When beloved television star Markie Post passed away in August 2021 after a private four-year battle with cancer, she left behind a decades-long legacy on iconic shows like Night Court and The Fall Guy. Behind her enduring presence on screen was a rock-solid personal foundation. Her husband of nearly four decades, writer and producer Michael A. Ross, remained her steadfast partner through the dizzying heights of Hollywood fame and the quiet, grueling trials of illness.
Their marriage, which began in February 1982, stands out in the entertainment industry for its longevity and mutual support. While public fascination often centers on Hollywood romances that burn out fast, Post and Ross built a quiet partnership defined by shared creative ambitions, family life, and mutual respect. This article examines Michael A. Ross's background, their decades together, and the family they raised.
Who Is Michael A. Ross?
Before he became known primarily as Markie Post's husband, Michael A. Ross carved out his own path in the entertainment industry. He initially entered the film and television sphere as an actor during the mid-1970s. Throughout the late seventies and into the eighties, Ross appeared in various television roles, gaining a firsthand understanding of the unpredictable nature of show business.
As his career evolved, Ross transitioned behind the camera. He shifted his creative energy toward writing and producing, working in television production where his industry knowledge helped him navigate the demanding schedules that both he and Post faced. Unlike couples where both partners fiercely compete for the spotlight, their professional backgrounds complemented one another. Ross understood the grueling hours of television production, which provided a unique layer of empathy and patience within their household.
A Timeline of Their Marriage and Family
Markie Post and Michael A. Ross married on February 7, 1982. For Post, it was her second marriage, following a brief union in her early twenties to college actor Stephen Knox that ended quickly. With Ross, however, she found a lasting match.
The couple welcomed two daughters into their lives: Kate Armstrong Ross and Daisy Schoenborn. Raising a family while both parents maintained active careers in the entertainment sector required careful balancing. Post famously continued to work heavy television schedules—starring as public defender Christine Sullivan on Night Court throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s—while maintaining a stable home environment with Ross for their daughters.
Their daughters pursued their own paths away from relentless tabloid spotlights. Kate Armstrong Ross focused on theatrical work and performance, building an artistic career rooted in New York after graduating from prestigious institutions like Kenyon College and the British American Drama Academy. Daisy Schoenborn embraced family life, raising children of her own. Throughout their daughters' upbringing, Ross and Post maintained a united front, shielding their family from unnecessary public scrutiny.
Navigating Challenges Behind the Scenes
Long-term Hollywood marriages face distinct pressures, from erratic work hours to the constant gaze of the public eye. Post and Ross managed to keep their private life grounded by prioritizing mutual respect over celebrity fanfare.
When Post was diagnosed with cancer, the couple chose to face the diagnosis privately. For four years, Post continued working on projects—including recurring roles on television—while undergoing treatments, with Ross by her side. When she passed away at age 70 in August 2021, tributes from co-stars highlighted not just her immense comedic talent on Night Court, but the warmth and stability she brought to every room she entered. Ross's quiet strength during those final years reflected the deep commitment they made to each other back in 1982.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Markie Post and Michael A. Ross get married?
They married on February 7, 1982, and remained together until Post's passing in August 2021.
What is Michael A. Ross's profession?
Ross worked as an actor in the 1970s before transitioning into a career as a television writer and producer.
How many children do Markie Post and Michael A. Ross have?
They share two daughters, Kate Armstrong Ross and Daisy Schoenborn.
Was Markie Post married before Michael A. Ross?
Yes, Post was previously married to actor Stephen Knox from 1971 to 1972 before meeting Ross.
