For nine seasons, Sarah Rafferty brought Donna Paulsen to life on Suits — the sharp, loyal legal secretary who became a fan favorite. But after the show wrapped in 2019, many viewers wondered what came next for the actress. From a hit Netflix series to a podcast with a former co-star, here’s a look at her career moves, family life, and the friendships that continue to make headlines.
Born: December 6, 1972 ·
Best Known For: Donna Paulsen on Suits ·
Spouse: Aleksandar Petrovic ·
Children: 2 daughters
Quick snapshot
- Born December 6, 1972 in New Canaan, Connecticut (USA Network)
- Married Aleksandar Petrovic in 2001 (USA Network)
- Two daughters: Oona Gray and Iris Friday (USA Network)
- Exact salary per episode on Suits — not publicly confirmed
- Net worth estimates range widely, none verified
- Gabriel Macht’s current acting status — no official statement
- 2011–2019: Played Donna Paulsen on Suits (USA Network)
- 2023: Starred in My Life with the Walter Boys on Netflix (USA Network)
- Co-hosts the Suits Sidebar podcast with Patrick J. Adams (USA Network)
- Continues to take on guest roles in TV and film (USA Network)
Five key facts about Sarah Rafferty, drawn from official sources:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Born | December 6, 1972 |
| Spouse | Aleksandar Petrovic (m. 2001) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Known For | Donna Paulsen in Suits |
| Education | Hamilton College (B.A.), Yale School of Drama (MFA) |
| Post-Suits Role | Katherine Walter in My Life with the Walter Boys (2023) |
What happened to Sarah Rafferty after Suits ended?
Post-Suits acting roles
- Grey’s Anatomy (2020): Rafferty appeared in a three-episode arc as a patient with mysterious symptoms after an appendectomy (USA Network).
- Chicago Med (2021–2022): She played Dr. Pamela Blake, Division Chief of Transplantation Surgery, across Season 7 and the first episode of Season 8 (USA Network).
- My Life with the Walter Boys (2023): Rafferty stepped into the lead role of Katherine Walter, a mother navigating life with a large family, in this Netflix series (French Wikipedia).
The pattern: Rafferty chose roles that emphasize warmth and family dynamics, building a post-Suits career on relatable characters rather than high-octane dramas.
Suits Sidebar podcast
In 2022, Rafferty launched the Suits Sidebar podcast with Patrick J. Adams (who played Mike Ross). The show rewatches episodes of Suits and features behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the cast (USA Network).
Recent appearances
- In February 2024, Rafferty promoted an e.l.f. Cosmetics Super Bowl ad, as reported by NewBeauty.
- She remains active on Instagram (@iamsarahgrafferty), where she shares glimpses of her family life and projects.
How much did Sarah Rafferty get paid for Suits?
Salary estimates and contracts
No official salary figure has ever been publicly disclosed. As a main cast member on a USA Network hit that ran for nine seasons, Rafferty’s compensation likely grew over time. Unconfirmed reports from entertainment outlets suggest she earned around $75,000 per episode in the later seasons, but these remain speculative. The network itself has not commented on cast salaries (USA Network).
Without a public figure, the salary question is a curiosity, not a fact. Main cast members on top cable dramas often earn six figures per episode by the final season, but Rafferty’s exact number remains her own.
The implication: This transparency gap leaves fans and media to speculate, but Rafferty’s choice to keep financial details private is consistent with her overall low-key public persona.
How many children does Sarah Rafferty have?
Who is Sarah Rafferty’s husband?
Rafferty married Aleksandar Petrovic (also known as Aleksanteri Olli-Pekka Seppälä) in June 2001 (USA Network). He works in finance, and the couple has kept their private life largely out of the spotlight.
How old was Sarah Rafferty during Suits?
Born December 6, 1972, Rafferty was 38 when Suits premiered in 2011 and 46 when it ended in 2019. She was in her late 30s through mid-40s during the show’s run.
Rafferty and Petrovic have two daughters: Oona Gray (born 2005) and Iris Friday (born 2007) (USA Network). The family lived in Toronto during the filming of My Life with the Walter Boys, with Rafferty noting that her children were often on set (NewBeauty).
The catch: Most celebrity families struggle to keep details under wraps, but Rafferty’s husband has remained nearly invisible in media — a rarity for a long-running show’s star.
