Markie Post Explained

Markie Post
Birth Name:Marjorie Armstrong Post
Birth Date:4 November 1950
Birth Place:Palo Alto, California, U.S.
Death Place:Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Alma Mater:Lewis & Clark College (BA)
Occupation:Actress
Years Active:1978–2019
Known For:The Fall Guy
Night Court
Hearts Afire
Children:2
Father:Richard F. Post

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 . She appeared as recurring character Barbara 'Bunny' Fletcher in the first four seasons of Chicago P.D.[13]

Personal life

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

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] [16] [17]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1981Gangster Wars[18] Chris BrennanFilm debut-1998Behind the Zipper with MagdaSheila JensenShort film -->
1998There's Something About Mary[19] [20] Sheila Jensen
2007Cook Off![21] [22] Christine MerriweatherReleased in 2017
2014Linda
2017Sweet Sweet SummertimeLila Burns
2017Camp Cool KidsEuginia
2018Keep the Gaslight BurningMrs. MaxwellShort film

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1978Frankie and Annette: The Second Time AroundDeniseTV movie
1979CHIPsRobertaEpisode: "Rally 'Round the Bank"
1979Barnaby JonesLinda WoodsEpisode: "Master of Deception"
1979The Incredible HulkPamela NorrisEpisode: "The Confession"
1979The Lazarus Syndrome[23] Lauren PlaceEpisode: "A Brutal Assault"
1979Buck Rogers in the 25th CenturyJoella Cameron2 episodes
1979Hart to HartSandyEpisode: "Cop Out"
1980B.J. and the BearValerie WoodEpisode: "Siege"
1980House CallsLindaEpisode: "A Slight Case of Quarantine"
1980Eight Is EnoughKerryEpisode: "The Commitment"
1980Semi-ToughBarbara Jane Bookman4 episodes
1981The Gangster Chronicles[24] Chris BrennanTelevision Miniseries; 13 episodes
1981The Greatest American HeroDeborah DanteEpisode: "The Two-Hundred-Mile-an-Hour Fast Ball"
1981Simon & SimonCarolyn PerryEpisode: "Details at Eleven"
1981McClain's Law[25] Linda SmithEpisode: "Requiem for a Narc"-1982Code RedunknownEpisode: "Wildfire" -->
1982Massarati and the BrainJulie RamsdellTelevision movie
1982Not Just Another AffairJan ThackerTelevision movie
1982–1983The Love BoatDoris Holden/Dee Dee/Donna Baker2 episodes
1982–1985The Fall GuyTerri MichaelsSeries regular; 64 episodes (1982–1985)
1983Six Pack[26] Sally LeadbetterTelevision movie
1983Matt Houston[27] Courtney GarnerEpisode: "A Novel Way to Die"
1983CheersHeather LandonEpisode: "Just Three Friends"
1983The Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour[28] Herself5 episodes-1983GoHerself5 episodes -->
1983–1984Fantasy IslandAmy Marshall/Doreen Murphy2 episodes
1983-1984The A-TeamRina/Leslie Becktall/Sister Teresa2 episodes
1983-1988The New $25,000 PyramidHerselfRecurring role; 80 episodes
1984GlitterBarbara NelsonEpisode: "Pilot"
1984Scene of the CrimeCourtney HollanderEpisode: "Pilot"-1984Body LanguageHerself5 episodes -->
1984–1985HotelAnne Crowley/Jill Stanton2 episodes
1984–1992Night CourtChristine SullivanGuest appearance in season 2, "Daddy for the Defense"; Series regular as of Season 3; 159 episodes
1985The $25,000 PyramidHerself5 episodes
1985–1987Super PasswordHerselfRecurring role; 20 episodes
1986TriplecrossDelia LangtreeTelevision movie
1988GlitzLinda MoonTelevision movie
1988Tricks of the TradeMarlaTelevision movie-1988BlackoutHerself5 episodes -->
1991Rockin' Through the DecadesHerselfTelevision special
1991Stranger at My DoorSharon DanceyTelevision movie
1992–1995Hearts AfireGeorgie Anne Lahti HartmanSeries regular; 54 episodes
1993Beyond SuspicionJoyceTelevision movie
1994Someone She KnowsLaurie PhilipsTelevision movie
1995VR.5[29] Alexis MillerEpisode: "The Many Faces of Alex"
1995Visitors of the NightJudith EnglishTelevision movie
1996Chasing the DragonGwen KesslerTelevision movie
1996Dave's WorldLisa McCauleyEpisode: "Falling"
1997Dog's Best FriendHorseTelevision movie; voice role
1997Survival on the MountainAmy HoffmanTelevision movie
1998I've Been Waiting for YouRosemary ZoltanneTelevision movie
1999-2000Odd Man OutJulia WhitneySeries regular; 13 episodes
2000Twice in a LifetimeNancy Waldron/Peggy McIntryeEpisode: "It's a Hard Knock Life"
2000Hollywood Squares[30] Herself5 episodes
2001Till Dad Do Us PartVirginia CorbettTelevision movie
2001Late Boomers[31] unknownTelevision movie
2002–2006ScrubsLily Reid3 episodes
2003–2004The DistrictAudrey Livingston/Simone Fairgate/Audrey Livermore2 episodes
2006Ghost WhispererDiana LassiterEpisode: "The Woman of His Dreams"
2007Holiday in HandcuffsKatherine ChandlerTelevision movie
200830 RockHerselfEpisode: "The One with the Cast of Night Court"
2010Backyard WeddingAunt AddieTelevision movie
2010–2013Transformers PrimeJune DarbySeries regular; 15 episodes; Voice role
2011Man UpLindaEpisode: "Acceptance"-2013Back in the GameDottyEpisode: "Play Hard or Go Home" -->
2013Christmas on the BayouLillyTelevision movie-2014Rack and RuinBetsy5 episodes -->
2014–2017Chicago P.D.Barbara "Bunny" FletcherRecurring role; 18 episodes-2015Rack and Ruin Web SeriesBetsyTelevision Movie -->
2017The Joneses UnpluggedTawneyTelevision movie
2017Four Christmases and a WeddingAnna TaylorTelevision movie
2018Santa Clarita DietBeckyEpisode: "Coyote in Yoga Pants"
2018–2019The Kids Are AlrightHelen Portollo4 episodes
2019SoundtrackMrs. KassemEpisode: "Track 2: Joanna and Nellie"
2019Christmas ReservationsTay GriffinTelevision movie

