From Stage Spotlight to Screen Silence — And Back Again
Before she graced television screens, she honed her craft in the shadows of the stage. Years of classical theater laid the foundation for a promising career—until, at the height of her rising fame, an abrupt dismissal from a coveted role plunged her into obscurity. But when she reemerged, the world saw not just how much had changed—but how much of her brilliance had endured.
In the golden era of television, she became a face to remember. Through the 1970s and 1980s, she captivated audiences with performances that were as magnetic as her appearance—something fans and casting directors alike couldn’t ignore.
The actress poses for a portrait, circa 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Yet just as her star was ascending, a single casting decision altered the trajectory of her career. She vanished from screens, leaving fans puzzled and insiders whispering. Behind her absence lay a story shaped by both the unforgiving nature of the industry and deeply personal choices.
The actress photographed in 1982 | Source: Getty Images
Early Passion, Classic Training
Born on May 10, 1948, in Reading, Pennsylvania, and raised in Rowayton, Connecticut, she was one of five siblings with a deep love for the arts. That passion led her to New York City’s Neighborhood Playhouse, where she studied under the legendary Sanford Meisner—joining the ranks of actors molded by his transformative methods.
The actress as D.A. Deb Grant in “The Trial of Rosie O’Neill,” 1990 | Source: Getty Images
She earned her stage stripes in classical roles—from Miss Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer to the enigmatic Blonde in Between Two Thieves. In 1969, she transitioned to television with NET Playhouse, paving the way for future roles in some of TV’s most iconic series.
The actress at “The Employer” premiere, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Rising Star of the Small Screen
Through the ’70s, she appeared in hits like Barnaby Jones, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Hawaii Five-O. But it was her 1979 portrayal of Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter that showcased her emotional range and raw talent—an artistic rebirth after 16 months of unemployment and doubt.
“I couldn’t get a job. I kept praying, ‘Oh God, I need creative nourishment,’” she said in a candid interview. The role of Hester was a lifeline—and she seized it with everything she had.
The actress at Monster-Mania Con, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Despite her growing acclaim, she wrestled with insecurities. “I’d love to have longer legs. I’d love to be four inches taller,” she once admitted. Yet she never lost sight of her individuality: “I am the only Meg. I have something different to offer.”
The Role That Changed Everything — Twice
That “something different” soon landed her the role of a lifetime—Detective Christine Cagney in Cagney & Lacey. Replacing Loretta Swit in the pilot’s aftermath, she was poised to be one-half of a trailblazing female-led crime drama. But just as the series took off, CBS abruptly replaced her with Sharon Gless.
Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly in “Cagney & Lacey,” 1985 | Source: Getty Images
The blow was crushing. “It felt like I’d been hit by a truck,” she confided to friends. Rumors swirled. Some speculated she was “difficult.” No official reason was offered at first—only silence, which in Hollywood can be deafening.
Eventually, CBS stated the change was made to “give the show a better balance.” But the damage had been done. Offers slowed. Assumptions spread. Still, she refused to speak out, choosing to rebuild instead.
The Eyes of ’79 — and a Career Reclaimed
Through it all, one thing remained undeniable: those unforgettable, crystal-blue eyes. Mademoiselle dubbed them “the eyes of ’79”—so striking that producers sometimes asked her to wear contact lenses to dull their intensity.
“I don’t look at my eyes—I see through them,” she remarked.
The actress at “Poetry in Motion” screening, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
Despite her TV setback, she reinvented herself in film. Her turn as the villainous Evil-Lyn in 1987’s Masters of the Universe was unforgettable. That same year, she starred in They Live, John Carpenter’s cult classic, delivering one of her most enigmatic performances.
She followed that success with roles in Stepfather II and Blind Fury, once again proving her versatility and resilience.
Quiet Comeback and Life Offscreen
In the 1990s, she returned to TV with appearances on Quantum Leap, ER, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Murder, She Wrote—always bringing an unmistakable intensity to her roles.
But beyond the spotlight, her life told a quieter story. She settled in suburban Los Angeles with husband Stephen McHattie and their son, Christopher. Their home in Topanga Canyon was grounded in simplicity—homemade meals, a backyard garden, and evenings free from the pressures of fame.
“I cook every night,” she shared. “I taste as I go.” After heavy rains one year, she joked, “We’ve been too busy trying to save our trees to plant a garden.”
The actress at sCare Foundation’s 2nd Annual Halloween Benefit, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Legacy of a Fighter
Her career wasn’t without detours, but what defined her was not a single role or a setback—it was her ability to evolve, to endure, and to captivate audiences across decades. Her story is a testament to quiet resilience, artistic integrity, and a spark that never truly faded.
Whether as a misunderstood Hester Prynne, a fierce Evil-Lyn, or simply as the woman with the unforgettable eyes, she remains a symbol of how talent, when met with tenacity, always finds its way back into the light.
