A Star on the Rise — and Then Gone

Before she ever stepped in front of a camera, she was already commanding attention on the stage. Her years in classic theater shaped her craft, preparing her for the spotlight. Then, just as her career hit its stride, a sudden dismissal from a high-profile TV role left her reeling.

Years later, she returned — and reminded audiences how much had changed, and how much hadn’t.

Captivating the Golden Age of Television

She rose quickly during television’s golden era. In the 1970s and 1980s, she landed roles in some of the decade’s biggest shows. Viewers were drawn in by her talent — and by her unforgettable appearance. There was something about her that was impossible to overlook.

But at the height of her ascent, one casting decision halted everything. Seemingly overnight, she vanished from screens. The silence left fans wondering what had gone wrong.

The answer? A mix of studio politics and personal battles.

Building Her Foundation in Theater

Born on May 10, 1948, in Reading, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Rowayton, Connecticut, one of five children. From an early age, the arts called to her. She followed that calling to New York City, training at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse.

Under famed teacher Sanford Meisner, she studied alongside future stars. Meisner’s method would shape her approach to every role.

Early Stage and Screen Roles

She began with roles in classic plays, portraying characters like Miss Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer and Feeney Evans in The Shewing Up of Blanco Posnet. These performances helped sharpen her skills and earn respect in theater circles.

In 1969, she transitioned to television. Her screen debut on NET Playhouse opened the door to more guest roles, where she built momentum.

Breaking Through on Prime-Time TV

By the mid-1970s, she appeared in hit shows like Barnaby Jones, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Hawaii Five-O. Her ability to shift between drama and action made her a favorite among casting directors.

In 1979, she took on the lead in The Scarlet Letter, playing Hester Prynne. The role was a game-changer.

She had gone 16 months without steady work. “I kept praying for something nourishing,” she later recalled. The Scarlet Letter became that answer.

Personal Struggles Behind the Spotlight

Even with rising fame, she wrestled with self-image. “I tend to get insecure about my looks,” she admitted. She worried about everything — from her height to her weight.

Still, she reminded herself, “I am the only Meg. I have something different to offer.”

She did — but not all attention was welcome. Her intensely blue eyes drew fascination. Some producers even asked her to wear contact lenses to mute their effect.

“I don’t look at my eyes,” she once said. “I see through them.”

Cagney & Lacey — The Role That Should Have Launched Her

In the early 1980s, CBS cast her as Christine Cagney in Cagney & Lacey. It was a dream role — the lead in a groundbreaking drama about two female detectives. She stepped in after Loretta Swit left the project.

At first, it seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime. Then CBS replaced her with Sharon Gless. No reason was given, but the impact was immediate.

She later told friends it felt like being “hit by a truck.” Rumors swirled. Some insiders unfairly labeled her “difficult.”

CBS finally addressed the move, saying they wanted “a better balance.” After that, job offers slowly returned. She went on to star in the TV movie Desperate Intruder with Nick Mancuso and Claude Akins.

Reinventing Herself in Film

After her TV setback, she turned toward film. In 1987, she starred as Evil-Lyn in Masters of the Universe. Her powerful performance stood out in the fantasy cult hit.

A year later, she delivered another memorable turn in They Live, a sci-fi satire that developed a loyal following. Her mysterious character added weight to the film’s critique of consumerism and control.

Staying Strong Through the Late ’80s

She stayed busy with roles in Stepfather II and Blind Fury (both 1989), reuniting with actor Terry O’Quinn. These films kept her visible in Hollywood, even as she continued to face industry doubts.

A Television Comeback in the ’90s

Throughout the 1990s, she found steady work on television. She made guest appearances in shows like Quantum Leap, ER, Murder, She Wrote, Sliders, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Her performances remained sharp, proving that even after setbacks, her talent hadn’t faded.