Awards and nominations

Notes and References

  1. News: The Almanac . November 4, 2009 . United Press International.
  2. News: Vigdor . Neil . August 8, 2021 . Markie Post, ‘Night Court’ Actress, Dies at 70 . The New York Times . September 15, 2023.
  3. Web site: The Historical Volume and Reference Works, Los Angeles County. Studer. Robert Paul. 1962.
  4. Web site: Grant . James . Though She Plays a Lawyer on Night Court, Markie Post Can't Help Feeling Guilty . PEOPLE.com . 18 February 2022 . en.
  5. News: 'Fall Guy' stunt crash hurts nine. Associated Press. The Free Lance-Star. April 30, 1983.
  6. News: Kentucky New Era. June 5, 1986. Jay. Carman. Markie Post likes being the 'Night Court' jester.
  7. News: The Tuscaloosa News. Frazier. Moore. Can you beat that? 'Hearts Afire' is back. April 2, 1994. Associated Press.
  8. News: Associated Press . TV Topics. The Day. March 21, 2002.
  9. News: There's Something About Mary (1998). July 15, 1998. Janet. Maslin. The New York Times.
  10. News: Ocala Star-Banner. October 20, 1988. Markie Post wants to do more movies.
  11. News: Daily News. Post, great FX light up NBC's 'Night Visitors'. David. Bianculli. November 27, 1995. New York.
  12. '30 Rock': The Mad Hatter. Entertainment Weekly. Jeff. Labrecque. November 14, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081120111040/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20240448,00.html. dead. November 20, 2008.
  13. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/sophia-bush-leaving-chicago-pd-1007813 Stanhope, Kate. "Sophia Bush Leaving 'Chicago P.D.' After Four Seasons," The Hollywood Reporter, Thursday, May 25, 2017.
  14. Web site: Markie Post as Aunt Addie on Backyard Wedding | Hallmark Channel . August 8, 2021 . July 6, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150706144859/http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/cast/markie-post.
  15. https://web.archive.org/web/20110128192914/http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/backyardwedding/cast/Markie_Post
  16. https://ktla.com/news/nationworld/markie-post-night-court-actress-dies-at-70/ Markie Post, ‘Night Court’ actress, dies at 70
  17. Web site: Markie Post Dies: Actress Known For Night Court, The Fall Guy & More Was 70 . Deadline . August 8, 2021 . August 8, 2021.
  18. News: Markie Post, Plucky TV Favorite Who Became a Star on 'Night Court,' Dies at 70. Cynthia. Littleton. August 8, 2021. August 9, 2021. Variety.
  19. Web site: Markie Post. Rotten Tomatoes. August 9, 2021.
  20. Web site: Markie Post. https://web.archive.org/web/20210809095920/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2ba1a2b022. dead. August 9, 2021. British Film Institute. August 9, 2021.
  21. Web site: Markie Post List of Movies and TV Shows. TV Guide. August 9, 2021.
  22. Web site: Markie Post – Filmography. Turner Classic Movies. August 9, 2021.
  23. News: 'Night Court,' 'Hearts Afire' star Markie Post dead at 70. Karen. Butler. August 8, 2021. August 9, 2021. United Press International.
  24. News: 'Night Court' Star Markie Post Dies At 70. Marc. Berman. August 8, 2021. August 9, 2021. Forbes.
  25. Book: TV Guide. 30. Triangle Publications. 1982. 22.
  26. Book: Terrace, Vincent. Encyclopedia of Television Pilots: 2,470 Films Broadcast 1937–2019. 2nd. McFarland. January 17, 2020. 227. 9781476638102.
  27. News: TV listings. 249. March 12, 2000. August 9, 2021. Detroit Free Press.
  28. News: Markie Post death: Night Court actress dies of cancer at 70. Peony. Hirwani. August 8, 2021. August 9, 2021. The Independent. London.
  29. Book: Science Fiction Television Series, 1990–2004: Histories, Casts and Credits for 58 Shows. McFarland. September 27, 2013. Garcia. Frank. Phillips. Mark. 361. 9780786491834.
  30. News: Markie Post, 'Night Court' Actress, Dead at 70. Daniel. Kreps. August 8, 2021. August 9, 2021. Rolling Stone.
  31. News: UPN pulls 'All Souls' after just two shows. April 30, 2001. August 9, 2021. Chicago Tribune.
  32. Web site: Markie Post as Aunt Addie on Backyard Wedding. August 9, 2021. Hallmark Drama.
  33. Web site: Markie Post. August 10, 2021. sites.google.com. en-US.