The last couple of years have been eventful for Meghan Markle. In just the span of three years, she was catapulted from being a television actress to an international fashion icon married to a real-life prince.

It’s safe to say that the 39-year-old Duchess is living a fairytale-like life that many young girls can only dream of. Things weren’t always this great for Markle though.

Struggling Actress

Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock | Markle only landed small roles at the beginning of her acting stint

Like many women who aspired to become a successful actress, the mother of one struggled during the beginning of her career.

While most talents begin their career in their teens, Markle chose to prioritize getting an education first. She attended Northwestern University and graduated in 2003 with a double degree in international studies and theater.

She then took on numerous other jobs while she was pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles. Markle reportedly made ends meet as a calligrapher and a bookbinding teacher.

But with acting jobs only coming in trickles, she found herself with just $20 to her name.

Rough Start

Chris Jackson/Getty | Markle’s early career struggles were documented in the recently published book ‘Finding Freedom’

There was even a time in her life when she found herself too poor to even get her car fixed when the locks on it broke. According to the book, ‘Finding Freedom’, Markle remedied the situation by entering her car through the trunk for months.

She also ended up taking a role in the game show ‘Deal or No Deal’ where the young actress was cast as one of the program’s briefcase models. Clips of a twenty-something Markle carrying briefcase #24 can still be found online until today.

Successful Career

Ian Watson/USA Network | Markle in her role as Rachel Zane on ‘Suits’

Fortunately, Markle wasn’t one to give up so easily. After years of hard work, she finally landed her breakout role on the legal show ‘Suits’ in 2011.

She starred as paralegal Rachel Zane for seven seasons of the USA Network show. Her salary reportedly peaked at $50,000 per episode during her time on the show.

Markle was even able to make money on the side as she charged $10,000 for public appearances around this time. The actress reportedly had a $6 million net worth when she met her now-husband in 2017.

The Duchess eventually had to leave her spot on ‘Suits’ when she got engaged and then married to Prince Harry and took on a new role as a senior member of the British royal family.

Now, she’s embarked on a new journey with her husband and their one-year-old son Archie as they try to make it on their own back in the United States.