Delta Burke's Journey: Why She Stepped Away From The Spotlight

Let me tell you a story about Delta Burke, the beloved star of Designing Women. Her husband, Gerard McRaney, recently opened up about why Delta decided to step away from the limelight after a storied career in Hollywood. It's a tale of triumphs, challenges, and personal growth that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a true showbiz veteran.

Gerard McRaney Opens Up About Delta's Decision

Gerard McRaney, who you might remember as the star of Major Dad, spoke candidly to People in an interview published on March 2. At 77 years old, McRaney shared his perspective on Delta's choice to retreat from the public eye. “I think she had had enough of the tabloids and the drama surrounding her time on Designing Women,” he explained. “She grew weary of all the nonsense that comes with being in the spotlight. It's heartbreaking, really, because Delta adored acting. But the baggage that came with fame? That was a different story altogether. She felt it was time to step back and focus on what truly mattered.”

Delta's Legacy with Designing Women

Delta Burke, now 68, is best known for her iconic role as Suzanne Sugarbaker in Designing Women, a role she played from 1986 to 1991. Her departure from the show was marked by a highly publicized disagreement with its creator, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. In a rare interview with Chelsea Devantez on her podcast "Glamorous Trash" in April 2024, Delta opened up about the circumstances leading to her exit and its aftermath. “It got ugly and very sad,” she admitted. “I was so thrilled to be part of Designing Women. I loved every minute of it. But then things began to shift in ways I can't fully explain. Combine that with the pressures of fame, and it became something I just couldn't handle.”

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A Character She Loved but Couldn't Keep

Delta revealed that she wanted to leave the show but felt she wasn't given the option. “I adored Suzanne,” she said. “She was such a dynamic character, evolving beautifully over five seasons. But the environment had changed, and I knew it was time for me to move on, even if I wasn't allowed to do so in the way I wanted.”

Delta's Relationship with Linda Bloodworth-Thomason

Delta also discussed her relationship with Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, with whom she worked on several projects, including the 1982 sitcom Filthy Rich and the 1995 sitcom Women of the House. “I have immense love and admiration for Linda,” Delta shared. “She's done incredible things, and I'm eternally grateful for what she's given me. But there were other issues. Let's just say we had our moments—moments where we tried to 'kill' each other metaphorically speaking—but we both survived.”

Delta's Post-Designing Women Career

After leaving Designing Women, Delta continued to act, taking on various roles over the next two decades. Her most recent credit was a guest appearance in a 2019 episode of Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. Speaking about her departure from Hollywood, Delta reflected on the podcast, “Hollywood can really mess with your mind. I always thought, 'I want to be a famous actress.' But I imagined that fame would come with respect. Instead, it was a whole different ballgame. Once I became famous, I realized, 'Oh no, this isn't what I expected at all.' By then, it was too late.”

Body Image Struggles and Personal Growth

Throughout her career, Delta faced scrutiny for her weight, which inspired her 1998 book, Delta Style: Eve Wasn’t a Size 6 and Neither Am I. During her appearance on "Glamorous Trash," Delta revealed some shocking details about her struggles. “Back in the '80s, I tried crystal meth to lose weight,” she confessed. “No one knew about crystal meth back then. They told me to chop it up and snort it, but I didn't want to do that. So, I mixed it with cranberry juice and drank it. I wouldn't eat for five days.”

Despite these extreme measures, Delta still faced criticism. “They would say, 'Your butt's too big. Your legs are too big.' Now, when I look back at those pictures, I think, 'I was a freaking goddess.' But at the time, I just couldn't see it.”