Meghan Markle Says She Struggled To Find Mixed-Race Acting Roles Before ‘Suits,' Leading To 'Chapter Of Self-Doubt'
Meghan Markle has revealed that she struggled to find work before her Suits breakthrough because of a lack of mixed-race roles.
In an interview for Emma Grede's Aspire podcast, Markle explained how she learned to overcome rejection during the formative years of her acting career. She described this as a 'chapter of self-doubt.'
More from Deadline
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Lose 4 Staffers Amid Latest Shuffle
Meghan Markle Recruits Bill Gates' Ex-Assistant As Chief Of Staff To Oversee "Dynamic Period Of Growth"
Prince Harry Videoed On Doorbell Camera "Looking For Friend At Wrong House" During UK Visit
'I was an auditioning actress — and this was well before Suits — [and] you have to think: at that time, there were certainly not a lot of mixed-race parts,' Markle said.
'If I was going in for an audition, it was either — you have to remember, this was a very different time than it is now — girl next door. That was typically blonde-haired, blue-eyed, and a certain look, but because I'm half white, I would also be submitted for those roles.
'And then if it was a character that had any sort of ethnicity, there was always a bit of an edge to those characters, but I'd be submitted for those roles. And I also, to a lot of people in casting, they thought I was Latina.'
Markle, who has not acted in many years and is now focused on her Netflix series and lifestyle company, said it was a 'numbers game' that could result in tens of rejections from casting directors.
She continued: 'That is a lot to chip away at your self-esteem. That is really hard. I went through my chapter of self-doubt as an auditioning actor and beyond that. When you're so consumed by what everyone around you thinks of you, that can be a really hard way to live.'
Markle has spoken about this period in her career in the past. In an op-ed for Elle magazine in 2015, she wrote: 'I wasn't black enough for the black roles and I wasn't white enough for the white ones, leaving me somewhere in the middle as the ethnic chameleon who couldn't book a job.'
Markle was ultimately cast in Suits in 2010, and the series became a big hit for USA Network, before enjoying a second life on Netflix.
Best of Deadline
'The Buccaneers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out?
2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery
2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cosmopolitan
an hour ago
- Cosmopolitan
Chandi explains Bahamas drama and broken "rule" in Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 2
Netflix just dropped season 2 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and there was some pretty major drama. The season kicked off with DCC veteran Chandi being made a team leader, which put a lot of pressure on her — especially as she was dealing with relationship issues at the same time. But things came to a head during a team trip to the Bahamas, where Chandi broke a "rule" off-camera that made her fellow dancers feel unsafe and resulted in her taking a "leave of absence." While everyone was pretty cryptic about the whole thing, Chandi opened up about the situation on camera — explaining that she met someone on the trip and allowed him to come back to a shared hotel room. This made Chandi's teammates feel unsafe, and also goes against the DCC's guidelines about giving out personal information regarding the team's whereabouts while traveling. As team leader Jada put it, "a lot of people were just worried for their safety because they didn't know who this individual was." Chandi explained that she was going through a hard time personally due to a breakup (plus the pressure of being team leader), and met someone she could confide in. "I broke a DCC rule and had time with my friend," she explained. "And it was the first time I feel like I mental dumped everything, and everything that was happening, and everything I've gone through, and everything that was making me feel and think certain things. "It helped me in the moment. And I get it, it was probably the wrong place and time to do that. But selfishly, I had to do it for me. Because I feel like I was just, I was losing it." She added of rumours that they slept together, "No, everyone will think it happened, but I'm respectful of everything." Chandi ended up re-joining the team after time away, and seemed a lot happier once she was back without the pressure of leading. That said, fellow team member KayDianna left after being suspended for talking about the situation on TikTok live. Meanwhile, Chandi retired at the end of the season and told cameras "DCC has taught me a lot about myself and about life, and I'm ready to move on."
