Just In: Meghan Markle Looks Almost Unrecognizable in Throwback Photos From Her Nickelodeon Days…..See More

Before Meghan Markle became a global figure as the Duchess of Sussex, she was a driven young woman who had her first moment in the spotlight at just 12 years old. Throwback pictures of Markle during her first-ever television appearance on Nickelodeon in 1993 show a shocking transformation. The pictures feature Markle with jet black, natural, curly hair.

Markle appeared on Nick News after taking a stand against a sexist commercial for Ivory Dishwashing Liquid. The ad’s tagline, “Women are fighting greasy pots and pans,” didn’t sit well with the pre-teen. Encouraged by a school assignment, she penned a letter to Procter & Gamble, urging them to change the wording to include ‘people’. Surprisingly, her efforts didn’t go in vain as the commercial was revamped— a feat that landed her a spot on the popular Nickelodeon program, as reported by The List.

Linda Ellerbee, the host of Nick News, reflected on Markle’s determination in an interview years later. Ellerbee exclaimed, “She believed in women, she believed in her own power, and she wasn’t afraid to reach out and say I want my power, I want my rights.” This same drive and confidence extended to Markle’s time in Hollywood when she appeared in roles on shows like CSI: NY, Deal or No Deal, and the popular legal drama Suits and gained widespread recognition.