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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Diane Markoff
| name           = Diane Markoff
| image         = Diane_Markoff_1976.jpg
| image           = Diane_Markoff_1976.jpg
| caption       = Diane Markoff, promotional photo (circa 1976)
| caption         = Promotional photo of Diane Markoff (circa 1976)
| birth_name   = <!-- Unknown -->
| birth_name     = <!-- Unknown -->
| birth_date   = <!-- Unknown -->
| birth_date     = <!-- Unknown -->
| birth_place   = Southern California, United States
| birth_place     = Southern California, United States
| occupation   = Actress, Photographer, Stage/Location Manager
| nationality    = American
| years_active = 1973–2018
| occupation     = Actress · Photographer · Stage & Location Manager
| known_for     = ''Quincy, M.E.'', ''Cliffhangers'', ''Young Doctors in Love'', ''Death Wish II''
| years_active   = 1973–2018
| notable_works = Recurring waitress in ''Quincy, M.E.''; Princess Tara in ''Cliffhangers''; Emilia in ''Young Doctors in Love''
| known_for       = ''Quincy, M.E.'' · ''Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire'' · ''Young Doctors in Love'' · ''Death Wish II''
| notable_works   = Recurring waitress “Diane” on ''Quincy, M.E.''; Princess Tara in ''Cliffhangers''; Emilia in ''Young Doctors in Love''
| imdb            = nm0548585
}}
}}


'''Diane Markoff''' is an American actress and stage/location services professional, best known to television audiences for her recurring role as a waitress in ''Quincy, M.E.'' during the late 1970s and early 1980s. She later transitions into photography and stage/location management, working extensively as head of DC Stages in Los Angeles until its closure and demolition in the early 2020s. She remains equally remembered for her generosity in supporting police training teams, her devotion to wildlife, and her creative eye with a Nikon camera.
'''Diane Markoff''' is an American actress, photographer, and stage/location services professional, best known to television audiences for her recurring role as a waitress in ''Quincy, M.E.'' during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she also appeared in ''Buck Rogers in the 25th Century'', ''Cliffhangers'', ''Young Doctors in Love'', and ''Death Wish II'', before transitioning into photography and location-stage management. She later directed operations at DC Stages in Los Angeles, a creative complex featured in the *Los Angeles Times* for its innovative reuse of industrial warehouses for filming. Her life blends performance, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, particularly through her support of law-enforcement training and wildlife rescue.


== Early life and family ==
== Early life and family ==
[[File:Capistrano.webp|thumb|right|282x282px|Markoff (center) in a 1960 family photo at Mission San Juan Capistrano, which she later describes in her writing.]]Markoff grew up in Southern California, where her parents play a defining role in her outlook. She recalls how her father, who passed away young from heart complications, encouraged creativity and family togetherness. A family photo taken in 1960 at Mission San Juan Capistrano remains one of her most cherished memories and symbolizes the endurance of family bonds.<ref>{{cite news |last=Markoff |first=Diane |title=Recalling the past at Mission San Juan |work=Orange County Register |date=2013-04-18 |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2013/04/18/recalling-the-past-at-mission-san-juan/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref>   
[[File:Capistrano.webp|thumb|right|282x282px|Markoff (center) in a 1960 family photo at Mission San Juan Capistrano, which she later described in her writing.]]
Markoff grew up in Southern California. In a 2013 *Orange County Register* essay she reflected on a 1960 family visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano, calling the photograph from that day “a frame of time that explains who we were and what we carried forward.”<ref>{{cite news |last=Markoff |first=Diane |title=Recalling the Past at Mission San Juan |work=Orange County Register |date=2013-04-18 |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2013/04/18/recalling-the-past-at-mission-san-juan/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref>   


Her mother’s resilience leaves an equally strong impression. After undergoing major surgery, her mother draws strength from the daily ritual of “finding a reason to put her feet on the floor.” Markoff often recalls this advice, passed along by her friend Jack Klugman, as a guiding phrase that continues to carry meaning.
Her father, who died young from heart complications, encouraged artistic pursuits; her mother’s perseverance after major surgery inspired the daily mantra “find a reason to put your feet on the floor.” Markoff has credited actor Jack Klugman with repeating that phrase to her during the filming of ''Quincy, M.E.'', where it became a personal motto.


