Markie Post carved out a beloved place in television history through her sharp comedic timing on shows like Night Court and The Fall Guy. Away from studio lights and soundstages, her anchor remained a steady, long-lasting marriage and a close-knit family. While Hollywood marriages often fracture under the glare of public scrutiny, Post and her husband built a stable domestic life that spanned nearly four decades, anchoring two daughters and a supportive home environment.
Understanding her personal world requires looking past the television credits to examine the dynamics of her marriages, her roles as a mother, and the quiet resilience that defined her private years.
Early Roots and First Marriage
Born Marjorie Armstrong Post in Palo Alto, California, the future actress grew up in a intellectually stimulating household. Her father, Richard F. Post, was a prominent nuclear physicist, while her mother, Marylee Post, was a published poet. This balanced environment fostered both analytical discipline and creative expression.
Before finding lasting marital stability, Post experienced a brief early chapter in her romantic life. During her college years at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon, she met her first husband, Stephen Knox. The pair married in 1971. However, the union proved short-lived, ending in divorce shortly after in 1972. Rather than letting an early setback derail her trajectory, Post pivoted back to her education and the pursuit of a television career, working behind the scenes on game shows like Match Game before landing on-screen roles.
Marriage to Michael A. Ross
The defining personal relationship of Post's life began in the early 1980s. On February 7, 1982, she married actor, writer, and producer Michael A. Ross. Unlike many high-profile entertainment industry matches, their partnership endured for nearly forty years, lasting until Post's death in August 2021.
Ross worked across multiple facets of the entertainment industry, contributing to writing and production projects. This shared understanding of the unpredictable nature of show business helped shield their family life from external chaos. Friends and colleagues frequently noted how deeply devoted the couple remained to one another. Colleagues often remarked that Post spoke of her husband with an enduring affection that stood out in an industry known for temporary attachments.
Raising Daughters: Kate and Daisy
Together, Post and Ross raised two daughters: Kate Armstrong Ross and Daisy Schoenborn. Balancing a demanding network television schedule with motherhood required deliberate prioritization. While Post starred in grueling multi-camera sitcom cycles, she made conscious choices to keep her family grounded.
- Kate Armstrong Ross: Born in June 1987, Kate followed her mother's footsteps into the performing arts. She pursued acting and built a resume in independent film, earning recognition such as a Best Supporting Actress win at the Creation International Film Festival for her work in the indie project Frog.
- Daisy Schoenborn: Born in March 1990, Daisy chose a path outside the daily glare of the entertainment industry. She later welcomed a daughter of her own, making Post a grandmother shortly before the actress passed away.
Post often described motherhood as her most important role. Despite the heavy workload associated with hit series like Hearts Afire and Night Court, she ensured her daughters experienced a stable, supportive upbringing away from tabloid culture.
Private Resilience and Final Years
In late 2017, Post received a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer. True to her preference for privacy regarding her domestic life, she chose to undergo treatment quietly. For nearly four years, she managed her health battles while continuing to work selectively on television projects when health permitted.
Throughout this challenging period, Michael Ross and her daughters formed an impenetrable support system. When Post passed away on August 7, 2021, at the age of 70, her family released a statement emphasizing her lifelong commitment to kindness, authenticity, and love. Tributes from across the entertainment world, including heartfelt notes from actors like Hilarie Burton Morgan, highlighted how deeply Post's devotion to her husband and children had influenced those around her.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Markie Post married to?
Post was married twice. Her first marriage was to Stephen Knox from 1971 to 1972. Her second marriage was to actor and writer Michael A. Ross, whom she married in 1982 and remained with until her death in 2021.
How many children did Markie Post have?
She had two daughters with Michael A. Ross: Kate Armstrong Ross and Daisy Schoenborn.
Did Markie Post's children become actors?
Her daughter Kate Armstrong Ross pursued an acting career, appearing in independent film projects. Her daughter Daisy chose a path outside of the entertainment industry.
How long was Markie Post married to Michael A. Ross?
Their marriage lasted for 39 years, spanning from February 1982 until her passing in August 2021.
What was the cause of Markie Post's death?
She passed away from cancer (adenocarcinoma) on August 7, 2021, following a private four-year battle with the illness.
