commercial to people all over america. >> and wouldn't ya know it? it worked. >> people are fighting greasy pots and pans with ivory clear. >> it had to have been such wonderful reinforcement for her, at such a young age, that she could take a stand. and have her voice heard. and not be dismissed. >> meghan went on to graduate from northwestern university. but returned to los angeles, to pursue her acting dreams. >> action. >> she has said that her 20s were brutal. >> meghan struggled a lot. to become a successful actress, to be able to make a living. that's, like, winning a lottery ticket. i mean, the number of forces that have to combine to get you even the smallest scrap of success, are -- are so astronomical. >> reporter: meghan auditioned throughout her 20s. then, in 2011, she landed a significant role. the female lead on usa network's