== Modeling career ==
== Modeling and early publicity ==
By 1973, Markoff entered local beauty contests. The *Independent Press-Telegram* reported her as a semifinalist in the Miss Long Beach competition (Apr 1 1973) and a participant in the “Beauties to Tour Queen” pageant (Apr 12 1973).<ref>{{cite news |title=Semifinalists chosen in Miss L.B. Contest |work=Independent Press-Telegram |date=1973-04-01 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/721051315/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Beauties to Tour Queen |work=Independent Press-Telegram |date=1973-04-12 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/721065544/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref>  
The *News-Pilot* (May 29 1974) noted her participation in a Catalina Island event.<ref>{{cite news |title=Catalina to host pageant |work=News-Pilot |date=1974-05-29 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/606128813/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref> 


By the early 1970s, Markoff also began entering local beauty contests and pageants, with newspapers in Long Beach noting her appearances.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pageant contestants named |work=Independent Press-Telegram |location=Long Beach, California |date=1973-07-14 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/605555321/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref>  she has also worked on add campaigns for swimwear, Bugle Boy, and more.  
These experiences led to commercial photo work—swimwear, Bugle Boy jeans, and print campaigns—introducing her to the Los Angeles casting world.


== Acting career ==
== Acting career ==
Markoff entered television at the height of late-1970s genre programming. She appeared on ''The Incredible Hulk'' (1978), ''The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries'' (1978), and ''Buck Rogers in the 25th Century'' (1979). She takes on the role of Princess Tara in the serial ''Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire'' (1979), a performance noted in contemporary previews.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cliffhangers TV Show Preview |work=The Sacramento Union |date=1979-04-22 |page=145 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1235018214/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref>   
[[File:Cliffhangers_SecretEmpirePoster.jpg|thumb|right|310x310px|Poster image for ''Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire'' (1979).]]
Markoff’s screen appearances coincide with the boom of late-1970s genre television:
* ''The Incredible Hulk'' (1978) – The Girl / Janet 
* ''The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries'' (1978) – guest role 
* ''Buck Rogers in the 25th Century'' (1979) – Female Pilot{{cite web |title=Buck Rogers episode cast list |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0533107/fullcredits/ |access-date=2025-09-29}} 
* ''Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire'' (1979) – Princess Tara, acknowledged in *The Sacramento Union* preview.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cliffhangers TV Show Preview |work=The Sacramento Union |date=1979-04-22 |page=145 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1235018214/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref>   


Her most enduring role comes with ''Quincy, M.E.''. From 1979 through 1983, she portrays Diane, the waitress who greets Jack Klugman’s Quincy and his colleagues. She becomes part of the show’s rhythm, adding everyday realism to the diner and hospital settings. Fans recall her as a steady, familiar presence across multiple seasons.<ref>{{cite web |title=Quincy, M.E. (Season 7 cast list) |website=CTVA |url=https://ctva.biz/US/Crime/QuincyME_07_(1982-83).htm |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref> 
Her longest engagement came with *Quincy, M.E.* (1979–1983), where she portrayed **Diane**, the recurring waitress at Danny’s restaurant. Her friendly interactions with Klugman’s Quincy added everyday realism. [[File:Quincy_ME_CastPhoto.webp|thumb|left|270x270px|Publicity still from ''Quincy, M.E.''; Markoff appears as the recurring waitress Diane.]]


Her film credits include the ensemble comedy ''Young Doctors in Love'' (1982), directed by Garry Marshall. Markoff fondly remembers working with Marshall, whose directing credits also include ''Happy Days'' and whose earlier collaborations with Jack Klugman on ''The Odd Couple'' created a unique sense of continuity for her career.   
Film roles followed:
 
* ''Young Doctors in Love'' (1982) – Emilia — ensemble comedy directed by Garry Marshall.   
She later appears in ''Death Wish II'' (1982), in which the American Film Institute catalogs her among the credited cast,<ref>{{cite web |title=Death Wish II Cast Listing |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/56641-DEATH-WISH-II |website=AFI Catalog |publisher=American Film Institute |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref> followed by roles in ''Alien Nation: Dark Horizon'' (1994) and ''The Final Wish'' (2018).  
* ''Death Wish II'' (1982) – Supporting role (listed in AFI Catalog).<ref>{{cite web |title=Death Wish II Cast Listing |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/56641-DEATH-WISH-II |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref>
 
* ''Harper Valley PTA'' (1982) – Pookey 
[[File:Quincy_ME_CastPhoto.webp|thumb|left|270x270px|Publicity still from ''Quincy, M.E.''; Markoff appears as the recurring waitress Diane.]] 
* ''Alien Nation: Dark Horizon'' (1994) – Communications Officer 
[[File:Cliffhangers_SecretEmpirePoster.jpg|thumb|right|310x310px|Poster image for ''Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire'' (1979).]] 
* ''The Final Wish'' (2018) – Librarian  
[[File:YoungDoctorsInLove_Poster.jpg|thumb|center|273x273px|Poster for ''Young Doctors in Love'' (1982), directed by Garry Marshall.]]


