Acting Debut and Early Career

Sarah Chalke made her television debut in 1992 with the TV movie City Boy. She gained significant attention in 1993 for her role as Becky Conner-Healy on ABC’s hit sitcom Roseanne. Originally played by Lecy Goranson, the role was recast with Chalke when Goranson left the show to attend college. Chalke played Becky for two seasons, and when Goranson returned, the two alternated in the role throughout the series’ run. Chalke stepped back into the role full-time in Season 9 after Goranson’s final departure.

Breakthrough with Scrubs

After Roseanne, Chalke starred in the Canadian series Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy, although the show aired only nine episodes. Her major breakthrough came a few years later when she was cast as Dr. Elliot Reid in NBC’s popular medical comedy Scrubs, co-starring Zach Braff. Running from 2001 to 2010, Scrubs brought Chalke widespread recognition and established her as a mainstay of American television.

Television Films and Guest Appearances

In 2006, Chalke starred in the Lifetime television film Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy. Based on the memoir by Geralyn Lucas, the film portrayed Lucas’ experience dealing with breast cancer, and Chalke received praise for her sensitive performance.

Work in Film and Continued Television Success

While known primarily for her television roles, Chalke also appeared in several made-for-TV movies and independent films. She had supporting roles in feature films such as Ernest Goes to School (1994) and Cake (2005). In 2007, she appeared alongside Diane Keaton and Jon Heder in the comedy film Mama’s Boy.

Chalke continued her success on television with starring roles in comedy series such as Mad Love and recurring appearances on Cougar Town. She also guest-starred in several episodes of the acclaimed sitcom How I Met Your Mother.