The $12 Million Legacy Of Markie Post: 7 Shocking Facts About The Beloved Night Court Star's Life And Final Battle

Markie Post, an American television icon whose career spanned four decades, remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, even after her passing in 2021. As of today, December 10, 2025, fans continue to celebrate the life and work of the actress best known for her unforgettable roles as public defender Christine Sullivan on the NBC sitcom Night Court and bail bondswoman Terri Michaels on The Fall Guy. Her legacy is one of resilience, humor, and a quiet determination that defined her personal life as much as her professional one.

The latest and most significant update on Markie Post's life is the revelation of her private, nearly four-year battle with cancer, which she fought while continuing to work, a testament to her dedication. Born Marjorie Armstrong Post, her story is a fascinating blend of early television production work, academic achievement, and a rise to stardom that cemented her place as one of the most recognizable faces of 1980s and 1990s television. This article delves into the essential facts of her life, career, and the impressive financial legacy she left behind.

Markie Post: Complete Biographical Profile

Markie Post’s life was marked by a strong academic background and an unwavering commitment to her craft, leading to a distinguished career in both comedy and drama.

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• Full Name: Marjorie Armstrong Post
• Born: November 4, 1950, in Palo Alto, California
• Died: August 7, 2021 (Age 70)
• Cause of Death: Cancer (battled for nearly four years)
• Parents: Richard F. Post (Nuclear Physicist) and Marylee Post (Poet)
• Education: Attended Pomona College briefly; Graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Oregon
• First Marriage: Stephen Knox (1971–1972, divorced)
• Second Marriage: Michael A. Ross (Actor, Writer, and Producer; Married since 1982)
• Children: Two daughters, Kate and Daisy
• Estimated Net Worth: $12 Million (at time of death)

The $12 Million Legacy: Markie Post’s Unforgettable Career Highlights

Markie Post’s estimated net worth of $12 million at the time of her passing was a direct result of her prolific and consistent work across television and film. Her career was a masterclass in versatility, moving seamlessly between action-adventure, sitcoms, and feature films.

1. The Unexpected Rise on Night Court as Christine Sullivan

While often remembered for her role as Christine Sullivan, Post did not join the cast of Night Court until the second season in 1984, replacing the original public defender character, Billie Young. Christine Sullivan was the straight-laced, intelligent, and often naive foil to the eccentric characters in Judge Harry Stone's courtroom. Post’s chemistry with co-stars like Harry Anderson and John Larroquette was instrumental in the show's success, and she remained a core cast member until the series concluded in 1992. Her character's dignity and charm made her a fan favorite and defined her career for a generation of viewers.

2. Action Star Credentials on The Fall Guy

Before her long run on Night Court, Markie Post gained prominence as Terri Michaels on the action-adventure series The Fall Guy, starring Lee Majors. Her role as a bail bondswoman who served as a contact for the stuntman/bounty hunter Colt Seavers (Majors) showcased her ability to handle a fast-paced, high-stakes drama. She appeared on the show from 1982 to 1985, proving her capability in a genre far removed from the sitcom world she would later dominate.

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3. From Editorial Staff to On-Screen Star

Many fans are unaware that Markie Post's career began behind the scenes. In the late 1970s, she worked as an associate producer on the game show Double Dare and was a member of the editorial staff for the popular game show Family Feud. This early exposure to television production gave her a deep understanding of the industry, which she carried into her on-screen career. Her first credited acting roles began in 1979 with appearances on classic shows like CHiPs, Barnaby Jones, and The Incredible Hulk.

A Private Battle and Lasting Impact

4. The Quiet Strength in Her Final Years

The most poignant detail of Markie Post’s life is the quiet strength she demonstrated during her final years. Diagnosed with cancer, she chose to keep her battle largely private, continuing to work even as her health declined. According to her manager, Ellen Lubin Santisky, Post was determined to treat her career as a "side job" to her cancer fight, a philosophy that allowed her to maintain a sense of normalcy and dedication to her craft until the end.

5. The Unforgettable Cameo in There's Something About Mary

While primarily a television star, Post made a memorable appearance in one of the most iconic romantic comedies of the 1990s: the 1998 film There's Something About Mary. Playing the role of Mary’s mother, she showcased her comedic timing in a major motion picture, proving her talent translated effortlessly to the big screen.

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6. A Versatile Voice and Continued TV Presence

In her later career, Post demonstrated remarkable versatility. From 2010 to 2013, she provided the voice for the character June Darby in the animated series Transformers Prime, connecting with a new generation of fans. She also embraced the holiday film genre, starring in popular TV movies like Holiday in Handcuffs (2007) and Backyard Wedding (2010). Her guest appearances on shows like 30 Rock further cemented her status as a respected television veteran, always willing to embrace new roles and formats.

7. A Family Legacy Beyond Hollywood

Markie Post was deeply devoted to her family. Her marriage to Michael A. Ross, a successful actor and producer, lasted nearly four decades, a rarity in Hollywood. She was a proud mother to her two daughters, Kate and Daisy, and her commitment to her family life was a consistent theme throughout her career. Her legacy is not just the characters she played, but the personal life she cherished, which she protected fiercely from the Hollywood spotlight.