Best known for her razor-sharp wit and impeccable style as Donna Paulsen on the hit legal drama Suits, Sarah Rafferty's real-life story is one of both profound personal loss and incredible professional success. The American actress, who became a household name thanks to the show's stratospheric success on Netflix, has recently shared the heartbreaking story of her father's passing.
Rafferty's father, a distinguished lawyer and the initial inspiration for her career in law, sadly passed away in 2002 after a battle with cancer. The actress has spoken movingly about the immense impact this loss had on her, a grief that was unfolding just as her acting career was beginning to gain traction.
From Yale to the Yellow Furnace: The Making of a Star
Long before she was navigating the high-stakes world of Pearson Specter Litt, Rafferty was a dedicated student. She honed her craft at the prestigious Yale School of Drama after completing her undergraduate studies at the Ivy League's Brown University. This formidable training ground prepared her for a career that would eventually see her become one of television's most beloved legal secretaries.
Her big break came in 2011 when she was cast in Suits. For nine seasons, she portrayed the fiercely loyal and brilliantly intuitive Donna Paulsen, whose will-they-won't-they relationship with Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) kept fans glued to their screens.
The Unbreakable Bond with Meghan Markle
Off-screen, Rafferty formed a tight-knit bond with her co-stars, including the Duchess of Sussex herself, Meghan Markle. Rafferty has often spoken fondly of their time together on set in Toronto, describing their friendship as a source of great joy and support.
She has been nothing but supportive of Markle's journey from actress to royal, though she admits the cast's group chat is significantly less active now that their filming days are over. The enduring popularity of Suits on streaming platforms has, however, brought a nostalgic wave of messages from fans and reconnected the cast in a shared celebration of the show's second life.
Life After Suits: Family and Future Projects
Away from the glare of the spotlight, Rafferty's world revolves around her family. She is married to Santtu Seppälä, a Finnish-born investment executive, and together they are raising their two daughters. The family splits their time between their homes in Los Angeles and New York, a far cry from the fictional skyscrapers of Manhattan.
While Donna Paulsen might have hung up her legal pad, Sarah Rafferty continues to act. She has appeared in shows like Grey's Anatomy, Chicago Med, and Orphan Black, proving her talent extends far beyond the Pearson Specter halls. Her journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the enduring power of a great character that captured the world's imagination.
