Thomas_Markle

Thomas Markle

Thomas Markle

American lighting director and father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Thomas Wayne Markle (born July 18, 1944) is an American retired television lighting director and director of photography. He received a Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award for work on the television program Made in Chicago in 1975 and was a co-recipient of two Daytime Emmy Awards for work on the television soap opera General Hospital in 1982 and 2011. His youngest child is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Quick Facts Born, Occupation(s) ...

Early life

Thomas Wayne Markle Sr. was born on July 18, 1944, and raised in Newport, Pennsylvania, the son of Doris May Rita (née Sanders; 1920–2011) and Gordon Arnold Markle (1918–1979).[2] His mother's family was from New Hampshire.[3] The Markle (formerly spelled Merckel) family on his father's side claims ethnic German 18th-century origins from the Alsatian town of Lampertsloch, Hanau-Lichtenberg, now part of Bas-Rhin, France. He has two brothers, Michael (1939–2021) and Frederick (also known as Dismas F. Markle; born 1942).[4][5] He was raised in an Anglican Christian denomination.[6]

Among Markle's distant ancestors are his paternal great-great-grandmother, New Hampshire landowner Mary Hussey Smith (died 1908), who was a descendant of Christopher Hussey.[7] He also descends from Sir Philip Wentworth and Mary Clifford, a daughter of John Clifford, 7th Baron Clifford and Lady Elizabeth Percy, a descendant of Edward III.[8][9]

Career

Markle worked as a lighting director at WTTW-TV Channel 11 in the 1970s.[10] He worked on the television series General Hospital and Married... with Children.[11][12][13] He also oversaw the lighting for the 1984 Summer Olympics.[14]

Awards

In 1975, he received a Chicago / Midwest Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement for Individual Excellence: Non Performers for his lighting design work on WTTW-TV Channel 11's Made in Chicago program.[15]

In 1982, Markle was one of the 14 named co-recipients of a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Design Excellence for a Daytime Drama Series for work on General Hospital,[16] and in 2011, he shared a Daytime Emmy Award with Vincent Steib for Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Direction for a Drama Series for work on General Hospital.[17] He was also nominated (with various co-nominees) for Daytime Emmy Awards for work on General Hospital on seven other occasions.[16]

Markle was nominated, along with two other co-nominees, for a Primetime Emmy Award in 1986 for Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic) for a Miniseries or a Special for the lighting design for the 58th Academy Awards.[16][18]

Personal life

Markle married student and secretary Roslyn Loveless in 1964; they had met the year before at a campus party at the University of Chicago.[1] They had two children, Yvonne Marie Markle (who later changed her name to Samantha) in 1964 and Thomas Wayne Markle Jr. in 1966, before divorcing in 1975.[1]

He married Doria Ragland at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple of Paramahansa Yogananda in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on December 23, 1979, officiated by Brother Bhaktananda.[19] Their daughter, Rachel Meghan Markle (known by her middle name), who later became the Duchess of Sussex, was born on August 4, 1981. The couple split when their daughter was two years old. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1987.[20][21] Both parents contributed to raising Meghan and, at the age of nine, she started living full-time with her father as Ragland pursued a career.[22] He paid for Meghan's private education from preschool at Hollywood Little Red Schoolhouse to Northwestern University as well as living expenses.[23] In addition to his regular job, Markle spent time helping with lighting for plays and musicals at Immaculate Heart High School, which Meghan attended.[24]

In 2016, Markle filed for bankruptcy for a second time over a debt of $30,000.[23] He lives in Rosarito, Mexico.[25]

In May 2018, Markle underwent a heart surgery days before his daughter Meghan's wedding to Prince Harry.[26] In May 2022, he was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.[26]

In media

In 2018, Markle was the subject of considerable media speculation as to whether he would attend his daughter Meghan's wedding to Prince Harry, at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom. He did not attend as he was recovering from heart surgery after being discharged from the hospital two days before the wedding.[21][27] He later claimed that he was never sent a formal invitation.[28]

In May 2018, a few days before the wedding, Markle became a subject of controversy after it was revealed that he had staged photographs for a paparazzi photographer in return for money.[29] His elder daughter, Samantha, later claimed that it was her idea, and that her father's motivation was not financial but "to show the world that [he's] getting in shape and doing great healthy things."[30] Markle admitted that he initially had lied to Harry about the staged photos and later regretted his decision.[31][32][33] Later it was claimed that the photographer who took the pictures previously worked for Meghan and had been hired by her after she moved back to the United States.[34] In November 2021, Markle sued the photo agency Coleman-Rayner in Los Angeles County Superior Court and sought $1 million in damages, alleging that the staged paparazzi photos were published without his approval and he was not given his 30% share of sales from images in accordance with their initial contract.[35] In September 2022, a judge issued a restraining order instructing Markle to keep away from Jeff Rayner for the next two years as Rayner claimed that Markle had threatened to kill him in his statements published in Tom Bower's book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors.[36] The case against the photo agency was dismissed in January 2023.[36]

