The Grace, Strength, and Final Chapter of Beloved Actress Markie Post
Markie Post was one of those rare actresses who didn’t just appear on screen — she illuminated it. She had a glow that was both gentle and powerful, a mix of intelligence, warmth, and effortless charm that made her instantly memorable. Even as a child watching TV reruns, I felt that spark she carried. It was subtle but undeniable, the kind of presence that leaves a mark long after the credits roll.
Her passing in 2021, at the age of 70, still feels like a loss that came too soon. She spent the last four years of her life fighting a relentless battle with cancer, yet she refused to let illness define her final chapter. She continued to work through treatments, staying dedicated to her craft and to the fans who adored her. That resilience alone says everything about the kind of woman she was.
Most people still think of her as Christine Sullivan from the beloved sitcom Night Court. That show was pure joy — fast-paced, witty, and full of heart — and Markie became one of its brightest stars. She appeared in 159 episodes from 1985 to 1992, giving the character her signature blend of humor, sincerity, and relatable humanity. For those of us who grew up in the late 70s and 80s, she wasn’t just a character on TV. She was smart, funny, stunning, grounded, and endlessly talented — the kind of actress who felt like she belonged in your living room.
Decades later, she brought that same magnetism to her role as Barbara “Bunny” Fletcher on Chicago P.D. No matter what role she played, whether it was a bail bondswoman, a public defender, or a complicated recurring character on a gritty drama, Markie elevated every scene. She had a way of making even the simplest moment feel meaningful.
Her story began in Walnut Creek, California, where she grew up in a household that blended logic and creativity. Her father, a nuclear physicist, brought structure to the world, while her mother, a poet, filled life with imagination and emotion. Markie often said she inherited the best of both. Born Marjorie Post in 1950, she became “Markie” because her siblings had trouble pronouncing her full name. She was a cheerleader in high school and originally followed in her father’s academic footsteps, entering college with the intention of studying physics — though she later joked that she “did quite poorly” in the subject. Her father tried to tutor her, often insisting, “It’s so easy,” which she remembered with a laugh long after.
What many people never knew is that her path into entertainment didn’t start with acting. Long before she stepped in front of a camera, she worked behind the scenes on game shows such as Split Second and Double Dare, researching questions and helping production teams. She once joked that she learned more from those jobs than she did from four years of college. But those experiences opened doors, slowly leading to small acting gigs — guest roles on shows like Hart to Hart, Cheers, and many others. Then came her first big break: the role of Terri Michaels on The Fall Guy from 1982 to 1986. Even then, Markie was hungry for roles that pushed her. That ambition brought her to Night Court, where one standout guest appearance convinced producers she belonged on the show permanently.
Despite her beauty and talent, she never saw herself as glamorous. She once said, “I’m no sexual siren. I see prettier girls in the grocery store every day.” Fans everywhere disagreed — wholeheartedly. Her natural charm, combined with that brilliant comedic timing, made her unforgettable.
Her career stretched into the 90s and 2000s with new generations discovering her through films like There’s Something About Mary, where she played Mary’s mother — a role delivered with her signature humor and human warmth. Beyond the screen, Markie built a loving, grounded home life. She met her husband, writer and actor Michael A. Ross, in an acting class. They married in the early 1980s and spent 39 years together, raising two daughters, Kate and Daisy. Their home was full of creativity, collaboration, and an unshakable devotion to each other. Markie spoke about marriage with refreshing realism, saying that the secret was deciding to stay together through everything — the exciting days, the hard days, and the days when you simply annoyed each other. “If it’s wonderful 80 percent of the time,” she said, “you’re really lucky.”
Her final years were tough, but she faced them with astonishing courage. Despite ongoing chemotherapy, she continued working, appearing in projects like the ABC series The Kids Are Alright. Her family later said that while they admired her career, they admired her heart even more — the woman who baked detailed cakes for friends, who sewed curtains for her daughters’ first apartments, who approached everything with kindness, generosity, and grace.
Actress Melissa Joan Hart, who worked with her on Holiday in Handcuffs, shared a touching tribute after Markie’s death, speaking about her warmth, humor, and the deep friendship they formed. Others who worked with her echoed the same sentiment: she was not just talented, but genuinely good — the kind of person whose kindness lingered long after a production wrapped.
Markie didn’t publicize her illness. Many fans had no idea she was sick. She chose instead to keep creating, keep giving, and keep showing up with that same spark she brought to every role. Her passing left a quiet, unmistakable void. But her legacy lives on — in the laughter she inspired, in the characters she brought to life, and in the generations of viewers who still discover her work today.
Rest in peace, Markie Post. Thank you for the joy, the humor, the heart, and the light you gave so generously to the world. You will never be forgotten.
