Thomas Markle Explained

Thomas Markle
Birth Name:Thomas Wayne Markle
Birth Date:18 July 1944
Birth Place:Newport, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation:Lighting Designer and Director of Photography (ret.)
Years Active:1963–2011
Awards:Daytime Emmy Awards (1982 and 2011)
Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award
Spouse:
Family:Markle

Thomas Wayne Markle (born July 18, 1944) is an American retired television lighting director and director of photography. He received a Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award for work on the television program Made in Chicago in 1975 and was a co-recipient of two Daytime Emmy Awards for work on the television soap opera General Hospital in 1982 and 2011. His youngest child is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Early life

Thomas Wayne Markle Sr. was born on July 18, 1944, and raised in Newport, Pennsylvania, the son of Doris May Rita (née Sanders; 1920–2011) and Gordon Arnold Markle (1918–1979).[2] His mother's family was from New Hampshire.[3] The Markle (formerly spelled Merckel) family on his father's side claims ethnic German 18th-century origins from the Alsatian town of Lampertsloch, Hanau-Lichtenberg, now part of Bas-Rhin, France. He has two brothers, Michael (1939–2021) and Frederick (also known as Dismas F. Markle; born 1942).[4] [5] He was raised in an Anglican Christian denomination.[6]

Among Markle's distant ancestors are his paternal great-great-grandmother, New Hampshire landowner Mary Hussey Smith (died 1908), who was a descendant of Christopher Hussey.[7] He also descends from Sir Philip Wentworth and Mary Clifford, a daughter of John Clifford, 7th Baron Clifford and Lady Elizabeth Percy, a descendant of Edward III.[8] [9]

Career

Markle worked as a lighting director at WTTW-TV Channel 11 in the 1970s.[10] He worked on the television series General Hospital and Married... with Children.[11] [12] [13] He also oversaw the lighting for the 1984 Summer Olympics.[14]

Awards

In 1975, he received a Chicago / Midwest Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement for Individual Excellence: Non Performers for his lighting design work on WTTW-TV Channel 11's Made in Chicago program.[15]

In 1982, Markle was one of the 14 named co-recipients of a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Design Excellence for a Daytime Drama Series for work on General Hospital, and in 2011, he shared a Daytime Emmy Award with Vincent Steib for Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction for a Drama Series for work on General Hospital.[16] He was also nominated (with various co-nominees) for Daytime Emmy Awards for work on General Hospital on seven other occasions.[17]

Markle was nominated, along with two other co-nominees, for a Primetime Emmy Award in 1986 for Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic) for a Miniseries or a Special for the lighting design for the 58th Academy Awards.[17] [18]

Personal life

Markle married student and secretary Roslyn Loveless in 1964; they had met the year before at a campus party at the University of Chicago.[1] They had two children, Yvonne Marie Markle (who later changed her name to Samantha) in 1964 and Thomas Wayne Markle Jr. in 1966, before divorcing in 1975.[1] He married Doria Ragland at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple of Paramahansa Yogananda in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on December 23, 1979, officiated by Brother Bhaktananda.[19] Their daughter, Rachel Meghan Markle (known by her middle name), who later became the Duchess of Sussex, was born on August 4, 1981. The couple split when their daughter was two years old. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1987.[20] [21] Both parents contributed to raising Meghan. In addition to his regular job, Markle spent time helping with lighting for plays and musicals at Immaculate Heart High School, which Meghan attended.[22]

In 2016, Markle filed for bankruptcy for a second time over a debt of $30,000.[23] He lives in Rosarito, Mexico.[24]

In May 2018, Markle underwent a heart surgery days before his daughter Meghan's wedding to Prince Harry.[25] In May 2022, he was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.[25]

In media

In 2018, Markle was the subject of considerable media speculation as to whether he would attend his daughter Meghan's wedding to Prince Harry, at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom. He did not attend as he was recovering from heart surgery after being discharged from the hospital two days before the wedding.[21] [26] He later claimed that he was never sent a formal invitation.[27]

