In the mid-1980s, Delta Burke captured America’s attention as Suzanne Sugarbaker on the hit sitcom Designing Women. With dazzling wit and undeniable presence, she became an ‘80s icon. Yet away from the camera, she faced a growing weight of internal and external pressures—quite literally and figuratively. Public commentary on her appearance, coupled with personal battles, took a toll she could no longer hide.
A Star on the Rise
- Sudden Fame: Cast as the glamorous and sharp-tongued Suzanne, Burke quickly ascended to TV stardom. Viewers were charmed by her comedic timing and commanding screen presence, and the show’s popularity skyrocketed.
- Behind the Scenes: Fame brought intense scrutiny. Burke grappled with depression and mounting anxiety, both magnified by Hollywood’s unforgiving beauty standards. Tabloids fixated on her weight, overshadowing her notable talent with demeaning headlines.
Breaking Under Pressure
- Health Struggles: Frequent panic attacks interrupted her work, and co-star Dixie Carter often stayed by her side, trying to comfort her.
- A Bold Move: In an effort to address her weight publicly, Burke worked with the show’s creators to produce the impactful episode They Shoot Fat Women, Don’t They?—a storyline that offered a candid look at body shaming. The episode resonated strongly with audiences and earned Burke an Emmy nomination.
- Dismissal and Disillusionment: Tensions on set rose, and in 1991 she was dismissed from Designing Women. Feeling betrayed, Burke withdrew from the industry’s harsh spotlight.
Finding Solace in Unexpected Love
- Meeting Gerald McRaney: A guest appearance on Designing Women introduced Burke to actor Gerald McRaney, who proposed to her by their second date. Their 1989 marriage became a steadfast source of support for Burke.
- Unwavering Support: While the media zeroed in on Burke’s weight gain, McRaney stood firmly by her side. When she spiraled into a low point—both mentally and physically—his steadfast concern and love helped her navigate the darkness.
Reinvention and Resilience
- Life Post-Hollywood: After leaving the show, Burke sought to rebuild. She moved with McRaney to New Orleans, immersing herself in new projects—like creating a clothing line for plus-size women and penning her memoir, Delta Style: Eve Wasn’t a Size 6 and Neither Am I.
- Overcoming Setbacks: Tragedy and health challenges continued to test her resolve. She lost close family members and received a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Determined to retake control of her life, Burke adopted healthier habits and reclaimed her sense of self.
A Love That Endures
- A 35-Year Bond: As the years unfolded, Burke and McRaney’s relationship only strengthened. In interviews, each has credited the other’s unwavering presence as the backbone of their resilience. When McRaney won an Emmy for This Is Us in 2017, he dedicated the award to Burke, acknowledging the profound influence she’s had on his life.
- Occasional Return to Screen: Burke still occasionally appears in television and film, reminding fans of the comedic spark that once lit up the prime-time landscape. One such role included a heartwarming spot in Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, a moment that rekindled the public’s affection for the actress who originally stole their hearts.
A Legacy of Strength and Self-Acceptance
Looking back on her journey, Burke sees a life shaped by challenges and triumphs—from the harsh critiques of tabloids to the weight of her own insecurities. Yet through it all, she found an unwavering anchor in her husband’s love and in her own courage to embrace who she is, inside and out.
Her story underscores that life’s greatest successes aren’t always found on a stage or in the spotlight. Real victory often comes in weathering life’s storms—health issues, heartbreak, or public pressure—and emerging with grace, grit, and a heart still open to love.
