Before Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex, she spent years navigating the ups and downs of an acting career, taking on small roles, guest appearances, and occasional leads in both film and television. Many of these early performances went under the radar, but they reveal a young actress honing her craft and finding ways to stand out on screen. While most people remember her as Rachel Zane on Suits, her career included game shows, teen dramas, and romantic comedies that many may have forgotten.

These ten lesser-known projects show the range and ambition of Meghan Markle’s pre-royal life.

Meghan Markle’s first on-screen role came in 1995 in a Married… with Children episode titled The Undergraduate. She appeared as a student in a brief scene alongside Christina Applegate and David Faustino. Although uncredited, this early appearance marked her first real steps into acting while still in her teens.

The show’s main cast included Katey Sagal, Ed O’Neill, and Amanda Bearse, making it one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1990s. Meghan Markle’s role in this, though brief, allowed her to get comfortable on a professional set at a young age. Today, the title can be watched on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.

Meghan Markle appeared as Natalie in the 2005 romantic comedy A Lot Like Love. Though in a minor role, her appearance gave her exposure in a major Hollywood feature, allowing her to work alongside established actors.

The film starred Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet, with supporting roles from Kathryn Hahn and Kal Penn. Today, the movie is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

Meghan Markle Eyes to Establish 'Billion Dollar' Business With Her Latest On-screen Ventures

With this next role of hers, Meghan Markle dipped her toe in reality TV, testing the grounds of being on screen in a role that was all glam but without dialogue.

At age 25, Meghan Markle landed a gig as one of the briefcase models on Deal or No Deal. She appeared in 34 episodes, handling the numbered cases and interacting with contestants while helping build tension during the game. Although not a speaking role, this job provided her with a high-profile television presence and exposed her to live audiences.

During her time on the show, Meghan Markle shared the stage with fellow model Chrissy Teigen. The series, hosted by Howie Mandel, is available to stream on Peacock. Markle, in a 2018 interview with Esquire, described the experience as a stepping stone that helped her understand her career goals. 

In the 2008 CW  show, 90210, Meghan Markle made a cameo in the pilot episode, appearing in a scene with Dustin Milligan’s character, Ethan. The scene, set in a school parking lot, added a daring touch to the show’s narrative.

The show featured Shenae Grimes, AnnaLynne McCord, and Jessica Stroup. Markle’s memorable appearance in this highlighted her willingness to take on roles in teen dramas that pushed boundaries. The series is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

In Remember Me, Meghan Markle played Megan, a bartender. Her character engages with Robert Pattinson’s friend’s character, asking him to stop talking during a busy night at the bar, demonstrating her ability to hold her own even in fleeting scenes. The film also starred Emilie de Ravin and Pierce Brosnan. It is currently available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, The CW, and more.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Eye Return to UK: A New Chapter for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex?

The following Meghan Markle film is one in which Jennifer Aniston starred, and she recently named it as her project she would like to revisit.

Meghan Markle made a small but impactful appearance in the 2011 comedy Horrible Bosses as Jamie, a FedEx employee. In her scene, Jason Sudeikis’s character compliments her, noting she should be an actress or model.

The film starred Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, and more. Markle’s brief cameo helped the scene in question land. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

In the 2013 romantic comedy Random Encounters, Meghan Markle played Mindy, the witty best friend of the lead character. Her role offered support, humor, and insight to the offering’s plot, while providing the protagonist with guidance. 

Abby Wathen and Michael Rady starred alongside her. The film was re-released in 2018 to coincide with Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry. Today, it can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and more.

Meghan Markle starred as Amy Peterson in Hallmark’s When Sparks Fly. Her character, a writer returning home for an assignment, finds herself entangled in personal and romantic conflicts.

Meghan Markle’s co-stars included Christopher Jacot, Fred Henderson, and more. The film is available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.

In this 2015 crime drama, Meghan Markle played Kirsten, the girlfriend of a street artist. Her character added depth to the storyline, balancing the intense criminal narrative with emotional elements.

The film starred Josh Myers and Gregg Sulkin. Markle’s professional performance in this endeavor earned praise from the director, who told PEOPLE her skills definitely can land her a film as a lead either in independent or mainstream Hollywood. Anti-Social is available to purchase on Amazon in DVD and Blu-ray formats.

In Dater’s Handbook, Meghan Markle starred as a woman attempting to change her personality to find love. Her character is relatable and engaging, showing both comedic chops and vulnerability as she navigates the ups and downs of dating. Her co-stars in this one were Kristoffer Polaha and Jonathan Scarfe. The film is available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. 

So, Meghan Markle’s journey from small-screen roles to becoming one of the most recognized figures in the world shows that her path has always been defined by ambition. Moreover, those who remember her early performances will be thrilled to see her back in Hollywood, as she prepares to star in an upcoming movie, her first major project in eight years, reminding everyone that her story as an actress is far from over.

“You Provided a Wife for Me”- Prince Harry Hails Toronto for Bringing Meghan Markle Into His Life

Which of these Meghan Markle films and TV shows were you already familiar with? Let us know in the comments.