Inside the life and heartbreaking death of this beloved actress
Tragically, Markie died in 2021 at 70 years old.
In her final years, the cherished star bravely fought a relentless battle for survival.
Night Court was a delightful series that kept audiences laughing throughout, featuring the remarkable Markie Post as one of its standout stars from the ’80s.
As Public Defender Christine Sullivan on the classic NBC sitcom, Markie achieved new milestones in her acting journey, appearing in 159 episodes until 1992.
In my eyes, Markie was the complete package — possessing brains, beauty, energy, talent, and charm. Those who grew up in the late ’70s and ’80s understand what I mean; her sparkling eyes revealed her true star quality!
I also admired her role in Chicago P.D., where she portrayed Barbara ‘Bunny’ Fletcher from 2014 to 2017. Markie transformed her recurring character into a significant presence, demonstrating her undeniable class.
Born in 1950, Markie had a privileged upbringing in Walnut Creek, California, where her father worked as a nuclear physicist and her mother was a poet. Originally named Marjorie Post, she adopted the nickname ‘Markie’ during her childhood, as it was easier for her siblings to pronounce.
During high school, she was a cheerleader. Although she pursued physics in college, influenced by her academic background, she later reflected that she didn’t excel in the subject.
She shared, ‘I was intimidated by my father. He’s the dearest man in the world, and he tried to support me with math and equations, but hearing him constantly say ‘It’s so easy!’ didn’t help me at all.’
Markie’s entry into the entertainment industry began behind the scenes. Before her acting career took off, she worked as a staff member and researcher on game shows like Split Second and Double Dare.
Markie once told Bill Tush in the 1980s, ‘I learned more from researching that game show than I did in four years of college.’
Her dedication led to guest roles on shows like Cheers and Hart to Hart, and in 1977, she made the transition to acting full-time. Markie Post truly made a name for herself as a bail bondswoman, Terri Michaels, in The Fall Guy.
This adventure series, which aired from 1982 to 1986, marked a significant turning point for Markie. However, she soon grew restless with the character and began to seek more challenging opportunities.
In 1984, she remarked to The Times and Democrat, ‘I am very functional on the show; I feel like the tape at the start of Mission: Impossible, but occasionally, I get pulled into the action, which makes it more thrilling.’
In 1985, Markie signed a life-changing contract. Following a successful guest stint in the second season of Night Court, NBC producers persuaded her to take on the leading female role starting in the third season.
Her performances on Night Court were exceptional, helping to propel her into the spotlight.
She expressed her excitement about the show to Courier-Post in 1986, saying, ‘Audiences are crazy about our show.’
The talented actress had been tirelessly working to climb the ranks, earning $400,000 annually for her role on the ABC sitcom.
Markie admitted in 2011, ‘I wasn’t a big planner. I was more of a ‘dive in and see what happens’ type of person. Honestly, I often compared myself to Wile E. Coyote, rushing off a cliff without looking down until it was too late, but I just kept working and taking things as they came.’
Playing the warm-hearted public defender Christine Sullivan, Markie captured the hearts of many young fans. Her impressive acting abilities were matched by her striking beauty, even if she humbly claimed she was nothing extraordinary.
Markie once stated, ‘I’m no sex symbol. I see prettier women than I am every day in the grocery store.’
Nonetheless, her stunning looks radiated through the screen and launched her into a flourishing career. In her performances, Markie blended the unique traits of both parents.
‘My passionate, emotional side comes from my mother, while my father’s logic and precision temper that side,’ she explained.
Her extensive career spanned over thirty years, and for younger viewers, she may be best known for her role as the mother in the 1998 cult classic There’s Something About Mary.
Enduring Relationship
Alongside a thriving Hollywood career, Markie also had a commendable marriage. It all began in the early 1980s when she crossed paths with Michael A. Ross in an acting class. They married shortly thereafter and chose to live in Toluca Lake, near Bob Hope’s estate.
Markie and Michael raised two lovely daughters, Kate and Daisy. The couple enjoyed a strong relationship, frequently collaborating in their professional lives.
When asked about the key to their long-lasting marriage in 2011, Markie shared, ‘We made a commitment that regardless of circumstances, we would spend our lives together. Knowing that can make things boring or difficult at times is crucial. You can’t expect everything to be perfect all the time; if it’s wonderful 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
Sadly, Markie passed away on August 7, 2021, just three months shy of her 71st birthday.
In her final years, she faced numerous health challenges, enduring a four-year battle with cancer, yet she strived to maintain a normal life while undergoing chemotherapy. The specific type of cancer remains unknown.
Reports indicate that she continued to be active, working on various television projects until her death, including a recurring role on the ABC series The Kids Are Alright.
Her family released a statement, noting, ‘Our pride is in who she was beyond her acting; a person who created beautiful cakes for friends, sewed curtains for new apartments, and taught us how to be loving and forgiving in a world that can be cruel.’
Markie referred to her cancer treatment as her ‘side job,’ and she remained resilient until the very end. After her passing, tributes poured in from her shocked fans.
Tributes and Memories
One of the most poignant tributes came from actress Melissa Joan Hart, who worked alongside Markie in Holiday in Handcuffs.
‘I’m heartbroken to lose an angel here on earth! My dear friend and TV mother, Markie Post, has found peace after her long and difficult battle 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 be missed forever!’ Melissa wrote on Instagram.
Markie consistently exuded kindness, strength, and confidence, both on screen and in interviews.
I was saddened to learn of her passing. I had no idea she was battling cancer. She was an exceptional actress, and I always appreciated her performances.
Rest in peace, Markie, and thank you for your remarkable contributions to the arts!
