She Was Known for This One Thing, Yet She Disappeared from Screens – What Happened?

Before landing her first screen role, she spent years performing in classic stage productions. At the peak of her success, a sudden dismissal from a high-profile role disrupted her career. When she later returned to the spotlight, it revealed just how much — and how little — had changed.

She emerged 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 reasons were tied to both 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.

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
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.

Amid the controversy, one thing remained undeniable. Her striking appearance, especially her intensely blue eyes, had captivated audiences from the start. Mademoiselle magazine even dubbed them "the eyes of '79," a nickname that would follow her throughout her career.

Some producers even felt her eyes were a "distraction," insisting she wear contact lenses to tone down their brightness. But she viewed them differently. "I'm not aware that my eyes are so distinctive," she once said. "I don't look at my eyes, I see through them."

Though the setbacks she faced in television were significant, she managed to find new footing in the film industry. Her unique presence and intense performances found a new place — and a new following.

Film Roles and Career Reinvention

Following her departure from "Cagney & Lacey," she shifted her focus toward film, where her distinctive screen presence resonated with a new audience. In 1987, she took on one of her most memorable roles as Evil-Lyn in "Masters of the Universe," a fantasy action film that developed a cult following over the years.

Her portrayal of the powerful villainess stood out, further cementing her ability to take on commanding and intense characters. She continued this momentum with a role in the 1988 satirical science fiction film "They Live," which remains one of her most recognized performances.

In the film, she played Holly, a mysterious character who added depth to the storyline's commentary on consumerism and control. Her work during this time showcased her range, moving effortlessly between genres. In 1989, she appeared in two more films: the horror sequel "Stepfather II: Make Room for Daddy" and the action-comedy "Blind Fury," both of which also featured actor Terry O'Quinn.

These roles allowed her to maintain a consistent presence in Hollywood during the late 1980s, even as she continued to navigate the challenges brought on by her earlier career setback. Throughout the 1990s, she remained active on television, guest-starring in popular series such as "Quantum Leap," "ER," "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Sliders."

Her performances were consistently well-received, and she was known for bringing intensity and depth to every role she played. Yet while her career was regaining traction, her personal life reflected a much different pace — one rooted in simplicity, family, and a conscious effort to stay grounded.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

In a past interview, she revealed that she was previously married to actor Stephen McHattie, and the couple lived in suburban Los Angeles with their son, Christopher. Life at home was far removed from the industry's demands, with evenings centered around family meals and simple routines.

"I cook — by throwing things together. I cook every night. I taste as I go along," she shared, describing her daily routine. Their home in Topanga Canyon featured a garden where they once grew their own strawberries. "Since the heavy rains this year, we've been too busy trying to save our trees to plant a garden," she said.