She was hailed as a rising star during television’s golden era, landing roles in some of the most popular series of the 1970s and 1980s. Audiences took notice — not just because of her acting ability, but because there was something about her appearance that was impossible to ignore.

But just as her career gained momentum, an unexpected casting decision changed everything. For years, she was absent from screens and headlines, leaving fans to wonder what had caused such a promising career to stall. The answer lies in a story shaped by industry decisions and personal choices.

Early Life and Training in the Craft

Long before she found herself at the center of Hollywood’s spotlight, her path to acting was already taking shape. Born on May 10, 1948, in Reading, Pennsylvania, she was one of five siblings raised in Rowayton, Connecticut. From an early age, she showed a deep interest in the arts, a passion that would later guide her career.

Determined to refine her talent, she pursued formal training in New York City at the renowned Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. There, she studied under acclaimed acting teacher Sanford Meisner, whose methods influenced some of the most respected actors in the industry.

Her early stage credits included diverse roles such as Miss Hardcastle in “She Stoops to Conquer,” Feeney Evans in Bernard Shaw’s “The Shewing Up of Blanco Posnet,” and The Blonde in “Between Two Thieves.” These roles helped shape her craft and build a solid foundation for what lay ahead.

In 1969, she transitioned to screen work with an appearance in “NET Playhouse,” marking the beginning of her on-screen career. From there, she steadily gained experience, moving through guest appearances on television shows that gave her greater exposure.

Gaining Momentum on TV

During the 1970s, she steadily built her television resume, landing guest roles on some of the most popular series of the decade. Audiences saw her in shows such as “Barnaby Jones,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” and “Hawaii Five-O,” where her screen presence and versatility were evident.

These appearances established her as a reliable and compelling actress, capable of handling a range of roles across genres. In 1979, she took on what would become a pivotal role in her early career — the part of Hester Prynne in the television miniseries “The Scarlet Letter.”

Portraying a woman caught in the turmoil of forbidden love and societal judgment, she delivered a performance that earned critical notice and marked a turning point for her. At that time, however, the path to recognition had not been easy.

Reflecting on that period during a 1979 interview, she shared, “I couldn’t get a job. I kept on praying, ‘Oh, God, I need some creative nourishment.’ I didn’t want to take just any part. I was terribly frightened.” After 16 months without work, the role of Hester Prynne felt like a much-needed breakthrough in what had been a discouraging stretch of auditions and rejections.

Alongside the professional challenges, she faced personal struggles with self-image. “I tend to get insecure about my looks,” she admitted. “Oh, I’d love to have long fingernails. I’d love to have longer legs. And I’d love to be four inches taller.”

Despite her lean frame, she expressed concern about being ten pounds overweight. Still, she maintained perspective, telling herself, “I am the only Meg. I have something different to offer.” Unbeknownst to her, she did have that “something different” that drew widespread attention — but not always in the ways she might have hoped.

Breakthrough Role and the Eyes Everyone Remembered

By the early 1980s, her distinct look and growing list of television credits had begun to draw serious attention. One of her most significant career moments came when CBS cast her as Christine Cagney in the network’s police drama “Cagney & Lacey.”

She stepped into the role after Loretta Swit, who had played the character in the pilot, was unable to continue. The series, centered on two female detectives, was notable for its strong female leads and dramatic storytelling.

It seemed like a breakthrough moment — a chance to anchor a major television series and reach a broader audience. However, the opportunity was short-lived. CBS soon replaced her with Sharon Gless, while her co-star, Tyne Daly, stayed on as Mary Beth Lacey.

No official explanation was provided at first, but the change sparked speculation both within the industry and among viewers. Friends close to her described her reaction as deeply painful. She reportedly told them it felt as though she had been “hit by a truck” and chose not to speak publicly about the matter at first.

Instead, she believed it was better to stay silent and let her actions speak for her. In Hollywood, silence can lead to rumors, and without a clear reason for her departure, whispers began circulating. Some assumed she had been difficult on set, labeling her a potential problem.

“Until the news spread, she was an in-demand actress,” one report noted. “But there was no official announcement of why she was fired, so some people jumped to some pretty wild conclusions.” As those who didn’t know the facts continued to speculate, she found that job offers began to dwindle.

Later, the network addressed the decision, saying they wanted to make a change to “give the show a better balance.” Following this clarification, she began receiving offers again and soon landed a role in the TV movie “Desperate Intruder,” co-starring Nick Mancuso and Claude Akins.