Born on May 10, 1948, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Meg Foster grew up in Rowayton, Connecticut, as one of five children to parents David and Nancy.
She pursued her passion for acting at New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse, which set the foundation for her career in film and television.
Foster’s acting debut was in 1969 on an episode of “NET Playhouse,” marking the beginning of a series of roles throughout the 1970s.
She made guest appearances on several prominent TV shows, including “Barnaby Jones” (1973), “The Six Million Dollar Man” (1974), and “Hawaii Five-O” (1968).
In 1979, she portrayed Hester Prynne in the miniseries “The Scarlet Letter,” a role that showcased her talent in playing complex characters.
However, it wasn’t until 1982 that Foster gained significant recognition. She temporarily took over for Loretta Swit as Christine Cagney on the popular TV series “Cagney & Lacey.”
Although later replaced by Sharon Gless due to the network’s preference for a more traditionally feminine actress for the role, this part underscored Foster’s ability to handle leading roles.
During the late 1980s, Foster’s film career expanded. She starred in “Masters of the Universe” (1987) as the villainous Evil-Lyn and appeared in the satirical sci-fi movie “They Live” (1988).
She continued with roles in “Stepfather II: Make Room for Daddy” (1989) and the comedic martial arts film “Blind Fury” (1989), which also featured Terry O’Quinn.
Throughout the 1990s, Foster was particularly active in the sci-fi genre, both in film and on television. She made guest appearances on popular shows such as “Quantum Leap” (1989), “ER” (1994), “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993), “Murder, She Wrote” (1984), and “Sliders” (1995).
Meg Foster’s career is marked by a rich variety of roles across both television and film, demonstrating her versatility and enduring appeal as an actress.
Life Beyond the movies
In a candid interview, she opened up about her personal life, revealing that she was once married to actor Stephen McHattie.
The pair settled in a quiet suburban area of Los Angeles, where they raised their young son, Christopher. Far from the hustle of the entertainment world, their daily life was grounded in simplicity and family traditions.
Evenings were devoted to home-cooked meals and relaxed routines. “I cook by throwing things together,” she explained, sharing her informal approach to preparing dinner. “I cook every night and just taste as I go along.”
Their home in Topanga Canyon offered a peaceful retreat, complete with a garden where they once grew strawberries. However, plans for gardening took a backseat following a particularly rainy season.
“Since the heavy rains this year, we’ve been too busy trying to save our trees to plant a garden,” she noted, reflecting on the challenges nature had brought to their quiet life.
Though she never chased fame for its own sake, Foster’s career stands as a testament to integrity, resilience, and a distinctive style all her own.
For both longtime admirers and new fans, her name continues to evoke unforgettable performances, iconic moments, and the lasting influence of a woman who always stayed true to herself.