In May 2018, a few days before the wedding, Markle became a subject of controversy after it was revealed that he had staged photographs for a paparazzi photographer in return for money.[28] His elder daughter, Samantha, later claimed that it was her idea, and that her father's motivation was not financial but "to show the world that [he's] getting in shape and doing great healthy things."[29] Markle admitted that he initially had lied to Harry about the staged photos and later regretted his decision.[30] [31] [32] Later it was claimed that the photographer who took the pictures previously worked for Meghan and had been hired by her after she moved back to the United States.[33] In November 2021, Markle sued the photo agency Coleman-Rayner in Los Angeles County Superior Court and sought $1 million in damages, alleging that the staged paparazzi photos were published without his approval and he was not given his 30% share of sales from images in accordance with their initial contract.[34] In September 2022, a judge issued a restraining order instructing Markle to keep away from Jeff Rayner for the next two years as Rayner claimed that Markle had threatened to kill him in his statements published in Tom Bower's book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors.[35] The case against the photo agency was dismissed in January 2023.[35]

In June 2018, he appeared on Good Morning Britain in which he discussed his personal relationship with Meghan and his son-in-law.[36] [37] [38] In another interview with The Mail on Sunday in July 2018, Markle said that his daughter "[would] be nothing without me. I made her the Duchess she is today."[39] His continual paid interviews with the press reportedly damaged his relationship with his daughter, with whom he indicated he had not been in contact since the royal wedding.[40] [41]

In February 2019, he published excerpts of a letter sent to him by his daughter shortly after her wedding in direct response to a People article involving five of Meghan's friends referencing the letter and negatively commenting on his character,[42] in which she stated that he had broken her heart "into a million pieces" with his actions. Markle described the letter as a "a dagger to the heart" rather than an "olive branch".[43] [44]

In January 2020, it was revealed that The Mail on Sunday could possibly use evidence provided by Markle against his own daughter in an ongoing legal battle between the paper and the Duchess. The Daily Mail also named him as a potential witness who could testify against Meghan in court.[45] In the same month, he said in an interview that Meghan is "tossing away every young girl's dream of becoming a princess, for money", and that she and Harry are "destroying and cheapening" the royal institution, and that they are "lost souls".[46] He also stated that he does not expect to see Meghan ever again but still hopes for reconciliation one day.[47]

In July 2021, Markle stated that he would be petitioning California courts for rights to see his grandchildren Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.[48]

In 2022, Markle began publishing videos on the YouTube channel Remarkable Friendship together with photographer Karl Larsen although he claims to have severed their relationship after recording their last video.[25] [49] [50]

In 2023, he along with his son and elder daughter took part in a special 7NEWS Spotlight interview, called The Markles.[51]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Morton, Andrew . Andrew Morton (writer)

    . Andrew Morton (writer) . Meghan: A Hollywood Princess . . April 17, 2018 . 978-1538747353.

