The Deleted Scene Secret: 5 Things You Never Knew About Sarah Rafferty's Role In The Devil Wears Prada

Did you know that before she was the all-knowing, formidable Donna Paulsen on *Suits*, actress Sarah Rafferty had a brief, almost entirely unseen role in one of the most iconic fashion films of all time? As of December 2025, the surprising detail of her appearance in *The Devil Wears Prada* continues to baffle and intrigue fans, proving that even the biggest stars have cinematic secrets hidden in the archives.

This deep dive will uncover the truth behind her character, "Liz," a role that was almost entirely cut from the final film, and trace her journey from a fleeting moment on the big screen to becoming a television powerhouse. We'll also provide the most current updates on her career, including her exciting new podcast and her thoughts on the highly anticipated *Suits: L.A.* spinoff.

Sarah Rafferty: Complete Biography and Profile

Sarah Gray Rafferty is an accomplished American actress celebrated for her sharp wit and captivating screen presence, most notably as the brilliant legal secretary Donna Paulsen. Her career spans decades of television and film work, establishing her as a versatile and beloved figure in Hollywood.

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• Full Name: Sarah Gray Rafferty
• Date of Birth: December 6, 1972
• Place of Birth: New Canaan, Connecticut, U.S.
• Education: Graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in English and Theatre. She also earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama.
• Spouse: Santtu Seppälä (married 2001)
• Children: Two daughters, Oona Gray and Iris Friday.
• Breakthrough Role: Donna Paulsen on the USA Network legal drama *Suits* (2011–2019).
• Notable TV Roles: Dr. Pamela Blake on *Chicago Med* (2021–2023), *Law & Order*, *Six Feet Under*, *Bones*.
• Notable Film Roles: *The Devil Wears Prada* (2006), *Mambo Cafe* (2000), *Soccer Dog: European Cup* (2004).
• Current Projects (2025): Co-host of the *Sidebar* podcast with *Suits* co-star Patrick J. Adams.
• Charity Work: Advocate for the Alzheimer's Association and The Brain Project.

The Shocking Role You Missed in *The Devil Wears Prada*

For years, the mention of Sarah Rafferty's name in the cast list of *The Devil Wears Prada* has been a source of confusion for even the most dedicated fans. The reason is simple: her scene was left on the cutting room floor.

The Deleted Scene Detail

The truth is that Sarah Rafferty played a character named Liz in the 2006 film, but her scene was ultimately relegated to the DVD's deleted scenes section.

This small, uncredited role occurred early in her career, long before she became a household name. While the role was minor, its existence highlights the hustle of a working actor and provides a fascinating link between the world of Pearson Hardman and the chaotic, high-stakes environment of *Runway* magazine.

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Who Was Liz?

The character Liz is listed in the film's cast and crew credits, but without the deleted scene, her presence is virtually undetectable in the theatrical release.

The scene itself is a brief, blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment that likely involved a minor interaction, possibly at the *Runway* offices or a related fashion event. This pre-fame appearance is a goldmine for movie trivia, underscoring how many now-famous faces had humble beginnings in blockbuster films.

From Miranda Priestly's World to Donna Paulsen's Corner

The contrast between her minor role as Liz and her career-defining role as Donna Paulsen in *Suits* couldn't be starker. It’s a transition that demonstrates her incredible range and staying power in the industry.

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The Phenomenon of Donna Paulsen

Sarah Rafferty’s portrayal of Donna Paulsen, the sharp, charismatic, and indispensable COO and secretary at the fictional law firm, is what truly defined her career. Donna was the emotional core of the show, a character with an almost supernatural ability to read people and situations—a "Donna-sense" that became a major plot point.

The character's evolution from Harvey Specter's legal secretary to the Chief Operating Officer showcased Rafferty's ability to handle complex emotional storylines and deliver rapid-fire, witty dialogue. Her chemistry with co-stars like Gabriel Macht (Harvey Specter) and Patrick J. Adams (Mike Ross) was a key ingredient in the show's massive success.

Building Topical Authority: Other Key Roles

While *Suits* is her most famous work, Rafferty has consistently worked across television and film, building a robust resume that boosts her topical authority:

• *Chicago Med* (Dr. Pamela Blake): Following the end of *Suits*, Rafferty took on the recurring role of Dr. Pamela Blake, a highly skilled but complex neurosurgeon. This role allowed her to explore a different kind of high-pressure professional environment.
• Early TV Appearances: Like many actors, she honed her craft with guest roles on popular procedural dramas such as *Bones*, *CSI: Miami*, and *The Practice*.
• Charitable Endeavors: Her work with organizations like the Alzheimer's Association and The Brain Project shows her commitment to causes outside of acting, adding depth to her public profile.

What Sarah Rafferty Is Doing Now: The *Suits* Reunion and Spinoff Excitement

In 2025, Sarah Rafferty is more relevant than ever, thanks to a massive resurgence of *Suits* on streaming platforms and her involvement in new, exciting projects that keep her connected to her most famous role.

The *Sidebar* Podcast

One of her most current and engaging projects is the podcast *Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast*, which she co-hosts with her former co-star Patrick J. Adams.

The podcast, which launched recently, features the two actors rewatching and discussing episodes of *Suits*. This project offers fans a fresh, behind-the-scenes look at the show's production, their on-set experiences, and the development of their iconic characters, Donna Paulsen and Mike Ross. It’s a direct response to the renewed fan interest in the series.

Excitement for *Suits: L.A.*

The announcement of the *Suits: L.A.* spinoff has generated significant buzz, and Sarah Rafferty has expressed her genuine enthusiasm for the franchise's expansion.

Although the new series is set to feature an entirely new cast and focus on a different law firm in Los Angeles, Rafferty has publicly voiced her support and excitement for the next chapter. Her positive reaction and the existence of the *Sidebar* podcast keep the possibility of a guest appearance or a crossover event very much alive in the minds of the fans.

Her current focus proves that while her early career included a near-invisible role in a major film like *The Devil Wears Prada*, her legacy is now cemented by the powerful, unforgettable presence of Donna Paulsen, a character she continues to celebrate and explore with her audience today.