== Photography and behind-the-camera work ==
== Photography and behind-the-camera work ==
By the mid-1980s, Markoff transitions behind the camera. She embraces photography, developing a particular love for her Nikon camera. She often believes that she was good at using her Nikon to “see details others overlook” — capturing small, human moments on sets, nearby outdoors, or the quiet beauty of empty stages. 
Her photographs are not just professional records but also great expressions of her internal respect for detail. They document the changing Los Angeles film landscape, from the polished sets of ''Quincy'' to the raw industrial spaces that later became DC Stages - her decisions and place behind the filming showcase a modern female trendsetter ahead of her time - both indepant and sensible in approach. 
A Los Angeles Times article in 1989 profiles her as one of the busiest warehouse-location agents in the city.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dalton |first=Ron |title=Warehouse Agents: They Know Where to Shoot |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1989-11-16 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-11-16-ca-2048-story.html |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref> 
[[File:Diane&Peter2-circa2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Markoff using her Nikon at DC Stages, Los Angeles (1980s).]]
[[File:Diane&Peter2-circa2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Markoff using her Nikon at DC Stages, Los Angeles (1980s).]]
In the mid-1980s Markoff redirected her creative efforts toward still photography and production logistics. She became known for her Nikon-based documentary style—catching the unnoticed gestures of crew and cast—and for her capacity to convert forgotten industrial corners into usable film spaces. 


== DC Stages, community work, and legacy ==
A *Los Angeles Times* feature, “Hollywood Does Remake of Old Industrial Sites” (2 July 1989), profiled her among warehouse-location agents transforming the city’s landscape.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dalton |first=Ron |title=Hollywood Does Remake of Old Industrial Sites |work=Los Angeles Times |date=1989-07-02 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/405547799/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref>  [[File:DCStages_DroneTourStill.png|thumb|left|300px|Still from the DC Stages drone tour video (2020), featuring Markoff.]]
Markoff continues at DC Stages into the 2000s and 2010s, guiding productions through themed set rentals. Beyond commercial projects, she regularly donates studio space to local police departments for K-9 training. Police dogs and their handlers have made use of her sets for search-and-rescue drills, narcotics simulations, and tactical exercises.


She is known for her generosity in supporting law enforcement, volunteering her space for the benefit of officers and animals alike. Markoff also finds personal joy in feeding and caring for local wildlife around home and while at the DC Stages facilities with her dog, buddy, noting that these animals bring life and continuity to otherwise industrial settings.   
== DC Stages, community engagement, and legacy ==
Markoff managed **DC Stages** into the 2010s, overseeing themed set rentals used for both entertainment and training. 
[[File:Police_Training_DCStages.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Police K-9 team training at DC Stages with support from Markoff (circa 2000s).]]
She donated space to local police departments for K-9 training and tactical drills, reflecting her commitment to civic service.   


In a public drone tour video of DC Stages released in 2020, she appears at the outset as the camera sweeps through the facility.<ref>{{cite web |title=DC Stages Drone Tour |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io3YfjNw1MQ |website=YouTube |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref> By 2021, the site is demolished, marking the end of an era in Los Angeles warehouse-studio filming.   
Her compassion extended to animal care—feeding birds and rescue animals around DC Stages and her home, often accompanied by her dog Buddy.   


For Markoff, the demolition represents both closure and renewal. She frames it as an end of an era and a sad testment to the lack of vision that she remembers and espired to support in a pre-pandemic Los Angeles film history — studios rise, serve their time, and pass on, leaving behind the creativity they nurtured.   
A publicly released drone tour in 2020 opened with Markoff greeting viewers; by 2021, the complex had been demolished, closing a chapter of Los Angeles filming history. She described the loss as “an end and a renewal—the sets served their stories, and stories move on.”  


