Meg Foster, the American actress known for her piercing pale blue eyes and her role in John Carpenter’s They Live, has built a five-decade career in film and television. Born May 10, 1948 in Reading, Pennsylvania, Foster has appeared in everything from The Scarlet Letter to The Lords of Salem. But questions about her eyes, her personal life, and her net worth continue to follow her.
From her first credited role in 1969 on NET Playhouse to later appearances in The Originals and Pretty Little Liars, Foster has remained a recognizable face in popular culture. Yet the curiosity surrounding her distinctive features often overshadows her extensive body of work.
This article separates verified facts from speculation. It covers what is actually known about her eye color, her most famous roles, her marriage to actor Stephen McHattie, her estimated net worth, and where to find images of her younger years.
What Is Meg Foster’s Eye Condition? (And Are Her Eyes Natural?)
No reliable evidence in the available sources indicates that Meg Foster has a diagnosed eye disease or medical condition. Her eyes are naturally a striking pale blue. Mademoiselle magazine once called them “the eyes of 1979.” Foster herself said she did not think her eyes were especially distinctive.
Some producers reportedly asked her to wear contact lenses because they found her natural eye color distracting. That fact alone confirms that her eye color is real — not the result of contacts or a medical condition.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | May 10, 1948 (age 76) |
| Birthplace | Reading, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Eye Color | Natural blue (no known condition) |
| Most Famous Role | Holly Thompson in They Live (1988) |
- Meg Foster’s striking blue eyes are completely natural; she has no rare genetic condition, though many fans speculate otherwise.
- She is best known for her role in John Carpenter’s They Live, but has an extensive career in film and television spanning over five decades.
- Her marriage to actor Stephen McHattie ended in divorce; she has stayed largely private about her personal life since.
- Despite her cult status, Foster’s net worth is modest compared to Hollywood stars, as she primarily worked in character roles and independent films.
- Early career photos reveal a classic 1970s beauty, often typecast as hippies or intense leads due to her eyes and voice.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Margaret Foster |
| Date of Birth | May 10, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Reading, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1969–present |
| Famous For | They Live (1988), The Lords of Salem (2012), TV’s Cagney & Lacey (pilot) |
| Eye Color | Blue (natural) |
| Spouse | Stephen McHattie (1975–1980) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–$3 million |
The Truth About Meg Foster’s Blue Eyes
Her eyes are described as crystal or pale blue and have been a major part of her public image since the beginning of her career. The biographical sources state explicitly that producers sometimes made her wear contacts because they considered her natural eyes distracting. There is no documented medical condition behind the color.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Fan speculation online often suggests that Foster may have heterochromia, Waardenburg syndrome, or that she wears colored contact lenses. None of those claims are supported by the available evidence. The sources confirm that she was told to wear contacts to tone down her eyes, not to enhance them.
Medical Perspective – Is There a Condition?
None of the sources establish a diagnosed medical eye condition. The fascination appears to stem from the unusual intensity of her natural eye color rather than any underlying health issue.
What Are Meg Foster’s Most Famous Movies and TV Shows?
Foster’s first credited role came in 1969 on NET Playhouse. In the 1970s she guest-starred on several television series. Her filmography includes a mix of cult classics, horror films, and network television dramas.
They Live (1988) – The Role That Made Her a Cult Icon
In John Carpenter’s They Live, Foster played Holly Thompson, a television station employee who helps the protagonist uncover an alien conspiracy. The film became a cult classic and remains her most recognized role.
Other Notable Film Roles
She played Hester Prynne in the 1979 television miniseries The Scarlet Letter. In 1987 she appeared as Evil-Lyn in Masters of the Universe. Additional film credits include Leviathan (1989), The Lords of Salem (2012), and 31 (2016). She also played the female lead in The Beastmaster (1982).
Television Appearances
Foster originated the role of Christine Cagney in the pilot of Cagney & Lacey. Later television work includes guest roles on The Originals, Pretty Little Liars, Ravenswood, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Murder, She Wrote, Hawaii Five-O, and The Six Million Dollar Man.
For newcomers, the most accessible entry points are They Live for its cult status and The Scarlet Letter for a dramatic performance. Her role as Evil-Lyn in Masters of the Universe also attracts a dedicated fan base. All three are available on major streaming platforms and home video.
Who Is Meg Foster Married To? (Husband and Personal Life)
Foster has kept much of her personal life out of the public eye. What is documented comes from biographical databases and interviews given around the time of her most active career years.
Marriage to Stephen McHattie (1975–1980)
She was married to Canadian actor Stephen McHattie. Sources indicate the marriage ended in divorce before 2013. McHattie is best known for his roles in 007: Quantum of Solace, 300, and various television series.
Current Relationship Status
Whether Foster has been in a long-term relationship since her divorce is not publicly known. She maintains a low profile outside of professional appearances. IMDb also notes a relationship with Ron Starr, with whom she had a son named Christopher.
Family Background and Early Life
Foster grew up in Rowayton, Connecticut after being born in Pennsylvania. She studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater in New York City. Her early training in stage performance laid the foundation for a career that would span five decades.
What Is Meg Foster’s Net Worth?
No official disclosure of Foster’s net worth exists. The only figure found in available sources is an alleged net worth of $1 million to $1.5 million, which appears to be an estimate from a secondary entertainment article rather than a verified public filing.
Estimated Net Worth and Income Sources
Estimates from third-party celebrity net worth sites range from $1 million to $3 million. These figures are based on career longevity, television residuals, and occasional film work. No property records or financial disclosures have been made public.
Comparison with Other Character Actors
Compared to mainstream Hollywood stars, Foster’s estimated net worth is modest. This aligns with her career profile: frequent character roles, independent films, and guest television appearances rather than major studio leading parts.
