelled her to stardom.
“The audience is really enthusiastic about our show,” she told Courier-Post in 1986.
The talented and adaptable actress had been diligently working to achieve success – she earned $400,000 annually for her role on the ABC sitcom.
“I wasn’t much of a visualizer. I was more of a jump in and see what unfolds type of person. Honestly, I used to describe myself in my career as akin to Wile E. Coyote, running off a cliff and everything’s fine until you glance down and then you plummet. So, I decided not to look down and just keep pushing forward, taking things as they came,” she shared with Patch in 2011.
Playing the role of the compassionate public defender Christine Sullivan, Markie won the hearts of many young men. Her acting talent was impressive, and like numerous actresses from the 80s, she was stunningly beautiful as well. Yet, according to Markie, she didn’t see herself as anything extraordinary.
“I’m not a sexual siren. I spot prettier girls than me at the grocery store every day,” Markie once remarked.
Nevertheless, her striking beauty truly radiated through the television screen, launching her into a successful acting career. As an actress, she drew from both her father’s and mother’s traits, striving to merge them into one cohesive persona.
“My emotional and passionate side comes from my mother, while my father’s logic and precision balance it out,” she shared.
With a career that has lasted over thirty years, her acting achievements truly speak volumes. For younger viewers, she is likely best known for her role as the mother in the 1998 cult favorite, There’s Something About Mary.
A Lasting Marriage
Alongside her thriving Hollywood career, Markie also enjoyed a commendable marriage. It all began in the early 1980s when she met Michael A. Ross during an acting class. The couple tied the knot shortly thereafter and made their home in Toluca Lake, just outside Los Angeles, close to Bob Hope’s estate.
Markie and Michael A. Ross raised two lovely daughters, Kate and Daisy. The acting duo shared a robust marriage and frequently collaborated, supporting one another in their careers.
When asked about the key to her enduring marriage in 2011, Markie shared:
“We made a commitment that, regardless of the circumstances, whether we were alive or not, we would see our lives through together until the end. With that as our aim, we understood that there would be dull moments. We knew it would be challenging at times. We might irritate each other. All of that is just part of the deal. It is. You can’t be naive and expect that life will always be perfect, but if you find joy 80 percent of the time, you’re truly fortunate.”
Markie Post and Michael Ross enjoyed 39 years of marriage before tragedy struck.
Markie Post’s passing
Unfortunately, Markie left us on August 7, 2021, just three months shy of her 71st birthday.
In her final years, she faced significant health challenges. She bravely fought cancer for four years, striving to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the rigors of chemotherapy. The specific type of cancer she battled remains unknown.
As reported by Deadline, she continued to be active in her career, working on various television projects until her passing. Notably, she had a recurring guest role on the ABC series The Kids Are Alright.
“Our pride lies not just in her acting, but in who she was as a person; someone who crafted beautiful cakes for friends, sewed curtains for new homes, and taught us the values of kindness, love, and forgiveness in a world that can be tough,” her family shared in a statement.
Markie referred to her cancer treatment as her “side job” and remained resilient until the very end. After her passing, many were left in shock and paid their respects to her.
One of the most touching tributes came from actress Melissa Joan Hart, who collaborated with Markie on Holiday in Handcuffs.
“I’m devastated to lose an angel on earth! My beloved friend and TV mother [Markie Post] is finally at peace after a long and difficult fight with cancer. Words can’t express what she meant to me, the bond we shared, and the kindness she showed me… Love you dearly, Markie! You will always be missed!” Melissa expressed on Instagram.
Markie always appeared so kind, strong, and confident whenever I saw her on a show or during interviews.
I’m truly saddened to learn about her passing. I had no idea she was battling cancer. She was an incredible actress, and I always appreciated her performances.
Rest in peace, Markie, and thank you for your contributions to the creative arts!