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Netflix's New Season Hit Show ‘Somebody Feed Phil' Inspires Travel Joy
. Relax and lean into the best feel-good gustatory adventures around the world with multi-award-winning funnyman Phil Rosenthal, who energetically returns for a stellar new Season 8 of Netflix's popular travel show Somebody Feed Phil, which premieres June 18. This year's fresh lineup of home-field and far-flung journeys spotlights delectable food, warm friendships, picturesque landscapes, dazzling discoveries, spirited camaraderie and laughter galore. Like a beacon, Rosenthal spreads his illuminating outlook and smiles across the miles, encouraging viewers to travel, which he credits to opening minds and hearts. 'Travel makes the world better and makes your life better,' he often opines. 'You come away with a new perspective on life.' This uplifting nine-episode series touches down in Amsterdam, Tbilisi, Sydney, Adelaide, Manila, Las Vegas, Guatemala, San Sebastián and Boston. Here is the trailer, a brief peek: Rosenthal's globetrotting gallops have galvanized an enormous and devoted fan following. In addition to being the creator, executive producer and host of Somebody Feed Phil, Rosenthal headlines the rollicking podcast Naked Lunch with David Wild; readily fills U.S.A. and international theaters on travel-centric speaking tours; pens best-sellers, such as Somebody Feed Phil The Book; and gives back through his Somebody Feed The People, a philanthropic initiative of the Rosenthal Family Foundation, which supports community-building through food, partnering with organizations that access solutions to food insecurity. It also helps the career development of chefs and restaurant workers. His inimitable humor was honed decades ago as the creator, writer, executive producer and showrunner of the popular sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, starring comedian Ray Romano, which ran for nine seasons on CBS. In other words, Rosenthal brings a lot to the table. 'Food, I always say, is the great connector and laughs are the cement,' muses Rosenthal. 'I feel very lucky. Everybody doesn't get to live their dreams. Sure, I've worked hard to get it. But I am lucky and grateful for it.' Cheers: Rosenthal toasts new friendships bridged on the road. Comfortably packed with colorful sites as well as insights, the unscripted episodes brim with verve and playfulness. Here is a small sampling of goings-on this season. In Amsterdam, Rosenthal savors herring, smoked eel, pancakes and stroopwafel, as well as dines with Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie. In the Basque region of Spain, Rosenthal roams through the culinary capital of San Sebastián, devouring pintxos, impressive seafood and Txakoli wine. In Boston, Rosenthal steps along the Freedom Trail, exploring multicultural eateries and reveling in Southie diners, North End cannoli and Peruvian cuisine in nearby Cambridge. In the country of Georgia, notable as the birthplace of wine, Rosenthal delights at the city of Tbilisi, picks grapes, eats khachapuri (soft, cheese-filled bread) like a mountain man and receives a massage at an ancient sauna. In Australia, Rosenthal relishes a life-changing breakfast at Bondi Beach, sails Sydney Harbor and visits an Aboriginal vineyard in Adelaide. In Las Vegas, Rosenthal eyes the city's steakhouses with Ray Romano and Brad Garrett, then tastes bold flavors in its arts district. In Manila, Rosenthal feasts on pork sisig, shares a roadside meal with Jeepney drivers and encounters his first boodle fight on a tour of Filipino cuisine. In Guatemala, vibrant culture and rich volcanic soil serve up memorable events as Rosenthal wanders and wonders with Claudia, his family's longtime babysitter and friend. Indeed, so much of Rosenthal's raison d'etre is enlivened by his cherished family and pals, many of whom are involved in Rosenthal's work projects. His brother Richard Rosenthal is Somebody Feed Phil's executive producer and showrunner; their on-camera repartee is a golden fan-favorite. Eat, drink and be merry: Rosenthal with buddies Donny Osmond (singer, dancer, actor, television host) and David Wild (writer, music critic, podcast host). 'The world would be better if we all could experience a bit of other people's experiences, to walk in others' shoes,' Rosenthal once told me during one of our past interviews. This message is his resounding refrain that has stood the test of time, as well as: 'If you give out nice, you'll get nice back.' Meating at a Las Vegas steakhouse: Rosenthal with longtime friends comedians-actors Ray Romano and Brad Garrett. Even with a busy calendar, Rosenthal seems genuinely happy to ever buoy his audience's happiness. At this point in his on-the-go-go-go schedule, how does he stay whole and keep chill, even when others want a slice of him? 