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Entertainment • Actor

Sarah Rafferty

Sarah Rafferty is an American actress known for playing Donna Paulsen on the USA Network legal drama *Suits*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sarah Rafferty is an American actress best known for portraying Donna Paulsen on the USA Network legal drama *Suits*. Born in New Canaan, Connecticut, and raised in Greenwich, she has also appeared in series including *Chicago Med*, *Grey's Anatomy*, and *My Life with the Walter Boys*.

Early life and education

Sarah Rafferty was born in New Canaan, Connecticut, and raised in nearby Greenwich. She graduated from Hamilton College and later earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama.

Acting career

Rafferty began appearing in television roles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her breakout role came with *Suits*, where she played Donna Paulsen across most of the series' run.

Later television work

After *Suits*, Rafferty continued working in television with roles in series such as *Grey's Anatomy*, *Chicago Med*, and *My Life with the Walter Boys*.

Key facts

  • Best known for portraying Donna Paulsen on *Suits*.
  • Also portrayed Katherine Walter in *My Life with the Walter Boys*.
  • Appeared in recurring or guest roles on television series including *Chicago Med* and *Grey's Anatomy*.
  • Born in New Canaan, Connecticut, and raised in nearby Greenwich, according to sources.
  • Graduated from Hamilton College and later earned an MFA from the Yale School of Drama.
  • Married to Santtu Seppälä in 2001 and has two children.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sarah Rafferty?
Sarah Rafferty is an American actress best known for playing Donna Paulsen on *Suits*.
When was Sarah Rafferty born?
She was born on December 6, 1972.
What is Sarah Rafferty best known for?
She is best known for her role as Donna Paulsen in *Suits*.
What other shows has Sarah Rafferty appeared in?
She has appeared in *Grey's Anatomy*, *Chicago Med*, and *My Life with the Walter Boys*, among others.
Is Sarah Rafferty married?
Yes. She married Santtu Seppälä in 2001.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Rafferty
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, and major acting credits including *Suits* and *My Life with the Walter Boys*.
  2. USA Network — https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/who-is-sarah-rafferty-donna-actress-suits
    Supports: Biography details including birthplace, education, *Suits* role, and later television work.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1423048/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, spouse, children, and selected acting credits.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/sarah_rafferty
    Supports: Education background and early career details.