In June 2018, he appeared on Good Morning Britain in which he discussed his personal relationship with Meghan and his son-in-law.[37][38][39] In another interview with The Mail on Sunday in July 2018, Markle said that his daughter "[would] be nothing without me. I made her the Duchess she is today."[40] His continual paid interviews with the press reportedly damaged his relationship with his daughter, with whom he indicated he had not been in contact since the royal wedding.[41][42]

In February 2019, he published excerpts of a letter sent to him by his daughter shortly after her wedding in direct response to a People article involving five of Meghan's friends referencing the letter and negatively commenting on his character,[43] in which she stated that he had broken her heart "into a million pieces" with his actions. Markle described the letter as a "a dagger to the heart" rather than an "olive branch".[44][45]

In January 2020, it was revealed that The Mail on Sunday could possibly use evidence provided by Markle against his own daughter in an ongoing legal battle between the paper and the Duchess. The Daily Mail also named him as a potential witness who could testify against Meghan in court.[46] In the same month, he said in an interview that Meghan is "tossing away every young girl's dream of becoming a princess, for money", and that she and Harry are "destroying and cheapening" the royal institution, and that they are "lost souls".[47] He also stated that he does not expect to see Meghan ever again but still hopes for reconciliation one day.[48]

In July 2021, Markle stated that he would be petitioning California courts for rights to see his grandchildren Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.[49]

In 2022, Markle began publishing videos on the YouTube channel Remarkable Friendship together with photographer Karl Larsen although he claims to have severed their relationship after recording their last video.[26][50][51]

In 2023, he along with his son and elder daughter took part in a special 7NEWS Spotlight interview, called The Markles.[52]

