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The Unmistakable Eyes Of Meg Foster: The 'Condition' That Defined—And Challenged—Her Career

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For decades, actress Meg Foster has captivated audiences with her intense performances, but it is her startlingly pale, hyper-blue eyes that have become her most defining and debated feature. As of December 2025, the curiosity surrounding the *nature* of her eyes remains high, with many fans wondering if the striking color is the result of a medical condition or simply a unique genetic trait. The truth is that her eyes are entirely natural, an unusual and intense shade that has been described as pale blue, gray, or even monochromatic, giving her an almost iris-less appearance that has both launched and complicated her career in Hollywood. This distinctive physical trait, which earned her the famous nickname "the eyes of 1979" from *Mademoiselle* magazine, was so powerful that some producers found it too distracting for the camera, forcing her to make difficult career choices. Far from being a traditional "condition," her eye color is a potent example of how a singular, natural feature can become a central narrative in an actor's professional life, leading to both iconic roles and controversial replacements.

Meg Foster: Biography and Career Profile

Margaret "Meg" Foster is an American film and television actress known for her intense gaze and distinctive voice. Her career spans over five decades, marked by a versatility that has seen her move effortlessly between television dramas, cult classics, and modern horror films.

  • Full Name: Margaret Foster
  • Date of Birth: May 10, 1948
  • Age: 77 (as of December 2025)
  • Birthplace: Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Notable Early Roles: Hester Prynne in the 1979 TV miniseries The Scarlet Letter, and as Detective Chris Cagney in the pilot episode of Cagney and Lacey.
  • Iconic Film Role: Evil-Lyn in the 1987 film Masters of the Universe, opposite Dolph Lundgren.
  • Recent Work: Her career remains active, including the 2022 movie The Accursed (as Ms. Ambrose), and the 2024 animated series Masters of the Universe: Revolution (as Motherboard).
  • Defining Feature: Her striking, pale blue/gray eyes.

The Truth Behind Meg Foster’s Hyper-Blue Eyes

The intense scrutiny over Meg Foster's eyes is purely due to their startling and unusual color. They are not the result of a prop or a medical affliction, but are a natural, extremely pale shade of blue or gray that often photographs as a vivid, almost unnatural color.

This unique shade has been described as "hyper-blue" or "monochromatic," where the iris appears to blend seamlessly with the whites of her eyes, creating a piercing, almost alien gaze. This effect is amplified by the contrast with her darker hair and often dramatic on-screen makeup, making her eyes seem even more pronounced and unforgettable.

While there has been some public speculation that her eye color might be linked to a rare genetic condition, such as Waardenburg syndrome, which can cause piercing blue eyes and pigmentation variations, this remains an unconfirmed rumor from online discussions. Foster herself has never publicly stated that her eyes are the result of any medical condition, preferring to focus on the professional impact of her distinctive look.

The Career Challenge: When Striking Eyes Became 'Distracting'

In a twist of irony, the very feature that made Meg Foster instantly recognizable and earned her the title "the eyes of 1979" also became a significant hurdle in her career. Several producers and directors in the 1970s and 80s felt her intense gaze was too distracting for the audience, believing it pulled focus away from her co-stars and the narrative of the scene.

This professional judgment led to an unusual demand: Foster was sometimes required to wear colored contact lenses to "dull" the effect of her natural eye color. This practice was an attempt to make her look more conventional for mainstream television and film roles.

The most famous instance of this controversy involved the hit television series Cagney and Lacey. Meg Foster was originally cast as Detective Chris Cagney in the pilot episode. However, the network ultimately decided to replace her with Loretta Swit, and then later with Sharon Gless, for the series run. Foster has openly discussed her belief that her powerful, aggressive-looking eyes were a key reason for her replacement, as the network executives sought a less intense, softer lead for the show.

From Distraction to Defining Asset: Foster's Iconic Roles

Despite the early career setbacks caused by her unique eyes, Meg Foster ultimately leveraged the intensity of her gaze to secure roles that perfectly suited her enigmatic look. Her ability to convey deep emotion and mystery with just a glance made her a favorite in science fiction, horror, and thriller genres.

Her portrayal of the villain Evil-Lyn in the 1987 adaptation of Masters of the Universe is perhaps her most iconic role where her eyes were used to full effect, giving the sorceress a truly chilling and otherworldly appearance. This role cemented her status as a cult film icon.

Other notable performances where her intense presence shined include:

  • Blind Fury (1989) as Lynn Devereaux, showcasing her dramatic range.
  • Leviathan (1989) as Ms. Martin, a sci-fi/horror entity.
  • The Osterman Weekend (1983), an espionage thriller directed by Sam Peckinpah.
  • Jeepers Creepers 3 (2017) as Gaylen Brandon, demonstrating her enduring presence in the horror genre.
  • Guest appearances on classic TV shows like Miami Vice, Murder, She Wrote, and ER, where her distinctive look always left an impression.

In recent years, Meg Foster's unique aesthetic has been celebrated, not hidden. Her return to the Masters of the Universe franchise in the 2024 Netflix series Masters of the Universe: Revolution as the villain Motherboard proves her striking features are now recognized as a potent, valued asset in the modern media landscape. Her career trajectory is a testament to embracing a unique natural trait, transforming what was once considered a professional liability into a signature, unforgettable element of her star power.

meg foster eye condition
meg foster eye condition

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