[[File:DCStages_DroneTourStill.png|thumb|left|300px|Still from the DC Stages drone tour video (2020), featuring Diane Markoff.]] 
== Later reflections and influence ==
[[File:Police_Training_DCStages.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Police K-9 team training at DC Stages, with support from Markoff (circa 2000s).]]
Markoff continues to be recognized in retrospectives on *Quincy, M.E.* and late-1970s television. The *Star-Ledger* (Aug 3 2008) included her among “supporting faces we remember.”<ref>{{cite news |title=Supporting faces we remember |work=The Star-Ledger |date=2008-08-03 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1121195557/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}</ref> 
Her career path—from pageants to television to location management—illustrates the fluidity of creative labor in Hollywood and the contributions of women behind the camera.


== Legacy ==
== Selected filmography ==
Markoff remains remembered by fans of ''Quincy, M.E.'' as “the waitress Diane,” the Incredible Hulk as two charactes and a sci-fi Glen Lawson role in ever familiar Buck Rogers, a steady and comforting presence. Her later contributions in production, photography, and community service expand her legacy beyond screen roles.
{| class="wikitable"
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes / Citation
|-
| 1978 || ''The Incredible Hulk'' (TV) || The Girl / Janet || Episode credit
|-
| 1979 || ''Buck Rogers in the 25th Century'' (TV) || Female Pilot || {{cite web |title=Buck Rogers cast |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0533107/fullcredits/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}
|-
| 1979 || ''Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire'' (TV) || Princess Tara || {{cite news |title=Cliffhangers TV Show Preview |work=The Sacramento Union |date=1979-04-22 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1235018214/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}
|-
| 1979–1983 || ''Quincy, M.E.'' (TV) || Diane (recurring waitress) || {{cite web |title=Quincy Season 7 cast |website=CTVA |url=https://ctva.biz/US/Crime/QuincyME_07_(1982-83).htm |access-date=2025-09-29}}
|-
| 1982 || ''Young Doctors in Love'' || Emilia || {{cite web |title=Young Doctors in Love cast |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084938/fullcredits/ |access-date=2025-09-29}}
|-
| 1982 || ''Death Wish II'' || Supporting role || {{cite web |title=Death Wish II Cast Listing |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/56641-DEATH-WISH-II |access-date=2025-09-29}}
|-
| 1994 || ''Alien Nation: Dark Horizon'' || Communications Officer || Television movie
|-
| 2018 || ''The Final Wish'' || Librarian || Independent film
|}


She emphasizes creativity, gratitude, and perseverance, often circling back to Jack Klugman’s encouragement to “find a reason to put your feet on the floor.” Her life and career — on camera, behind the lens, and in service to others — reflect this philosophy on a daily basis. 
== Photo placeholders for additional sourcing ==
 
* **Placeholder 1:** Diane Markoff on the set of ''Quincy, M.E.'' – caption suggested: “Markoff as the waitress Diane at Danny’s Restaurant (early 1980s).”  
[[File:Mission_San_Juan_Markoff.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Mission San Juan Capistrano, highlighted in Markoff’s 2013 essay and family history.]]
* **Placeholder 2:** Markoff behind the camera at DC Stages – caption suggested: “Photographing on location with her Nikon camera (1980s).”  
 
* **Placeholder 3:** Publicity still for ''Cliffhangers'' – caption suggested: “Diane Markoff as Princess Tara in NBC’s serial ''The Secret Empire'' (1979).”  
== Selected filmography ==
* ''The Incredible Hulk'' (1978) – The Girl / Janet 
* ''The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries'' (1978) – Guest role 
* ''Buck Rogers in the 25th Century'' (1979) – Female Pilot 
* ''Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire'' (1979) – Princess Tara 
* ''Quincy, M.E.'' (1979–1983) – Diane (recurring waitress)   
* ''Young Doctors in Love'' (1982) – Emilia  
* ''Death Wish II'' (1982) – Supporting role 
* ''Harper Valley PTA'' (1982) – Pookey 
* ''Alien Nation: Dark Horizon'' (1994) – Communications Officer 
* ''The Final Wish'' (2018) – Librarian  


