The amazing actress and her famous husband’s names are in the comments🤫👇
Delta Burke had once been at the pinnacle of the entertainment industry, with numerous projects lining up for her. However, after departing from “Designing Women,” her fame and opportunities began to dwindle.
Facing a string of less successful projects, the actress made the decision to step away from the spotlight and live life as an ordinary citizen.
Delta Burke rose to prominence after winning the Miss Florida title in 1974. Her success continued as she participated in the Miss America Pageant, winning a talent scholarship, and furthered her studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
Transitioning to film, Burke made her mark in 1979 with roles in “The Seekers” and “The Chisholms.” However, she became a household name as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the hit 1986 series “Designing Women.”
Venturing into production, Burke established her own company, which produced series like “Delta” and “Women of the House,” both of which she starred in. Additionally, she launched her clothing design company, Delta Burke Design.
Despite her success on “Designing Women,” Burke’s tenure on the show was marked by controversy. She portrayed Suzanne Sugarbaker for five out of the show’s seven seasons before being fired by the producers.
Following her dismissal, Burke alleged that executive producers Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and Harry Thomason subjected her to psychological abuse. However, the producers and fellow cast members contended that Burke’s behavior made working conditions difficult, leading to her termination.
Reflecting on her experience, Burke stated, “Basically, it became unbearable into the second season for me. By the end of the fourth season, I just couldn’t live like that anymore.”
Burke described the work environment as surreal, but struggled to find support when she voiced her concerns. Despite missing her character after some time, she expressed no regrets about leaving the show. Over a year later, she grew accustomed to her weight but aimed to shed some pounds.
However, after departing from “Designing Women,” her appearance reportedly changed, with some remarking that she appeared heavier in her subsequent series, “Dayo.”
In 2012, Burke suffered a fall while filming “Counter Culture,” leading to the show’s cancellation. Following this setback, she retreated from the public eye for several years.
When she resurfaced, Burke sported a notably different look. Her trademark bouffant hair was replaced with a brunette bob, and she opted for a more natural makeup style.
Despite her weight battles, Burke had also grappled with depression, hoarding, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In 2008, she sought treatment at a psychiatric facility, finding solace in her personal life despite not actively pursuing work.
Healthwise, Burke was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes but found support from her husband, Gerald McRaney, who helped her manage her condition by guiding her dietary choices. Despite her challenges, Burke expressed contentment with her current state of health and happiness.
Despite the trials they’ve faced, Burke knows her husband will always love her unconditionally. She fondly recalls how he supported her through various phases, including when she experimented with being a blonde.
McRaney and Burke’s love story began in 1987 when she guest-starred on his detective show “Simon & Simon.” Despite facing opposition from friends, McRaney proposed on their second date, knowing that only an actress would comprehend his erratic work schedule. In 1989, they tied the knot, marking McRaney’s third marriage and Burke’s first.
The couple, who never had children together, shared a strong bond, collaborating on several projects over the years. They found that being together constantly suited them, a rarity among couples. After purchasing a home in Central Florida, they settled down, relishing the prospect of spending their remaining years enjoying various activities like fishing, beachcombing, and more.
While Burke has stepped back from show business, focusing on her clothing design company, McRaney believes she might return to acting with the right project. Burke’s company, which initially offered clothing for plus-size women, now specializes in swimsuits and lingerie, catering to sizes 14 to 26.
Living away from the limelight, Burke enjoys leading a regular life with occasional outings, such as grocery shopping with her husband. Fans occasionally spot the couple, like one Twitter user who saw them sharing pancakes at a diner-style restaurant in Los Angeles, further emphasizing their down-to-earth lifestyle.