Recent Projects and Earnings
Foster continues to take occasional acting work. Her most recent major role was in Rob Zombie’s 31 (2016). She also made appearances in The Originals and Pretty Little Liars in the 2010s. These later credits contribute to ongoing residual income but are not believed to represent significant earnings.
All reported net worth figures for Meg Foster come from unofficial third-party sources. No public tax filings, financial disclosures, or verified statements from her representatives exist. The numbers should be treated as broad estimates rather than confirmed amounts.
Unlike many of her peers from the 1980s, Foster never transitioned into high-budget franchise films. Her steady stream of character roles, cult films, and TV guest spots provided consistent income but not blockbuster paydays. This explains why her estimated net worth remains in the low millions rather than higher figures.
Where Can I Find Photos of a Young Meg Foster?
The available sources do not provide a dedicated image gallery or dated early-life photo archive. However, there are reliable ways to see her appearance at different stages of her career.
Early Career Images (1960s–1970s)
The strongest source-backed route is to look at her early screen roles, especially NET Playhouse (1969) and The Scarlet Letter (1979). These productions correspond to her younger adult years and show her natural appearance before her eyes became a topic of public fascination.
The 1980s – They Live Era
Her most photographed period is the late 1980s, when They Live and Masters of the Universe were released. Promotional stills from both films are widely available through databases such as IMDb and Wikipedia.
Fan Galleries and Official Sources
Her official Facebook page occasionally posts rare photographs. Internet Movie Database also maintains a photo gallery. Those are the most reliable public sources for visual documentation of her career.
Meg Foster Career Timeline
- 1948: Born in Reading, Pennsylvania.
- 1969: First TV appearance on NET Playhouse.
- 1970s: Regular roles in TV series like The Six Million Dollar Man and Hawaii Five-O.
- 1979: Starred in the TV miniseries The Scarlet Letter as Hester Prynne.
- 1982: Played the leading role in The Beastmaster.
- 1988: Played Holly Thompson in John Carpenter’s They Live.
- 1990s: Guest roles on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Murder, She Wrote.
- 2012: Appeared in Rob Zombie’s The Lords of Salem.
- 2020s: Continues occasional acting work; maintains a low public profile.
Clarifying Certainty vs. Uncertainty
| Topic | Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes and alleged condition | Meg Foster’s blue eyes are natural; no evidence of heterochromia, albinism, or any medical condition. She has stated in interviews that they are simply her natural eye color. | The exact genetic reason for their vividness. Some have suggested Waardenburg syndrome, but this is not confirmed by any medical source. |
| Husband and relationship status | She was married to actor Stephen McHattie from 1975 to 1980. | Whether she has been in a long-term relationship since then. She keeps her personal life private. |
| Net worth | No official disclosure exists. | All figures are estimates from third-party sites. The reported range is $1–$3 million based on career longevity and property records. |
Why Meg Foster’s Eyes Became an Internet Obsession
Meg Foster’s exceptionally blue eyes have been a talking point for decades. In the early internet era, speculation arose that she might have a condition like heterochromia or Waardenburg syndrome. No credible medical evidence supports this.
The fascination stems from her roles in cult films like They Live, where her intense gaze added to her character’s mysteriousness. Understanding the difference between fan theories and facts is important for anyone researching her appearance.
Her eye color also influenced her casting. Directors often placed her in roles that required an intense or otherworldly presence — from the alien-confronter Holly Thompson to the witchy Margaret Morgan in The Lords of Salem. Her appearance became a tool in her performances.
Quotes and Authoritative Sources
The most comprehensive biographical data on Meg Foster comes from Wikipedia, which covers her early life, career, filmography, and marriage details. IMDb provides a complete filmography, trivia, and audience reviews. Rotten Tomatoes offers movie scores and critical consensus.
Additional biographical context is available through Tuko, which summarizes her net worth, eye color, and relationship history. IMDb’s biography page provides further career milestones and personal details.
“Her very striking pale blue eyes were called ‘the eyes of 1979’ by Mademoiselle.”
— Wikipedia entry for Meg Foster
Her official Facebook page serves as the primary channel for updates from the actress herself, though posts are infrequent.
What’s Next for Meg Foster?
As of 2025, Meg Foster is semi-retired but occasionally appears in independent films or at conventions. There are no confirmed upcoming projects at this time, but her cult status keeps her relevant in horror and science fiction communities. For similar stories about Hollywood careers that spanned decades, read about Debbie Reynolds – A Hollywood Icon’s Life, Movies and Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meg Foster
Is Meg Foster still acting?
She appears infrequently. Her last major role was in 2012’s The Lords of Salem. She may take small roles or appear at fan events.
Does Meg Foster have children?
Yes. She has one son, Christopher, with Ron Starr.
Why are Meg Foster’s eyes so blue?
It is her natural eye color. No medical condition has been confirmed. The extraordinary hue is due to genetics.
What is Meg Foster’s most famous TV role?
She played Hester Prynne in the 1979 miniseries The Scarlet Letter and originated Christine Cagney on Cagney & Lacey.
Is Meg Foster on social media?
She has an official Facebook page (actormegfoster) and an Instagram account (megkayf), though the latter may not be actively managed by her.
Was Meg Foster in Star Trek?
Yes. She appeared in an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine during the 1990s.
Did Meg Foster wear contact lenses in They Live?
No. Her natural eye color was used. In fact, some producers had asked her to wear contacts to tone down her eyes for other roles.
What is Meg Foster’s real name?
Her full name is Margaret Foster.
Does Meg Foster attend conventions?
Occasionally. She appears at horror and sci-fi conventions, particularly those focused on John Carpenter’s films and cult classics.
Freddie Harrison is Senior Reporter at TradeWireUK.uk, covering breaking business, money and general news stories across the UK.