References

  1. [1]
    Morton, Andrew (April 17, 2018). Meghan: A Hollywood Princess. Grand Central Publishing. ISBN 978-1538747353.
  2. [2]
    Herman, Cindy O. (December 3, 2017). "Prince Harry's fiancée Meghan Markle has ties to Shamokin". The Daily Item. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
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    Halliday, Gillian (July 16, 2018). "Meghan Markle's cousins could be walking streets of Belfast". Belfast Telegraph.
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    "Harry Reportedly Flew Back to California Following News of Meghan's Uncle's Death". MSN. Archived from the original on August 1, 2021.
  5. [5]
    "Royal wedding 2018: Who is Meghan Markle?". BBC News. May 18, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  6. [6]
    Witherden, Grace (July 6, 2019). "Thomas Markle says he wishes he had been invited to grandson Archie's christening". Mirror.
  7. [7]
    Reslen, Eileen (November 20, 2017). "Prince Harry Relative Reportedly Executed Meghan Markle's Ancestor". Town and Country Magazine, 21 November 2017. Retrieved May 23, 2018. It's incredible that Meghan's great-great-great maternal grandfather was a slave and the other great-great-great paternal grandmother was a New Hampshire landowner – Mary Hussey Smith (died 1908) – who had royal blood,' Reed said.
  8. [8]
    Roberts, Gary Boyd. "The Royal Ancestry of Meghan Markle". New England Historic Genealogical Society. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2017. The Rev. William Skipper's ancestors Sir Philip Wentworth (died 1464) and Mary Clifford are ancestors also, in various lines, of both H.M. the late Queen Mother (and thus H.M. the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and Prince Harry) and of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
  9. [9]
    Roberts, Gary Boyd (November 30, 2017). "The Shared Ancestry of (Rachel) Meghan Markle and Prince Harry" (PDF). American Ancestors. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 7, 2017.
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    Esposito, Stefano (November 27, 2017). "Meghan Markle: From NU to aspiring actor to future British royal". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
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    Ginell, Richard S. (February 6, 1995). "Married … with Children the Best O' Bundy; Get the Dodge Out of Hell". Variety. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
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    Duncan, Amy (January 11, 2018). "Who are Meghan Markle's parents – dad Thomas Markle and mum Doria Ragland?". Metro. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
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    Williams, Janice (May 16, 2018). "Everything to know about Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's dad". Newsweek. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
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    Alexander, Harriet; Lockhart, Keely (May 8, 2019). "Meghan Markle's family: from her diplomat uncle to cannabis-growing nephew, who will meet the royal baby boy?". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved December 10, 2022.
  15. [15]
    "1974–1975 Chicago/Midwest Emmy Winners" (PDF). Chicago Emmy Online. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  16. [16]
    "Thomas W. Markle – Awards". IMDb. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  17. [17]
    "The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announces winners for the 38th Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards Nominations". National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. June 17, 2011. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  18. [18]
    "Tom Markle – Awards & Nominations". Emmy Award. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  19. [19]
    Chhabra, Shivani (May 25, 2018). "Did you know Meghan Markle's parents got married at an Indian temple?". India Today. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
  20. [20]
    Jones, Richard (May 17, 2018). "Thomas Markle Snr: How Meghan Markle's reclusive father helped propel her into the spotlight". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on May 17, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  21. [21]
    Foster, Max; Dewan, Angela (May 17, 2018). "Meghan Markle's father Thomas won't be at royal wedding". CNN. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  22. [22]
    Ross, Martha (November 1, 2022). "Meghan Markle omits dad from new origin story about mom 'juggling' to raise her". The Mercury News. Retrieved December 13, 2022. From around the age of 9 and until Meghan left for college, she lived "full-time" with her father, a lighting designer for "General Hospital," "Married With Children" and other shows, according to Vanity Fair and the book, "Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors" by author Tom Bower.
  23. [23]
    Bower, Tom (2022). Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors. London: Blink Publishing. ISBN 978-1788705035.
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    Dugan Ramirez, Christina (May 16, 2018). "Meghan Markle's Former Teacher Describes Her Dad as a 'Kind, Loving Man' Amid Royal Wedding Drama". People. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  25. [25]
    Dibble, Sandra (April 1, 2018v). "Meghan Markle's father lives in a quiet Baja town; but the British paparazzi have come knocking". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 5, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  26. [26]
    "Thomas Markle, Duchess of Sussex's father, rushed to hospital after stroke". Sky News. May 24, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  27. [27]
    Gold, Tanya (May 15, 2018). "Opinion – Advice for Thomas Markle, Father of the Bride". The New York Times. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  28. [28]
    Brunker, Alicia (August 12, 2018). "Thomas Markle Claims Meghan Never Sent Him an Invitation to the Royal Wedding". InStyle. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  29. [29]
    Durand, Carolyn; Kindelan, Katie (May 14, 2018). "Meghan Markle's dad accused of staging photos for paparazzi". ABC News. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  30. [30]
    Pearl, Diana (May 14, 2018). "Meghan Markle's Half-Sister Admits She Arranged for Their Dad to Pose for Staged Photos". People. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  31. [31]
    Earl, Jenifer (May 20, 2018). "Meghan Markle's family drama pre-royal wedding, from staged paparazzi pics to Prince Harry's shocking letter". Fox News. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
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    Durand, Carolyn; Kindelan, Katie (August 13, 2018). "Meghan Markle's dad claims he lied to Prince Harry, hung up on him". ABC News. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
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    Petit, Stephanie (August 13, 2018). "Thomas Markle Admits He Lied to Prince Harry About Staged Paparazzi Photos". People. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  34. [34]
    "Meghan Markle's photographer stirs debate". Geo TV. March 6, 2022. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  35. [35]
    Trepany, Charles (November 4, 2021). "Duchess Meghan's dad Thomas Markle sues agency behind his staged paparazzi photos for $1M". USA Today. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  36. [36]
    "Meghan Markle's Father Loses 'Staged Photoshoot' Lawsuit Against Paparazzi Owner". The Blast. January 5, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2023 – via Yahoo! News.
  37. [37]
    "Royal wedding 2018: Meghan's dad reveals tears over big day". BBC. June 18, 2018. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  38. [38]
    Clarke, Hilary (June 18, 2018). "Meghan 'cried' about her father missing wedding, Thomas Markle says". CNN. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  39. [39]
    Weaver, Hilary (June 18, 2018). "Thomas Markle Is Back and Putting Prince Harry in an Awkward Political Position". Vanity Fair. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  40. [40]
    Ledbetter, Carly (July 30, 2018). "Thomas Markle Attacks Meghan Markle, Royal Family In Brutal Interview". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  41. [41]
    "Thomas Markle fears he won't see royal daughter Meghan again: Sun". Reuters. August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  42. [42]
    Bailey, Alyssa (August 2, 2018). "Meghan Markle's Friend Says Reconciling With Dad Thomas Is 'Completely Off the Table'". Elle. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  43. [43]
    Tauber, Michelle (February 6, 2019). "The Truth About Meghan Markle's Dad — and the Letter She Wrote Him After the Wedding". People. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
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    Harrison, Lily (February 10, 2019). "Meghan Markle's Father Shares Heartbreaking Letter Allegedly Sent From the Duchess". E! News. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
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    Hodge, Mark (February 11, 2019). "'If you love me, as you tell the press you do, please stop': Meghan's tragic letter to dad". news.com.au. Retrieved February 11, 2019.
  46. [46]
    Austin, Henry; Fievet, Jean-Nicholas (January 15, 2020). "Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, could testify against her in U.K. suit". NBC News. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  47. [47]
    "Thomas Markle: Meghan and Harry 'cheapening' royals". BBC.
  48. [48]
    Wells, Andy (January 22, 2020). "Thomas Markle says Meghan and Harry won't see him again 'until he's lowered into the ground'". Yahoo News UK. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  49. [49]
    Nolasco, Stephanie (July 22, 2021). "Meghan Markle's estranged father Thomas reveals moment she discovered stardom: 'Daddy, I want to be famous'". Fox News. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  50. [50]
    "Remarkable Friendship". YouTube. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  51. [51]
    Friel, Mikhaila (June 16, 2022). "Thomas Markle's former YouTube partner Karl Larsen says he had to edit out 'inappropriate' things Meghan's dad said about the royals". Insider. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  52. [52]
    "Markles will reunite to deal a final blow to Harry and Meghan before coronation". Geo News. April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
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