Markie Post

Not to be confused with Marjorie Merriweather Post.

Markie Post
Post at the 1988 Emmy Awards
Born
Marjorie Armstrong Post

(1950-11-04)November 4, 1950
Palo Alto, California, U.S.
DiedAugust 7, 2021(2021-08-07) (aged 70)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Alma materLewis & Clark College (BA)
OccupationActress
Years active1978–2019
Known forThe Fall Guy
Night Court
Hearts Afire
Spouses
Stephen Knox
​
​
(m. 1971; div. 1972)​
Michael A. Ross
​
(m. 1982)​
Children2
FatherRichard F. Post
RelativesDescendants of Robert Coe

Marjorie Armstrong Post (November 4, 1950 – August 7, 2021), known professionally as Markie Post, was an American actress. Her best known roles include: bail bondswoman Terri Michaels in The Fall Guy on ABC from 1982 to 1985; public defender Christine Sullivan on the NBC sitcom Night Court from 1985 to 1992; Georgie Anne Lahti Hartman on the CBS sitcom Hearts Afire from 1992 to 1995; and Barbara ‘Bunny’ Fletcher, the mother of Detective Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush), on the NBC drama series Chicago P.D. from 2014 to 2017.

Early life

Post was born in Palo Alto, California, on November 4, 1950.[1][2] Her father, Richard F. Post, worked as a physicist; her mother, Marylee (Armstrong) Post, was a poet.[3] The second of the couple's three children, she and her two siblings were raised in Stanford and Walnut Creek. She attended Las Lomas High School where she was a cheerleader. Post then attended Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and briefly attended Pomona College in California before returning to Lewis & Clark to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree.[4]

Career

Prior to acting, Post worked on several game shows. She began her career with the production crew of the Tom Kennedy version of Split Second.[2] She also served as associate producer of CBS's Double Dare and as a card dealer on NBC's Card Sharks. Later, after achieving fame as an actress, she played various game shows as a celebrity guest, including The Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour, Super Password, The (New) $25,000 Pyramid, and The $100,000 Pyramid. She helped a contestant win the $100,000 grand prize in a November 1987 tournament episode of The $100,000 Pyramid.

Post's early acting credits included a 1979 episode of Barnaby Jones and the pilot episode of Simon & Simon "Details at Eleven" in 1981, episode one of season two of The Greatest American Hero, two episodes of The A-Team as two different characters in the 1983 episode "The Only Church in Town" and the 1984 episode "Hot Styles", and The Love Boat. She appeared in the science-fiction series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century and as Diane Chambers' best friend in the sitcom Cheers, before eventually becoming a regular on the ABC action drama The Fall Guy.[5] After The Fall Guy, she played Christine Sullivan on the 1980s television comedy series Night Court from the third season until the show's end.[6] She played Georgie Anne Lahti Hartman on the comedy series Hearts Afire, co-starring John Ritter.[7][8] Post also had regularly recurring guest-star roles on The District and on Scrubs as the mother of Dr. Elliot Reid.[8]

Her film credits include There's Something About Mary (1998), in which Post played Mary's mother.[9] She played a call girl and dominatrix in the 1988 TV movie Tricks of the Trade opposite Cindy Williams, and a singer in Glitz with Jimmy Smits, based on the novel by Elmore Leonard.[10] She also had a starring role in NBC's 1995 movie Visitors in the Night.[11] She appeared as reporter Christine Merriweather in the 2007 improvisational comedy film (released in 2017) Cook Off!. She appeared in the 30 Rock episode "The One with the Cast of Night Court" playing herself when Harry Anderson, Charles Robinson, and she staged a mock reunion of the Night Court cast.[12]

Post was the voice of June Darby on the animated robot superhero TV series Transformers: Prime. She appeared as recurring character Barbara 'Bunny' Fletcher in the first four seasons of Chicago P.D.[13]

Personal life

From 1971 to 1972, Post was first married to Stephen Knox, whom she met at Lewis & Clark College.[4][14] She later married actor and writer Michael A. Ross, with whom she had two daughters.[15][16]

Death

Post died at her home in Los Angeles, on August 7, 2021, after battling cancer for almost four years. She was 70 years old.[2][17][18]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1981 Gangster Wars[19] Chris Brennan Film debut
1998 There's Something About Mary[20][21] Sheila Jensen
2007 Cook Off![22][23] Christine Merriweather Released in 2017
2014 Muffin Top: A Love Story[20] Linda
2017 Sweet Sweet Summertime[20] Lila Burns
2017 Camp Cool Kids[20][22] Euginia
2018 Keep the Gaslight Burning[22] Mrs. Maxwell Short film