  2. Web site: Prince Harry's fiancée Meghan Markle has ties to Shamokin . Cindy O. . Herman . . December 3, 2017 . May 22, 2018.
  3. News: Halliday. Gillian. Meghan Markle's cousins could be walking streets of Belfast. Belfast Telegraph. July 16, 2018.
  4. Web site: Harry Reportedly Flew Back to California Following News of Meghan's Uncle's Death. . 1 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210801193617/https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/entertainment-celebrity/harry-reportedly-flew-back-to-california-following-news-of-meghan-s-uncle-s-death/ar-AALL4wu.
  5. Web site: Royal wedding 2018: Who is Meghan Markle?. BBC News. May 18, 2018. May 23, 2018.
  6. News: Witherden. Grace. Thomas Markle says he wishes he had been invited to grandson Archie's christening. Mirror. July 6, 2019.
  7. Web site: Reslen. Eileen . Prince Harry Relative Reportedly Executed Meghan Markle's Ancestor. November 20, 2017 . Town and Country Magazine, 21 November 2017. 23 May 2018. It's incredible that Meghan's great-great-great maternal grandfather was a slave and the other great-great-great paternal grandmother was a New Hampshire landowner – Mary Hussey Smith (died 1908) – who had royal blood,' Reed said..
  8. Web site: Roberts . Gary Boyd . The Royal Ancestry of Meghan Markle . New England Historic Genealogical Society . December 16, 2017 . The Rev. William Skipper's ancestors Sir Philip Wentworth (died 1464) and Mary Clifford are ancestors also, in various lines, of both H.M. the late Queen Mother (and thus H.M. the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and Prince Harry) and of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. . https://web.archive.org/web/20171201081716/https://www.americanancestors.org/Royal-Ancestry-of-Meghan-Markle.aspx . December 1, 2017 .
  9. Roberts . Gary Boyd . The Shared Ancestry of (Rachel) Meghan Markle and Prince Harry . American Ancestors . November 30, 2017 . December 7, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171208122320/https://www.americanancestors.org/uploadedfiles/content/features/meghan-markle-chart.pdf . dead . December 8, 2017 .
  10. News: Meghan Markle: From NU to aspiring actor to future British royal. Esposito. Stefano. November 27, 2017. Chicago Sun-Times. May 21, 2018.
  11. Web site: Married … with Children the Best O' Bundy; Get the Dodge Out of Hell. Ginell. Richard S.. February 6, 1995. Variety. May 21, 2018.
  12. Web site: Amy . Duncan . Who are Meghan Markle's parents – dad Thomas Markle and mum Doria Ragland?. Metro. January 11, 2018. May 19, 2018.
  13. Web site: Janice . Williams . Everything to know about Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's dad . 2018-05-16. Newsweek . en . 2018-05-25.
  14. News: Meghan Markle's family: from her diplomat uncle to cannabis-growing nephew, who will meet the royal baby boy?. Alexander. Harriet. Lockhart. Keely. May 8, 2019. The Telegraph. December 10, 2022. en-GB. https://web.archive.org/web/20221204162621/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2019/05/08/meghan-markles-family-tree-who-will-meet-royal-baby-boy/. December 4, 2022. mdy-all.
  15. Web site: 1974–1975 Chicago/Midwest Emmy Winners. Chicago Emmy Online. May 21, 2018.
  16. Web site: The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announces winners for the 38th Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards Nominations. June 17, 2011. National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. May 21, 2018.
  17. Web site: Thomas W. Markle – Awards . IMDb. May 21, 2018.
  18. Web site: Tom Markle – Awards & Nominations. Emmy Award. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. May 21, 2018.
  19. News: Did you know Meghan Markle's parents got married at an Indian temple?. Chhabra . Shivani . India Today . May 25, 2018 . May 26, 2018 . mdy-all.
  20. News: Thomas Markle Snr: How Meghan Markle's reclusive father helped propel her into the spotlight. https://web.archive.org/web/20180517060150/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/thomas-markle-snr-meghan-markles-reclusive-father-helped-propel/. dead. May 17, 2018. Jones. Richard. May 17, 2018 . The Telegraph. May 18, 2018 . en-GB. 0307-1235.
  21. Web site: Foster . Max . Angela . Dewan . Meghan Markle's father Thomas won't be at royal wedding . . May 17, 2018 . May 19, 2018.
  22. Web site: Meghan Markle's Former Teacher Describes Her Dad as a 'Kind, Loving Man' Amid Royal Wedding Drama. People. Christina. Dugan Ramirez. May 16, 2018. July 30, 2022.
