Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, rose to fame during her tenure as an actress on the hit legal drama Suits, but before she became a household name, she had little known roles in quite a few films

Meghan Markle might now be one of the most famous women on the planet, but for a long time, she was a little-known actress working hard to build her professional reputation.

The Duchess of Sussex hit the acting big time with the role of Rachel Zane on the hit legal drama Suits, which saw her enter into a new level of celebrity – but all of this would pale in comparison to how well-known she would become after marrying Prince Harry.

When Meghan officially joined the Royal Family back in 2018, her fairytale wedding was watched by millions of people across the globe – but when she and Prince Harry made a surprise announcement that they were going to leave life as working royals behind, sending shockwaves across the UK and beyond, she was catapulted into an even higher level of notoriety.

Meghan has become one of the most famous women on the planet since marrying Harry – but for years worked to make her own name as an actress ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
But long before she reached the dizzying heights of fame she now occupies, with a bright spotlight constantly trained upon her, Meghan was simply another aspiring actress, making a name for herself with a myriad of smaller roles.

Many of which saw her perform in films that you may no have had no idea featured the Duchess of Sussex – the Mirror takes a look back at 11 films that she starred in over the years during her acting career.

Horrible Bosses

In 2011, Meghan had the opportunity to star in one of the highest-profile comedy films of that year – Horrible Bosses. The comic movie starring big names like Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, and Jason Bateman was such a success it spawned two sequels.

Meghan’s role in the first film in the franchise was a pretty small cameo, but it’s by far one of the highest-profile movies she starred in over the years. She played Jamie, a FedEx delivery person in the movie, who Jason Sudeikis’ character – Kurt – interacts with briefly in one scene.

When Sparks Fly

This movie saw Meghan take on a leading role, and if you love a cheesy romance and the Duchess of Sussex – you will want to check this one out.

Meghan played Amy Peterson, a journalist living in a big city who returns to her hometown to write a story about the Fourth of July, Independence Day in the US, and her parents who run a firework company, but whilst she is there find out that her best friend is engaged to her ex-boyfriend Hank.

Meghan hit the big time on Suits, but for years was in lesser known films ( 
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NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Meghan’s character on Suits was the romantic interest of one of the leads ( 
Image:
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
The Hallmark movie see’s Meghan’s character Amy realise she isn’t quite as satisfied with her big city life and boyfriend as she hoped she might be, whilst feelings for her former love start to resurface amid the wedding planning.

A Random Encounter

Meghan scored a major role in another romantic comedy entitled A Random Encounter, which saw her take on the role of Mindy, a twenty-something who’s thrown herself headfirst into the chaotic LA dating scene. Meghan had the chance to flex her comedic muscles in this flick, as the roommate of the romantic lead, who searches for a man she met after the titular random encounter in a coffee shop.

Dater’s Handbook

Meghan landed another lead role in romantic comedy Dater’s Handbook, which was one of the last films she starred in before settling down with Prince Harry and giving up acting for good.

The Duchess played Cass, a successful businesswoman who might have it all down to pat professionally, but whose personal life leaves a lot to be desired. This cheesy Hallmark flick sees Meghan’s character decide enough is enough after endlessly picking the wrong guys, and use a self-help book from a dating expert to change her approach to her love.

While it didn’t massively impress viewers, scoring only 23 percent approval on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie will likely appeal to die-hard fans of the Duchess looking for a romantic movie to dive into.

Anti-Social

This thriler saw Meghan take on a darker supporting role, as Kristen the girlfriend of street artist Dee, who initially unbeknownst to Kristen is caught up in the criminal underground.

Set in London, this gangland movie didn’t much impress critics, but fans of the Duchess might get a kick out of seeing her explore her acting range in this crime thriller – and it’s quite the contrast to the royal life Meghan would later get to know in the UK’s capital city.

A Lot like Love

This movie starring Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet in the lead romantic roles is a firm favourite amongst romance fans, but back in 2005 it also saw the now-Duchess of Sussex take on a small role as ‘Hot Girl’ – her first ever film role.

While her appearance in the movie was a bit blink and you miss it, it marked an important new step in her acting career.

Other films where Meghan had a cameo or very small role include, Get Him to the Greek, starring Jonah Hill and Russell Brand, The Candidate, Dysfunctional Friends, and Remember Me.