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1978 Frankie and Annette: The Second Time Around Denise TV movie
1979 CHIPs[20][22] Roberta Episode: "Rally 'Round the Bank"
1979 Barnaby Jones[20] Linda Woods Episode: "Master of Deception"
1979 The Incredible Hulk[20][22] Pamela Norris Episode: "The Confession"
1979 The Lazarus Syndrome[24] Lauren Place Episode: "A Brutal Assault"
1979 Buck Rogers in the 25th Century[24] Joella Cameron 2 episodes
1979 Hart to Hart[20] Sandy Episode: "Cop Out"
1980 B.J. and the Bear[20] Valerie Wood Episode: "Siege"
1980 House Calls[22] Linda Episode: "A Slight Case of Quarantine"
1980 Eight Is Enough[20][22] Kerry Episode: "The Commitment"
1980 Semi-Tough[20] Barbara Jane Bookman 4 episodes
1981 The Gangster Chronicles[25] Chris Brennan Television Miniseries; 13 episodes
1981 The Greatest American Hero[20] Deborah Dante Episode: "The Two-Hundred-Mile-an-Hour Fast Ball"
1981 Simon & Simon[20][22] Carolyn Perry Episode: "Details at Eleven"
1981 McClain's Law[26] Linda Smith Episode: "Requiem for a Narc"
1982 Massarati and the Brain[20][22] Julie Ramsdell Television movie
1982 Not Just Another Affair[20][22] Jan Thacker Television movie
1982–1983 The Love Boat[22] Doris Holden/Dee Dee/Donna Baker 2 episodes
1982–1985 The Fall Guy[20][22] Terri Michaels Series regular; 64 episodes (1982–1985)
1983 Six Pack[27] Sally Leadbetter Television movie
1983 Matt Houston[28] Courtney Garner Episode: "A Novel Way to Die"
1983 Cheers[20][22] Heather Landon Episode: "Just Three Friends"
1983 The Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour[29] Herself 5 episodes
1983–1984 Fantasy Island[20] Amy Marshall/Doreen Murphy 2 episodes
1983-1984 The A-Team[20][22] Rina/Leslie Becktall/Sister Teresa 2 episodes
1983-1988 The New $25,000 Pyramid[29] Herself Recurring role; 80 episodes
1984 Glitter[22] Barbara Nelson Episode: "Pilot"
1984 Scene of the Crime[22] Courtney Hollander Episode: "Pilot"
1984–1985 Hotel[20] Anne Crowley/Jill Stanton 2 episodes
1984–1992 Night Court[20][22] Christine Sullivan Guest appearance in season 2, "Daddy for the Defense"; Series regular as of Season 3; 159 episodes
1985 The $25,000 Pyramid[25][29] Herself 5 episodes
1985–1987 Super Password[20] Herself Recurring role; 20 episodes
1986 Triplecross[20][22] Delia Langtree Television movie
1988 Glitz[20][22] Linda Moon Television movie
1988 Tricks of the Trade[20][22] Marla Television movie
1991 Rockin' Through the Decades Herself Television special
1991 Stranger at My Door[20][22] Sharon Dancey Television movie
1992–1995 Hearts Afire[20][22] Georgie Anne Lahti Hartman Series regular; 54 episodes
1993 Beyond Suspicion[20][22] Joyce Television movie
1994 Someone She Knows[20][22] Laurie Philips Television movie
1995 VR.5[30] Alexis Miller Episode: "The Many Faces of Alex"
1995 Visitors of the Night[20][22] Judith English Television movie
1996 Chasing the Dragon[20][22] Gwen Kessler Television movie
1996 Dave's World[20] Lisa McCauley Episode: "Falling"
1997 Dog's Best Friend[22] Horse Television movie; voice role
1997 Survival on the Mountain[20][22] Amy Hoffman Television movie
1998 I've Been Waiting for You[20][22] Rosemary Zoltanne Television movie
1999-2000 Odd Man Out[20][22] Julia Whitney Series regular; 13 episodes
2000 Twice in a Lifetime[20] Nancy Waldron/Peggy McIntrye Episode: "It's a Hard Knock Life"
2000 Hollywood Squares[31] Herself 5 episodes
2001 Till Dad Do Us Part[20][22] Virginia Corbett Television movie
2001 Late Boomers[32] unknown Television movie
2002–2006 Scrubs[18][20][22] Lily Reid 3 episodes
2003–2004 The District[20] Audrey Livingston/Simone Fairgate/Audrey Livermore 2 episodes
2006 Ghost Whisperer[20][22] Diana Lassiter Episode: "The Woman of His Dreams"
2007 Holiday in Handcuffs[20][22] Katherine Chandler Television movie
2008 30 Rock[20][22] Herself Episode: "The One with the Cast of Night Court"
2010 Backyard Wedding[20][22] Aunt Addie Television movie
2010–2013 Transformers Prime[20][22] June Darby Series regular; 15 episodes; Voice role
2011 Man Up[20][22] Linda Episode: "Acceptance"
2013 Christmas on the Bayou[20][22] Lilly Television movie
2014–2017 Chicago P.D.[24] Barbara "Bunny" Fletcher Recurring role; 18 episodes
2017 The Joneses Unplugged[20][22] Tawney Television movie
2017 Four Christmases and a Wedding[20][22] Anna Taylor Television movie
2018 Santa Clarita Diet[24] Becky Episode: "Coyote in Yoga Pants"
2018–2019 The Kids Are Alright[20][22] Helen Portollo 4 episodes
2019 Soundtrack[19] Mrs. Kassem Episode: "Track 2: Joanna and Nellie"
2019 Christmas Reservations[20][22] Tay Griffin Television movie