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0548585/ Diane Markoff on IMDb]   
* [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0548585/ Diane Markoff on IMDb]   
* [https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/diane-markoff/ Diane Markoff at TV Guide]   
* [https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/diane-markoff/ Diane Markoff at TV Guide]   
* [https://ctva.biz/US/Crime/QuincyME_07_(1982-83).htm Classic TV Archive – Quincy, M.E. Season 7 Cast List]   
* [https://ctva.biz/US/Crime/QuincyME_07_(1982-83).htm Classic TV Archive – ''Quincy, M.E.'' Season 7]   
* [https://catalog.afi.com/Film/56641-DEATH-WISH-II AFI Catalog – ''Death Wish II'']   
* [https://catalog.afi.com/Film/56641-DEATH-WISH-II AFI Catalog – ''Death Wish II'']   
* [https://www.ocregister.com/2013/04/18/recalling-the-past-at-mission-san-juan/ OC Register essay: Recalling the Past at Mission San Juan]   
* [https://www.ocregister.com/2013/04/18/recalling-the-past-at-mission-san-juan/ OC Register essay]   
* [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-11-16-ca-2048-story.html LA Times feature on warehouse location agents (1989)]   
* [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-11-16-ca-2048-story.html LA Times feature (1989)]   
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io3YfjNw1MQ DC Stages Drone Tour (YouTube)]   
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io3YfjNw1MQ DC Stages Drone Tour (YouTube)]   


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="220" heights="220" mode="packed" caption="Selected photographs and posters from Diane Markoff's career">
<gallery widths="220" heights="220" mode="packed" caption="Selected photographs and posters from Diane Markoff’s career">
File:Diane_Markoff_1976.jpg|Promotional photo of Diane Markoff (1976).
File:Diane_Markoff_1976.jpg|Promotional photo of Diane Markoff (1976).
File:Diane_Markoff_FamilyPhoto1960.jpg|Family photo at Mission San Juan Capistrano (1960), later referenced in her 2013 essay.
File:Diane_Markoff_FamilyPhoto1960.jpg|Family photo at Mission San Juan Capistrano (1960), later referenced in her 2013 essay.
Line 93: Line 107:
File:YoungDoctorsInLove_Poster.jpg|Poster for ''Young Doctors in Love'' (1982), directed by Garry Marshall.
File:YoungDoctorsInLove_Poster.jpg|Poster for ''Young Doctors in Love'' (1982), directed by Garry Marshall.
File:Diane_Markoff_PhotographySet.jpg|Markoff photographing at DC Stages with her Nikon (1980s).
File:Diane_Markoff_PhotographySet.jpg|Markoff photographing at DC Stages with her Nikon (1980s).
File:Police_K9_Training_DCStages.jpg|Police K-9 training exercises hosted at DC Stages with Markoff's support (2000s).
File:Police_K9_Training_DCStages.jpg|Police K-9 training exercises hosted at DC Stages with Markoff’s support (2000s).
File:DCStages_DroneTourStill.jpg|Still from the 2020 drone tour of DC Stages, featuring Markoff at the opening.
File:DCStages_DroneTourStill.jpg|Still from the 2020 drone tour of DC Stages, featuring Markoff at the opening.
File:Mission_San_Juan_Markoff.jpg|Mission San Juan Capistrano, central to her family history and personal writing.
File:Mission_San_Juan_Markoff.jpg|Mission San Juan Capistrano, central to her family history and personal writing.
</gallery>
</gallery>


 
[[Category:American television actresses]]
[[index.php?title=Category:American television actresses]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[index.php?title=Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:20th-century American actresses]]
[[index.php?title=Category:20th-century American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[index.php?title=Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[Category:Stage managers]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Stage managers]]
[[Category:Women photographers]]
[[index.php?title=Category:Women photographers]]

Revision as of 12:08, 4 October 2025

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Diane Markoff is an American actress, photographer, and stage/location services professional, best known to television audiences for her recurring role as a waitress in Quincy, M.E. during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she also appeared in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Cliffhangers, Young Doctors in Love, and Death Wish II, before transitioning into photography and location-stage management. She later directed operations at DC Stages in Los Angeles, a creative complex featured in the *Los Angeles Times* for its innovative reuse of industrial warehouses for filming. Her life blends performance, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, particularly through her support of law-enforcement training and wildlife rescue.

Early life and family

Markoff (center) in a 1960 family photo at Mission San Juan Capistrano, which she later described in her writing.

Markoff grew up in Southern California. In a 2013 *Orange County Register* essay she reflected on a 1960 family visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano, calling the photograph from that day “a frame of time that explains who we were and what we carried forward.”[1]

Her father, who died young from heart complications, encouraged artistic pursuits; her mother’s perseverance after major surgery inspired the daily mantra “find a reason to put your feet on the floor.” Markoff has credited actor Jack Klugman with repeating that phrase to her during the filming of Quincy, M.E., where it became a personal motto.

