Born on August 4, 1981, Meghan Markle is an American actress and former model. Her father, Thomas Markle Sr., is of Irish and Dutch descent, while her mother, Doria Ragland, is African American. Meghan’s exposure to the entertainment industry began early in life, largely influenced by her father’s work as a television lighting director. As a child, she spent considerable time on the set of the television sitcom Married... with Children.

After completing her high school education, Meghan enrolled at Northwestern University. Known for her academic diligence, she earned a double major in Theater and International Relations. She also holds the distinction of being the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Early Career and Breakthrough in Acting

Following her graduation, Meghan worked at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as part of an internship, reflecting her initial interest in international affairs. She also briefly worked as a freelance calligrapher. Her entrée into acting came through a chance opportunity when a friend introduced her to a casting director by sharing her headshot at a party. This led to her first acting role on the long-running television soap opera General Hospital.

Meghan went on to appear in several feature films, including Remember Me and Get Him to the Greek in 2010, and Horrible Bosses in 2011.