Awards and nominations

  • 1994 CableACE Award for Children's Program Special - 6 and Young (Presidential Inaugural Celebration for Children) – Won[33][34]

References

  1. ^ "The Almanac". United Press International. November 4, 2009.
  2. ^ a b c Vigdor, Neil (August 8, 2021). "Markie Post, 'Night Court' Actress, Dies at 70". The New York Times. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  3. ^ Studer, Robert Paul (1962). "The Historical Volume and Reference Works, Los Angeles County".
  4. ^ a b Grant, James. "Though She Plays a Lawyer on Night Court, Markie Post Can't Help Feeling Guilty". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  5. ^ "'Fall Guy' stunt crash hurts nine". The Free Lance-Star. Associated Press. April 30, 1983.
  6. ^ Carman, Jay (June 5, 1986). "Markie Post likes being the 'Night Court' jester". Kentucky New Era.
  7. ^ Moore, Frazier (April 2, 1994). "Can you beat that? 'Hearts Afire' is back". The Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press.
  8. ^ a b "TV Topics". The Day. Associated Press. March 21, 2002.
  9. ^ Maslin, Janet (July 15, 1998). "There's Something About Mary (1998)". The New York Times.
  10. ^ "Markie Post wants to do more movies". Ocala Star-Banner. October 20, 1988.
  11. ^ Bianculli, David (November 27, 1995). "Post, great FX light up NBC's 'Night Visitors'". Daily News. New York.[permanent dead link‍]
  12. ^ Labrecque, Jeff (November 14, 2008). "'30 Rock': The Mad Hatter". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 20, 2008.
  13. ^ Stanhope, Kate. "Sophia Bush Leaving 'Chicago P.D.' After Four Seasons," The Hollywood Reporter, Thursday, May 25, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2020
  14. ^ Bandyopadhyay, Alakananda (August 8, 2021). "Who is Markie Post's husband? Michael Ross thought wife was a 'huge phony' when they first met". meaww.com. Raptive. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  15. ^ "Markie Post as Aunt Addie on Backyard Wedding | Hallmark Channel". Archived from the original on July 6, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  16. ^ [1] Markie Post - Cast- Backyard Wedding | Hallmark Channel]
  17. ^ Markie Post, ‘Night Court’ actress, dies at 70
  18. ^ a b "Markie Post Dies: Actress Known For Night Court, The Fall Guy & More Was 70". Deadline. August 8, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  19. ^ a b Littleton, Cynthia (August 8, 2021). "Markie Post, Plucky TV Favorite Who Became a Star on 'Night Court,' Dies at 70". Variety. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax "Markie Post". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  21. ^ "Markie Post". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on August 9, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq "Markie Post List of Movies and TV Shows". TV Guide. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  23. ^ "Markie Post – Filmography". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  24. ^ a b c d Butler, Karen (August 8, 2021). "'Night Court,' 'Hearts Afire' star Markie Post dead at 70". United Press International. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  25. ^ a b Berman, Marc (August 8, 2021). "'Night Court' Star Markie Post Dies At 70". Forbes. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  26. ^ TV Guide. Vol. 30. Triangle Publications. 1982. p. 22.
  27. ^ Terrace, Vincent (January 17, 2020). Encyclopedia of Television Pilots: 2,470 Films Broadcast 1937–2019 (2nd ed.). McFarland. p. 227. ISBN 9781476638102.
  28. ^ "TV listings". Detroit Free Press. March 12, 2000. p. 249. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  29. ^ a b c Hirwani, Peony (August 8, 2021). "Markie Post death: Night Court actress dies of cancer at 70". The Independent. London. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  30. ^ Garcia, Frank; Phillips, Mark (September 27, 2013). Science Fiction Television Series, 1990–2004: Histories, Casts and Credits for 58 Shows. McFarland. p. 361. ISBN 9780786491834.
  31. ^ Kreps, Daniel (August 8, 2021). "Markie Post, 'Night Court' Actress, Dead at 70". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  32. ^ "UPN pulls 'All Souls' after just two shows". Chicago Tribune. April 30, 2001. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  33. ^ "Markie Post as Aunt Addie on Backyard Wedding". Hallmark Drama. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
  34. ^ "Markie Post". sites.google.com. Retrieved August 10, 2021.