Before Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex, she was already building a name for herself in Hollywood. Long before her royal marriage to Prince Harry, she was married to film producer Trevor Engelson. Though their marriage ended years ago, their story offers an insightful glimpse into two driven individuals whose professional lives eventually took them in different directions.
Trevor Engelson: Early Life and Career
Trevor Engelson, born on October 23, 1976, in Great Neck, New York, began his journey in the film industry shortly after graduating from the University of Southern California’s School of Communications. He started as a production assistant before establishing himself as a producer in Los Angeles.
Over the years, Engelson worked on several notable film and television projects. Among them were Remember Me (2010), starring Robert Pattinson, and License to Wed (2007), featuring Robin Williams and Mandy Moore. He also contributed to television projects, including serving as executive producer for the FX series Snowfall, which concluded its sixth and final season in 2023.
Through his company, Underground Management, based in Beverly Hills, Engelson represents screenwriters, directors, and actors, playing an influential role in shaping contemporary film and television content.
Meghan Markle’s Early Career
Around the same time, Meghan Markle was also building her own path in entertainment. After completing her degree in International Studies and Theatre from Northwestern University, she began auditioning for television roles. She appeared in several series, including CSI: NY, Fringe, and later earned recurring roles that showcased her versatility as an actress.
Her early visibility came as a model on the game show Deal or No Deal. Although a brief role, it helped her gain industry exposure.
Her big break came in 2011 when she was cast as Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits, filmed in Toronto, Canada. The show became an international success and ran for nine seasons, establishing Meghan as a recognizable name in television.
How Meghan Markle and Trevor Engelson Met
According to The Sun and Grazia, Meghan and Trevor met in 2004 and dated for nearly seven years before marrying in September 2011. Their wedding took place in Jamaica at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios and was attended by close friends and family.
The event reportedly reflected the couple’s relaxed, joyful personalities — combining beachside gatherings, games, and celebrations. However, the timing of their marriage coincided with a major turning point in Meghan’s career. Just months after their wedding, she began filming Suits in Toronto, which required her to spend much of her time in Canada while Trevor’s work remained primarily in Los Angeles.
The Challenges of Distance
As both Meghan and Trevor’s careers advanced, distance became a significant factor. The demands of their respective professions required constant travel and time apart. While Meghan’s work on Suits kept her in Toronto for long stretches, Engelson’s commitments as a producer tied him to California.
In Andrew Morton’s biography Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, the author notes that the couple’s demanding schedules and geographical separation placed a natural strain on their marriage. Despite efforts to stay connected through visits and calls, the distance eventually took its toll.
By 2013, after nearly two years of living apart, Meghan Markle and Trevor Engelson filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
After the Divorce
Following their separation, both Meghan and Trevor continued to build successful careers. Meghan remained with Suits until 2018 and used her platform to advocate for gender equality and humanitarian causes, later becoming a global ambassador for World Vision.
Trevor Engelson continued to grow his production company and expand his role in Hollywood. In later years, he developed new projects in both film and television, earning a reputation for his strong business acumen and behind-the-scenes influence in the entertainment world.
Finding Love Again
Several years after their separation, both Meghan and Trevor remarried. Meghan Markle met Prince Harry in 2016, and the two married at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in May 2018. Together, they have two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Trevor Engelson found happiness with Tracey Kurland, a nutritionist and the daughter of the late financial executive Stanley Kurland. The couple married in May 2019 in California. They have since welcomed two daughters and maintain a private family life away from the public eye.
According to public financial records cited by The Daily Mail and People, Kurland inherited part of her family’s estate following her father’s passing, contributing to the couple’s reported wealth. Engelson continues to work in film and television while managing his production company in Los Angeles.
The Lives They Lead Today
Today, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reside in Montecito, California, where they focus on media, philanthropy, and advocacy work through their nonprofit organization, Archewell. Their projects include documentaries, podcasts, and community initiatives centered on mental health, environmental sustainability, and social impact.
Meanwhile, Trevor Engelson’s life remains more private, but his professional presence in Hollywood continues to thrive. His company represents a range of creative talent and remains involved in producing television series and feature films.
Both Meghan and Trevor’s journeys demonstrate the importance of resilience and personal growth. Despite their marriage ending over a decade ago, both have found new beginnings, professional fulfillment, and family happiness in their respective paths.
Reflections on Their Journeys
Looking back, Meghan Markle’s first marriage is often mentioned as an early chapter in her larger life story — one that shaped her independence, discipline, and approach to public life. Similarly, Trevor Engelson’s professional achievements highlight a career built on perseverance and adaptability in a competitive industry.
While public interest often revisits their shared history, neither Meghan nor Trevor has publicly spoken in detail about their relationship or its end. Both have chosen to move forward, focusing on family, career, and the opportunities that followed.
Their stories, though separate, underline a common message: personal reinvention and success are not defined by the past but by the ability to keep growing, learning, and contributing meaningfully to the world.