Meghan Markle's Suits mentor reveals what she was really like off-camera

Nikki Onafuye
·3-min read

Meghan Markle's mentor, Bonnie Hammer, has spilled the beans on what the Duchess of Sussex was really like behind the scenes of her hit show, Suits. In the chat the 74-year-old revealed that Meghan, who was then a 'junior' cast member, worked her 'butt off' during rehearsals for the legal drama and was always eager to learn.

The actress, now married to Prince Harry and known as the Duchess of Sussex, starred in the USA Network series from 2011 to 2018. “Megan was incredible. When she worked on Suits and worked on Our Family she absorbed help, she was willing to ask questions,” Bonnie gushed. “She was amazing on staff, but she wasn't afraid to raise her hand and say, ‘Can you explain? Can you help me with something if I want to be more than just a young star?’”

Meghan left Suits in 2018
Meghan left Suits in 2018 -Credit:USA Networks/Everett/REX/Shutterstock
It may have made its TV debut nearly 13 years ago, but Suits is finally making its way to the BBC
It may have made its TV debut nearly 13 years ago, but Suits is finally making its way to the BBC -Credit:Networks/Everett/REX/Shutterstock

Bonnie, also known as the 'Queen of Cable,' shared some secrets she passed on to her mentee, which helped shape the Duchess, 42, into the star she is today.

She confessed that Meghan was a 'junior' member of the team, but she was 'amazing.’ “She was very strong, and she was fantastic on the show, and again she did take in what I said. I think she took in what anyone and everyone told her that she believed would help her performance or help her do well in that situation. So I give her a lot of credit for that.”

Bonnie took Meghan under her wing after witnessing her 'incredible' work ethic as she tirelessly strived to become the face of the legal drama.

Meghan's former co-star Wendell Pierce has said that the Duchess would love to return to acting
Meghan's former co-star Wendell Pierce has said that the Duchess would love to return to acting -Credit:NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

She remembered Meghan as being constantly willing to learn and always wanting more. “She wasn't exactly part of the main cast. She was one of the more junior people on the show, and she grew into part of the ensemble because she worked her socks off. She put in the effort, asked questions, and had a can-do attitude,” Bonnie revealed.

UK fans can watch the series tonight - which stars the Duchess - on BBC one. The show is now available on BBC iPlayer, nearly two months after the broadcaster acquired the series in a deal with NBC Universal. Though the hit legal drama concluded in 2019, it has remained a favourite on various streaming services ever since and was the most-watched acquired show on Netflix US in 2023.

Earlier this month, Wendell Pierce who played her Suits character's father Robert Zane believes Megan is up for returning to acting. He told the Who's Talking to Chris Wallace? podcast: "The one thing that bothers me the most right now for Meghan is the fact that I know she would love to act again. She's [Meghan] is wonderful. She's wonderful as both. She's the nicest person ever."

Meanwhile, the Duchess is rumoured to be making a UK return as she launches her new lifestyle and cookery brand American Riviera Orchard and is said to be planning a trip back to Britain.