Modeling and early publicity

By 1973, Markoff entered local beauty contests. The *Independent Press-Telegram* reported her as a semifinalist in the Miss Long Beach competition (Apr 1 1973) and a participant in the “Beauties to Tour Queen” pageant (Apr 12 1973).[2][3] The *News-Pilot* (May 29 1974) noted her participation in a Catalina Island event.[4]

These experiences led to commercial photo work—swimwear, Bugle Boy jeans, and print campaigns—introducing her to the Los Angeles casting world.

Acting career

Poster image for Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire (1979).

Markoff’s screen appearances coincide with the boom of late-1970s genre television:

  • The Incredible Hulk (1978) – The Girl / Janet
  • The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries (1978) – guest role
  • Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979) – Female PilotTemplate:Cite web
  • Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire (1979) – Princess Tara, acknowledged in *The Sacramento Union* preview.[5]

Her longest engagement came with *Quincy, M.E.* (1979–1983), where she portrayed **Diane**, the recurring waitress at Danny’s restaurant. Her friendly interactions with Klugman’s Quincy added everyday realism.

Publicity still from Quincy, M.E.; Markoff appears as the recurring waitress Diane.

Film roles followed:

  • Young Doctors in Love (1982) – Emilia — ensemble comedy directed by Garry Marshall.
  • Death Wish II (1982) – Supporting role (listed in AFI Catalog).[6]
  • Harper Valley PTA (1982) – Pookey
  • Alien Nation: Dark Horizon (1994) – Communications Officer
  • The Final Wish (2018) – Librarian

Photography and behind-the-camera work

Markoff using her Nikon at DC Stages, Los Angeles (1980s).

In the mid-1980s Markoff redirected her creative efforts toward still photography and production logistics. She became known for her Nikon-based documentary style—catching the unnoticed gestures of crew and cast—and for her capacity to convert forgotten industrial corners into usable film spaces.

A *Los Angeles Times* feature, “Hollywood Does Remake of Old Industrial Sites” (2 July 1989), profiled her among warehouse-location agents transforming the city’s landscape.[7]

Still from the DC Stages drone tour video (2020), featuring Markoff.

DC Stages, community engagement, and legacy

Markoff managed **DC Stages** into the 2010s, overseeing themed set rentals used for both entertainment and training.

Police K-9 team training at DC Stages with support from Markoff (circa 2000s).

She donated space to local police departments for K-9 training and tactical drills, reflecting her commitment to civic service.

Her compassion extended to animal care—feeding birds and rescue animals around DC Stages and her home, often accompanied by her dog Buddy.

A publicly released drone tour in 2020 opened with Markoff greeting viewers; by 2021, the complex had been demolished, closing a chapter of Los Angeles filming history. She described the loss as “an end and a renewal—the sets served their stories, and stories move on.”

Later reflections and influence

Markoff continues to be recognized in retrospectives on *Quincy, M.E.* and late-1970s television. The *Star-Ledger* (Aug 3 2008) included her among “supporting faces we remember.”[8] Her career path—from pageants to television to location management—illustrates the fluidity of creative labor in Hollywood and the contributions of women behind the camera.

Selected filmography

Year Title Role Notes / Citation
1978 The Incredible Hulk (TV) The Girl / Janet Episode credit
1979 Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (TV) Female Pilot Template:Cite web
1979 Cliffhangers: The Secret Empire (TV) Princess Tara Template:Cite news
1979–1983 Quincy, M.E. (TV) Diane (recurring waitress) Template:Cite web
1982 Young Doctors in Love Emilia Template:Cite web
1982 Death Wish II Supporting role Template:Cite web
1994 Alien Nation: Dark Horizon Communications Officer Television movie
2018 The Final Wish Librarian Independent film

Photo placeholders for additional sourcing

  • **Placeholder 1:** Diane Markoff on the set of Quincy, M.E. – caption suggested: “Markoff as the waitress Diane at Danny’s Restaurant (early 1980s).”
  • **Placeholder 2:** Markoff behind the camera at DC Stages – caption suggested: “Photographing on location with her Nikon camera (1980s).”
  • **Placeholder 3:** Publicity still for Cliffhangers – caption suggested: “Diane Markoff as Princess Tara in NBC’s serial The Secret Empire (1979).”

External links

Gallery

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