Unfortunately, Markie passed away in 2021 at the age of 70.
In her final years, the beloved actress courageously battled a severe illness to maintain her life.
Night Court was a show that delivered laughter from beginning to end, featuring Markie Post as one of its standout stars during the ’80s.
Portraying Public Defender Christine Sullivan on the popular NBC sitcom, Markie elevated her acting career, starring in 159 episodes until 1992.
To me, Markie seemed to possess every quality necessary for success—intellect, beauty, vivacity, talent, and charm. Those who grew up in the late 1970s and 1980s surely recognized the spark in her eyes, which was the true essence of her stardom!
I also cherished her role as Barbara ‘Bunny’ Fletcher on Chicago P.D., where she shone from 2014 to 2017. Markie distinguished herself in that recurring role, displaying her undeniable class.
Born in 1950, Markie Post enjoyed a privileged upbringing in Walnut Creek, California. Her father worked as a nuclear physicist, while her mother was a poet. Although she was originally named Marjorie Post, she adopted the nickname ‘Markie’ as a child due to her siblings having difficulty pronouncing her given name.
During her high school years, she participated as a cheerleader. While she pursued physics in college, influenced by her academic background, she later admitted that her performance was not strong.
Markie shared, ‘I felt intimidated by my father. He’s the most wonderful man I know, and though he attempted to guide me through math and equations, his constant reminder that ‘It’s so easy!’ didn’t help me at all.’
Markie’s initial foray into the entertainment industry involved behind-the-scenes roles. Before becoming an actress, she worked as a staff member and researcher on game shows like Split Second and Double Dare.
Markie Post remarked in the 1980s, ‘The knowledge I gained from researching that game show was more valuable than four years of college.’
Her hard work eventually led to guest roles on shows such as Cheers and Hart to Hart. In 1977, Markie committed to acting full-time and made a significant impact on television by portraying bail bondswoman Terri Michaels in The Fall Guy.
The adventure series aired from 1982 to 1986 and marked a pivotal moment in Markie’s career. Shortly after her debut on The Fall Guy, she began to seek more challenging roles, as she found herself growing bored with the character.
‘I’m very much a functional part of the show,’ Markie expressed in a 1984 interview.
‘I’m like the tape at the beginning of Mission: Impossible. Occasionally, I’m included in the capers, which adds excitement.’
In 1985, Markie signed a life-changing contract. After a successful guest spot in the second season of Night Court, NBC producers persuaded her to step into the lead female role for the third season.
Her performance on Night Court was exceptional and significantly boosted her fame.
‘Viewers are really passionate about our show,’ she shared with Courier-Post in 1986.
Dedicating herself to her craft, she earned an impressive $400,000 annually for her role on the ABC sitcom.
‘I wasn’t one for grand visions. I was more of a jump-in-and-see-what-happens type. I often likened my career path to Wile E. Coyote, running off a cliff and everything feels great until you notice the drop, and then you fall. So, I chose not to look down and just kept pushing forward, dealing with challenges as they arose,’ she told Patch in 2011.
As the compassionate public defender Christine Sullivan, Markie won the hearts of many young men. Her remarkable acting abilities were complemented by her striking beauty, though she humbly claimed, ‘I’m no femme fatale. I see more beautiful women than myself every day at the grocery store.’
Nonetheless, her captivating beauty radiated through the screen, propelling her into a flourishing acting career. Markie endeavored to fuse the influences of both her parents into her work.
‘My passionate, emotional side comes from my mother, but it is balanced by my father’s logic and precision,’ she explained.
Her career spanned over thirty years, and her impressive body of work speaks volumes. For younger audiences, she is perhaps best remembered for her role as the mother in the 1998 cult classic There’s Something About Mary.
A Lasting Partnership
Alongside her flourishing career, Markie also enjoyed a commendable marriage. It all began in the early 1980s when she crossed paths with Michael A. Ross in an acting class, leading to their marriage shortly thereafter as they settled in Toluca Lake, close to Bob Hope’s residence.
Together, Markie and Michael A. Ross raised two lovely daughters, Kate and Daisy. The couple shared a strong bond, often collaborating professionally to support each other.
When asked in 2011 about the secret to their enduring marriage, Markie stated:
‘We decided that no matter what happens, alive or dead, we will reach the end of our lives together. Having that as our aim means we know there will be tedious moments and challenges. We may irritate each other at times. This is all part of it. You can’t expect life to be perfect all the time, but if you find joy 80 percent of the time, you’re truly fortunate.’
Markie Post and Michael Ross enjoyed a remarkable 39-year marriage before tragedy struck.
Markie Post’s Passing
Tragically, Markie passed away on August 7, 2021, just three months prior to her 71st birthday.
Her final years were marred by illness. She courageously battled cancer for four years yet tried to maintain a sense of normalcy while undergoing chemotherapy, though the specifics of her cancer remain unknown.
Despite her struggles, she continued to remain active and worked on several television projects up until her death. Notably, she had a recurring guest spot on the ABC series The Kids Are Alright.
Her family expressed, ‘Our pride extends beyond her acting career; she was someone who made intricate cakes for friends, sewed curtains for new apartments, and taught us the values of kindness, love, and forgiveness in a often harsh world.’
Markie referred to her treatment as her ‘side job’ and remained resilient until the end. Following her passing, many, including her fans and colleagues, offered heartfelt tributes.
Tributes and Remembrances
One particularly poignant tribute came from actress Melissa Joan Hart, who had worked alongside Markie in Holiday in Handcuffs.
‘I’m devastated to lose an angel who walked among us! My dear friend and TV mother [Markie Post] has found peace after a long and difficult fight with cancer. Words cannot express what she meant to me, the friendship we shared, and the kindness she always showed. Love you dearly, Markie! You will be missed forever!’ Melissa shared on Instagram.
Markie consistently appeared kind, strong, and self-assured in every show or interview I watched.
Learning of her passing is heartbreaking. I was unaware of her battle with cancer. She was a wonderful actress, and I always appreciated her performances.
Rest in peace, Markie, and thank you for your contributions to the arts!