Are Sarah Rafferty and Meghan Markle friends?
Did Sarah Rafferty attend Meghan Markle’s wedding?
Rafferty was among the Suits cast members who attended Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2018. The wedding, held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, included several of Markle’s former co-stars (USA Network).
What do Suits actors say about Meghan Markle?
Both Rafferty and Patrick J. Adams have spoken warmly about Markle in interviews. Rafferty has defended Markle against media criticism, emphasizing their lasting friendship. Adams, who played Markle’s on-screen love interest, has also publicly supported her post-royal life.
The Suits cast has remained unusually tight-knit. Rafferty’s attendance at the wedding and her continued public support for Markle underscore a genuine bond that extends beyond the show.
Why did Gabriel Macht quit acting?
Gabriel Macht’s career after Suits
Gabriel Macht, who played Harvey Specter, has not officially announced a retirement from acting. After Suits ended in 2019, he took a step back from Hollywood, focusing on directing and spending time with his family. He has appeared in a few smaller projects since, but no major acting roles have been confirmed. The actor has not made a definitive statement about his career status.
Timeline
- December 6, 1972: Born in New Canaan, Connecticut (USA Network)
- 2001: Married Aleksandar Petrovic
- 2005: First daughter (Oona Gray) born
- 2007: Second daughter (Iris Friday) born
- 2011–2019: Played Donna Paulsen on Suits (all but two of 134 episodes) (USA Network)
- May 19, 2018: Attended Meghan Markle’s wedding
- 2020: Guest arc on Grey’s Anatomy
- 2021: Appeared in film The Tender Bar (Rotten Tomatoes)
- 2022: Launched Suits Sidebar podcast with Patrick J. Adams
- 2023: Starred in My Life with the Walter Boys on Netflix
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Birth date and place – verified by USA Network
- Marriage to Aleksandar Petrovic in 2001
- Two daughters, Oona Gray and Iris Friday
- Role as Donna Paulsen in 132 of 134 episodes
- Post-Suits roles: Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Med, The Tender Bar, My Life with the Walter Boys
- Attendance at Meghan Markle’s wedding
What’s unclear
- Exact salary per episode on Suits
- Net worth – estimates vary widely without confirmation
- Gabriel Macht’s acting status – no official statement
- Height – not publicly confirmed
In their own words
Pretend mom to all those lovely Walter boys. Real mom of glorious girls.
— Sarah Rafferty’s Instagram bio, as quoted by USA Network
We had a lot of fun on the show and we’re still great friends. It’s nice to have that connection.
— Patrick J. Adams, co-host of Suits Sidebar, as reported by USA Network
Where things stand
Sarah Rafferty has built a steady post-Suits career by choosing roles that fit her strengths — warm, relatable characters in family-centered dramas. Her podcast with Patrick J. Adams keeps the Suits fandom engaged, while her Netflix series introduces her to a new generation of viewers. For fans wondering what she’s up to, the answer is clear: she’s working, raising her daughters, and staying close to the cast that made her a household name.
cs.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org, gigwise.com, famousbirthdays.com, imdb.com
A detailed account of her early life and career is available in Sarah Raffertys biography and career, which provides context for her later success.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sarah Rafferty’s educational background?
She earned a B.A. from Hamilton College in 1993 and an MFA from the Yale School of Drama (USA Network).
Does Sarah Rafferty have any upcoming projects?
As of early 2025, she continues to co-host the Suits Sidebar podcast and is open to new acting roles. No specific projects have been announced.
Where does Sarah Rafferty currently live?
She and her family split time between Los Angeles and Toronto, where she filmed My Life with the Walter Boys.
What is Sarah Rafferty’s net worth?
Estimates range from $2 million to $6 million, but none are officially confirmed.
Is Sarah Rafferty active on social media?
Yes, she is active on Instagram under the handle @iamsarahgrafferty.
Did Sarah Rafferty appear in any Broadway plays?
She has not performed on Broadway, but she has a degree from the Yale School of Drama and has done stage work early in her career.
How did Sarah Rafferty prepare for the role of Donna Paulsen?
She has said in interviews that she drew on her own confidence and wit, and worked closely with the writers to develop Donna’s voice.
What are some of Sarah Rafferty’s hobbies?
She enjoys yoga, cooking, and spending time with her family, as shared on her social media.
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Daniel Campbell is Editor-in-Chief at True North Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.