Markie Post was one of those rare actresses who didn’t just appear on screen — she lit it up. Her presence radiated a gentle yet powerful glow, combining intelligence, warmth, and effortless charm that made her unforgettable. Even as a child watching TV reruns, I could sense that spark she carried. It was subtle but unmistakable, the kind of aura that lingers long after the credits fade.
Her passing in 2021 at age 70 still feels far too soon. She spent her final four years courageously fighting cancer, refusing to let the illness define her last chapter. Even during treatment, she remained dedicated to her craft and to the fans who adored her. That resilience alone speaks volumes about the remarkable woman she was.
Many remember her as Christine Sullivan from the beloved sitcom Night Court. That show was a whirlwind of joy — witty, fast-paced, and full of heart — and Markie was one of its brightest stars. Appearing in 159 episodes between 1985 and 1992, she infused Christine with humor, sincerity, and relatable humanity. For those of us who grew up in the late ‘70s and ‘80s, she wasn’t just a TV character. She was clever, funny, stunning, grounded, and endlessly talented — an actress who felt like part of our lives.
Years later, she carried that same magnetism to her role as Barbara “Bunny” Fletcher on Chicago P.D. No matter the character — bail bondswoman, public defender, or recurring role in a gritty drama — Markie elevated every scene. She had a way of turning even simple moments into ones that felt deeply meaningful.
Her story began in Walnut Creek, California, raised in a household that balanced logic with creativity. Her father, a nuclear physicist, brought structure, while her mother, a poet, infused life with imagination and emotion. Markie often credited her inheritance of both. Born Marjorie Post in 1950, she became “Markie” because her siblings struggled with her full name. In high school, she was a cheerleader and initially pursued physics in college, following her father’s footsteps, though she later joked she “did quite poorly” in the subject. Her father tried tutoring her, often saying, “It’s so easy,” which she recalled with laughter long after.
Few knew that her path into entertainment didn’t start in front of the camera. Before acting, she worked behind the scenes on game shows like Split Second and Double Dare, researching questions and assisting production teams. She joked that she learned more from those jobs than from four years of college. Those experiences slowly opened doors, leading to guest roles on shows such as Hart to Hart and Cheers. Her first major break came as Terri Michaels on The Fall Guy from 1982 to 1986. Markie’s ambition for challenging roles eventually brought her to Night Court, where a standout guest appearance secured her permanent placement on the show.
Despite her talent and beauty, she never saw herself as glamorous. “I’m no sexual siren. I see prettier girls in the grocery store every day,” she once said. Fans wholeheartedly disagreed. Her natural charm and impeccable comedic timing made her unforgettable.
Her career continued into the ‘90s and 2000s, introducing her to new generations in films like There’s Something About Mary, where she portrayed Mary’s mother with signature humor and warmth. Off-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, sharing 39 years together and raising two daughters, Kate and Daisy. Their home was filled with creativity, collaboration, and unwavering devotion. Markie spoke about marriage with refreshing realism, noting the secret was committing to stay together through everything — the joyful days, the challenging days, and the mundane days. “If it’s wonderful 80 percent of the time,” she said, “you’re really lucky.”
Her final years were difficult, yet she faced them with remarkable courage. Despite ongoing chemotherapy, she continued working, appearing in projects like the ABC series The Kids Are Alright. Her family often said they admired her heart even more than her career — the woman who baked intricate cakes for friends, sewed curtains for her daughters’ first apartments, and approached life with kindness, generosity, and grace.
Actress Melissa Joan Hart, who worked with Markie on Holiday in Handcuffs, paid a heartfelt tribute after her passing, highlighting her warmth, humor, and deep friendship. Others echoed the sentiment: Markie was not only talented but genuinely good — a person whose kindness lingered long after filming ended.
Markie kept her illness private. Many fans were unaware she was sick. She chose instead to keep creating, giving, and showing up with the same spark she brought to every role. Her passing left a quiet but undeniable void. Yet her legacy endures — in the laughter she inspired, the characters she embodied, and the generations of viewers who continue to discover her work.
Rest in peace, Markie Post. Thank you for the joy, the humor, the heart, and the light you so generously shared with the world. You will never be forgotten.