You know that feeling when an actor just owns a specific archetype so hard that you can’t imagine anyone else in the role? That’s basically Sarah Rafferty. For nine years, she was the heartbeat of Pearson Hardman, playing a character so iconic she basically became a noun. "I'm Donna." If you know, you know.
But honestly, looking at Sarah Rafferty movies and TV shows reveals a career that’s way more than just sharp-witted legal banter and killer stilettos. She’s been around. Like, really around. From guest spots on every procedurals known to man to her recent stint as a grieving matriarch on Netflix, Rafferty has built a filmography that proves she’s one of the most reliable dramatic anchors in the business.
The Donna Paulsen Era: More Than Just an Assistant
Let’s be real. Most people found her through Suits.
It’s impossible to talk about her career without starting there. Donna Paulsen wasn't just a legal secretary; she was the moral compass of the entire show. She had this weird, almost psychic ability to know exactly what Harvey Specter was thinking before he even thought it.
The chemistry between Rafferty and Gabriel Macht wasn't an accident, either. They’ve actually been best friends since 1993, having met at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. That "Can-Openers" ritual? That level of comfort? It’s 100% genuine.
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During the show's massive resurgence on Netflix in 2023—where it broke every streaming record in the book—a whole new generation discovered why Donna was the G.O.A.T. Whether she was getting promoted to COO (a move that sparked a lot of debate among fans) or finally, finally getting with Harvey, Rafferty played it with a mix of vulnerability and "don't mess with me" energy that few can pull off.
Beyond the Firm: Her Recent TV Dominance
After Suits wrapped in 2019, everyone wondered where she’d land. She didn't stay quiet for long.
Chicago Med (2021–2022)
She jumped into the One Chicago universe as Dr. Pamela Blake, a high-stakes transplant surgeon. It was a complete pivot from the legal world. As Dr. Blake, she was fierce, demanding, and eventually, tragic. Her character's exit in Season 8—after a stroke left her unable to operate—was a gut-punch for fans who were just starting to love her dynamic with Crockett Marcel.
My Life with the Walter Boys (2023–Present)
This is where things got really interesting. In this Netflix hit, she plays Dr. Katherine Walter. It’s a totally different vibe: warm, maternal, and grounded. She’s managing a household of ten kids while taking in a grieving teenager.
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If you’ve watched it, you know she brings that same "Donna" sharpness to the role, but it’s softened by a veterinarian’s empathy. Season 2 just dropped in late 2025, and there's already buzz about Season 3. People are obsessed with her style in this show, too—think cozy-chic instead of the high-fashion corporate armor she wore in New York.
The Grey’s Anatomy Guest Spot
Remember Suzanne? Back in 2020, Rafferty had a three-episode arc on Grey’s Anatomy. She played a patient with a mysterious illness that stumped even Meredith Grey. It was a short run, but it reminded everyone that she can do "vulnerable and scared" just as well as she does "confident and in charge."
The "Oh, She Was in That?" Movie List
While she’s definitely a TV queen, Rafferty has popped up in some pretty unexpected places on the big screen.
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006): No, she wasn't the lead, but keep your eyes peeled. She has a small role as a redhead named Liz. It’s a "blink and you’ll miss it" moment, but it’s a fun piece of trivia.
- Falling for Grace (2006): This is a charming indie rom-com where she plays Sydney. It’s actually quite good if you can find it on streaming.
- Browse (2020): If you like psychological thrillers, this is her most recent lead film role. It’s dark, paranoid, and way different from her usual polished persona.
The Grind: 15 Years of Guest Roles
Before she was famous, Sarah Rafferty was basically the MVP of guest appearances. If you go back and rewatch shows from the early 2000s, you’ll see her everywhere.
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She was on Law & Order: Criminal Intent. She popped up in Six Feet Under. She even had a guest spot on Charmed as a character named Carol. My personal favorite deep cut? Bones. She played a character named Katie Selnick in a 2009 episode titled "The Foot in the Foreclosure."
It’s easy to forget that she spent over a decade as a working actress before Suits made her a household name. She actually studied at the Yale School of Drama and Oxford, so the craft is something she takes incredibly seriously. You can see that training in the way she handles dialogue; she has this rhythmic way of speaking that makes even the most "TV" lines sound natural.
Why She’s Still Trending in 2026
Aside from the Walter Boys success, Rafferty has leaned into the "Suits" nostalgia in a way that feels authentic rather than desperate. She recently launched a podcast called Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast with her former co-star Patrick J. Adams (who played Mike Ross).
They’re rewatching the whole series and giving behind-the-scenes tea that fans have been dying for. It’s currently one of the top-rated TV rewatch podcasts because their chemistry is still just as electric as it was in the pilot.
What to Watch Next
If you're a fan and want to see her range, here’s your roadmap:
- For the Wit: Obviously Suits. Start at the beginning.
- For the Heart: My Life with the Walter Boys. It’s comfort food TV.
- For the Drama: Her Chicago Med arc in Season 7.
- For the Trivia: Find her scene in The Devil Wears Prada.
The best way to keep up with her current projects is to follow her on Instagram, where she’s surprisingly active and often shares updates on Season 3 of The Walter Boys. If you're looking for more behind-the-scenes stories, definitely queue up the Sidebar podcast—it’s the closest we’re getting to a reunion for now.