High-powered NBC exec reveals what she really thinks about Meghan Markle

Andrew Court
·3 min read
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A high-powered TV executive is speaking out about her experiences with Meghan Markle in the mid-2010s.

Bonnie Hammer, who has been dubbed the “Queen of Cable,” currently serves as Vice Chairman at NBCUniversal.

The conglomerate owns USA Network, which ran the legal drama, “Suits,” in which Markle appeared from 2011- 2018.

Hammer, 74, first came face-to-face with Duchess of Sussex, now 42, more than a decade ago and vividly remembers her interactions with the ambitious actress.

“Meghan was incredible,” Hammer told the Daily Mail on Saturday, saying she stood out for being extremely hard working and inquisitive.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are pictured prior to their wedding in 2018. AFP/Getty Images
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are pictured prior to their wedding in 2018. AFP/Getty Images
Bonnie Hammer, who has been dubbed the “Queen of Cable,” currently serves as Vice Chairman at NBCUniversal. Getty Images
Bonnie Hammer, who has been dubbed the “Queen of Cable,” currently serves as Vice Chairman at NBCUniversal. Getty Images
Markle appeared on “Suits” for seven years from 2011- 2018. She played paralegal Rachel Zane. Frank Ockenfels/USA Network
Markle appeared on “Suits” for seven years from 2011- 2018. She played paralegal Rachel Zane. Frank Ockenfels/USA Network

“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?'” the media power player proclaimed.

She said Markle started in a minor role on “Suits,” before becoming a key star after impressing everyone on set with her hard work.

“She was one of the more junior people on the show, and she grew into part of the ensemble because she worked her butt off,” Hammer cooed. “She tried hard, asked questions, and had a can-do attitude.”

The media maven continued to sing Markle’s praises, saying: “She was very strong, and she was amazing on the show, and again did she absorb what I said.”

“I think she absorbed 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.”

Hammer said Markle started in more of a minor role on “Suits,” before becoming a key star after impressing everyone on set with her hard work. Penske Media via Getty Images
Hammer said Markle started in more of a minor role on “Suits,” before becoming a key star after impressing everyone on set with her hard work. Penske Media via Getty Images

Hammer went on to become a “mentor” to Markle, and the pair have previously been pictured together on the red carpet.

It’s unclear whether the two are still in frequent contact.

Markle quit acting shortly before marrying Prince Harry in 2018.

The former thespian, who also appeared as a briefcase girl on “Deal or No Deal,” is now trying her hand at business, with the impending launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

The former thespian, who also appeared as a briefcase girl on “Deal or No Deal,” is now turning her hand to business, with the impending launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. AFP via Getty Images
The former thespian, who also appeared as a briefcase girl on “Deal or No Deal,” is now turning her hand to business, with the impending launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. AFP via Getty Images

Additionally, the Northwestern grad is preparing return to the world of podcasting, after signing a deal with Lemonada Media.

The Duchess’s previous podcast, Archetypes, was not renewed after her partnership with Spotify fell apart.