'It has never been a burden and it is still not a burden,' he told me. 'I'm an older guy. I have not been famous my entire life. My joke is: It's amazing to wake up at this age and suddenly find myself Harry Styles! Ha! This is only a nice experience. People are only nice to me. It never bothers me when they come up to me. It never bothers me when they write to me or ask me questions. It is only nice, very loving and sweet.' Fishing for laughs: Rosenthal makes a splash with spectacular seafood. For my previous two seasons' coverage of Somebody Feed Phil, read: 'Somebody Feed Phil' New Season, March 1: Fantastic Travel-Food Fun and 'Somebody Feed Phil' Season 6—From Croatia To Nashville.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Lululemon's We Made Too Much section has your yoga, pilates and running needs covered
Let Lululemon outfit all your summer fitness goals. Overflowing with tons of activewear essentials, the brand's We Made Too Much section has you covered for every type of workout, so you don't have to pay full price for your favorites. Hundreds of Lululemon scores are a lot to sift through, so as someone who covers fashion deals and sales, I rounded up the section's best workout clothes for women and men ahead. Lululemon FlexyFlex Strappy Yoga Bra Light Support, A-C Cups, in Chilled Grape Bring a stylish touch to yoga flows. This strappy sports bra features light support for when you hit the mat. No need to constantly readjust it either, because its thick band is designed not to ride up or bunch. Lululemon Align High-Rise Skirt Combining a built-in liner with a soft, smooth fabric, this Lululemon skirt is great for all your summer activities, whether you're running errands or relaxing in the park. Match it to the strappy yoga bra in Chilled Grape while it's down to $49, or opt for any of the six other finds. Lululemon Court Rival High-Rise Shorts These bright-colored exercise shorts for women give you ample breathing room. Their loose fit helps you move freely as you run around the tennis court, and its built-in liner ensures you have extra coverage. Lululemon Women's Cotton Twill Wide-Brim Hat Shade your face from the sun with this adorable bucket hat stamped all over with tiny embroidered flowers. It features a wide brim that's large enough to wear down or flip up. The cotton construction is designed not to stifle too. Lululemon 25-Inch Satin Shine High-Rise Tights Time to add these shiny tights to your rotation if your legging supply is looking a little lackluster. They feature a satiny sheen that brings a chic look to 'fits. Adjust it to that "just-right" fit with their inner waistband drawcord. Lululemon BeCalm Relaxed-Fit Short-Sleeve Shirt Whether you're practicing yoga or taking a walk around the block, this classic tee will suit you perfectly. It taps the brand's luxurious-feeling BeCalm fabric, which means a smooth exterior and a soft, brushed interior. Lululemon 7-Inch Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts Complete with an inner mesh waistband and elastane-polyester blend, these running shorts for men help keep your workouts light and breezy. Choose from an assortment of colors and short lengths. Lululemon 5-Inch Always In Motion Boxer, 3-Pack Pair your running shorts with a fresh pack of boxers. They're made to give you optimal movement during your sweat seshes and dry quickly after. Cycle through three different mint-colored pairs — all different in appearance but complementary in design. Lululemon Sport Polo Short Sleeve If you plan on spending Summer Fridays on the golf course, don't forget to pack this polo shirt into your gym bag. It's minimally seamed to prevent chafing, and it touts an anti-stink fabric that'll keep you smelling fresh well into happy hours. Lululemon 9-Inch Smooth Spacer Cargo Shorts Switch from your work clothes to these comfy plush lounge men's shorts. They offer a sleek-feeling modal fabric that's ideal for winding down in. For $69, the pair is available in six versatile hues. Lululemon typically has a plethora of workout apparel in the site's We Made Too Much section, which features overstocked styles at a reduced cost. It allows you to shop attire for every type of exercise, from Pilates to running, without breaking the bank. The deals editors at CNN Underscored look out for your wallet daily, scouring sales at the top of every morning. We determine if a deal is worthy of coverage by doing price history checks, searching for available coupon codes and comparing against competitor pricing. Our team, consisting of senior editor Rikka Altland, editor Jacqueline Saguin and associate editor Elena Matarazzo, is passionate about unearthing deals we would be tempted to shop. We enjoy finding a great deal on a coveted item, especially one that's a best-tested pick by our experts, because it means we're helping our readers make savvy buying decisions.