  23. Book: Bower, Tom. Tom Bower. Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors. Blink Publishing. London. 2022. 978-1788705035.
  24. Web site: Meghan Markle's father lives in a quiet Baja town; but the British paparazzi have come knocking . . Sandra . Dibble . April 1, 2018v. 20 April 2018 . https://archive.today/20180505031834/http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-meghan-markle-baja-20180401-story.html#selection-3605.0-3605.95 . May 5, 2018 . live.
  25. Web site: Thomas Markle, Duchess of Sussex's father, rushed to hospital after stroke. Sky News. May 24, 2022. May 24, 2022.
  26. Web site: Tanya . Gold . Opinion – Advice for Thomas Markle, Father of the Bride . May 15, 2018 . May 20, 2018. The New York Times.
  27. Web site: Alicia. Brunker. Thomas Markle Claims Meghan Never Sent Him an Invitation to the Royal Wedding . August 12, 2018 . June 27, 2021. InStyle.
  28. Web site: Meghan Markle's dad accused of staging photos for paparazzi. ABC News. Carolyn. Durand. Katie. Kindelan. May 14, 2018. May 22, 2018.
  29. Web site: Meghan Markle's Half-Sister Admits She Arranged for Their Dad to Pose for Staged Photos. People. Diana. Pearl. May 14, 2018. May 22, 2018.
  30. Web site: Meghan Markle's family drama pre-royal wedding, from staged paparazzi pics to Prince Harry's shocking letter. Fox News. Jenifer. Earl. May 20, 2018. May 22, 2018.
  31. Web site: Meghan Markle's dad claims he lied to Prince Harry, hung up on him. ABC News. Carolyn. Durand. Katie. Kindelan. August 13, 2018. August 14, 2018.
  32. Web site: Thomas Markle Admits He Lied to Prince Harry About Staged Paparazzi Photos. People. Stephanie. Petit. August 13, 2018. August 13, 2018.
  33. Web site: Meghan Markle's photographer stirs debate. Geo TV. March 6, 2022. March 6, 2022.
  34. Web site: Duchess Meghan's dad Thomas Markle sues agency behind his staged paparazzi photos for $1M. USA Today. Charles. Trepany. November 4, 2021. 25 May 2022.
  35. Web site: Meghan Markle's Father Loses 'Staged Photoshoot' Lawsuit Against Paparazzi Owner. The Blast. January 5, 2023. February 20, 2023. Yahoo! News.
  36. Web site: Royal wedding 2018: Meghan's dad reveals tears over big day. BBC. June 18, 2018. October 14, 2018.
  37. Web site: Meghan 'cried' about her father missing wedding, Thomas Markle says. CNN. Hilary. Clarke. June 18, 2018. June 18, 2018.
  38. Web site: Thomas Markle Is Back and Putting Prince Harry in an Awkward Political Position. Vanity Fair. Hilary. Weaver. June 18, 2018. June 18, 2018.
  39. Web site: Thomas Markle Attacks Meghan Markle, Royal Family In Brutal Interview. Harper's Bazaar. Carly. Ledbetter. July 30, 2018. August 3, 2018.
  40. Web site: Thomas Markle fears he won't see royal daughter Meghan again: Sun. Reuters. August 13, 2018. August 13, 2018.
  41. Web site: Meghan Markle's Friend Says Reconciling With Dad Thomas Is 'Completely Off the Table'. Elle. Alyssa. Bailey. August 2, 2018. August 3, 2018.
  42. Web site: The Truth About Meghan Markle's Dad — and the Letter She Wrote Him After the Wedding. People. Michelle. Tauber. 6 February 2019. 12 November 2021.
  43. Web site: Meghan Markle's Father Shares Heartbreaking Letter Allegedly Sent From the Duchess. E! News. Lily. Harrison. 10 February 2019. 11 February 2019.
  44. Web site: 'If you love me, as you tell the press you do, please stop': Meghan's tragic letter to dad. news.com.au. Mark. Hodge. 11 February 2019. 11 February 2019.
  45. Web site: Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, could testify against her in U.K. suit. NBC News. Henry. Austin. Jean-Nicholas. Fievet. January 15, 2020. January 16, 2020.
  46. News: Thomas Markle: Meghan and Harry 'cheapening' royals. BBC.
  47. Web site: Thomas Markle says Meghan and Harry won't see him again 'until he's lowered into the ground'. Andy. Wells. Yahoo News UK. January 22, 2020. March 5, 2020.
  48. Web site: Meghan Markle's estranged father Thomas reveals moment she discovered stardom: 'Daddy, I want to be famous'. Fox News. Stephanie. Nolasco. July 22, 2021. July 23, 2021.
  49. Web site: Remarkable Friendship. YouTube. May 27, 2022.
  50. Web site: Thomas Markle's former YouTube partner Karl Larsen says he had to edit out 'inappropriate' things Meghan's dad said about the royals. Insider. Mikhaila. Friel. June 16, 2022. Aug 23, 2022.
  51. Web site: Markles will reunite to deal a final blow to Harry and Meghan before coronation. Geo News. April 28, 2023. April 28, 2023.

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