80s Icon Defied Tabloid Hate—Wait Till You See How Her Husband Stood by Her Through It All
She faced harsh treatment and felt “tortured” by the media because of her visible weight gain, leading to difficult times and tough personal challenges. Here’s the story of this ’80s TV star—her rise to stardom, the struggles that followed, and the love that gave her strength.
In the late 1980s, this actress became a well-known name, winning over audiences with her quick wit and big personality on one of TV’s most-loved sitcoms. However, as her popularity increased, so did the pressure, along with public criticism about her weight.
She was treated harshly by the media for her weight gain, enduring dark times and personal challenges. But through it all, one thing never wavered—her husband’s love and support, which helped her rebuild her life.
In 1986, Delta Burke rose to fame as Suzanne Sugarbaker on the hit sitcom Designing Women. Her quick wit and charisma made her a beloved star, but as her fame grew, so did the pressures of Hollywood. Her weight became a frequent target of public criticism, damaging her self-esteem and mental health.
Behind the scenes, Burke battled depression, a struggle that worsened as she faced relentless scrutiny. By the show’s fourth season, anxiety and panic attacks began affecting her work. Despite support from friends and co-stars, her emotional battles escalated.
The media’s focus on her appearance intensified. Nicknamed cruel terms like “Delta Bulk” by tabloids, Burke questioned why she deserved such treatment. She turned to food for comfort, which only added to the criticism.
Burke eventually confronted her weight struggles head-on. She proposed incorporating her weight gain into an episode of Designing Women, resulting in the iconic storyline, They Shoot Fat Women, Don’t They. The episode earned critical acclaim and Burke’s first Emmy nomination.
Despite this success, tensions on set led to her departure from the show in 1991. Feeling rejected by Hollywood, she retreated from the spotlight, selling her home and starting anew in New Orleans with her husband, Gerald McRaney.
Burke met McRaney in 1987 while filming Designing Women. Their connection was instant, and they married in 1989. McRaney stood by Burke through her most challenging moments, offering unconditional love.
Even as Burke faced media ridicule, he reassured her that her weight didn’t matter to him. When her depression pushed her to the brink, McRaney saved her during a moment of crisis, providing the strength she needed to keep going.
Burke later adopted a healthier lifestyle after a diabetes diagnosis, stabilizing her weight and finding peace. Throughout it all, McRaney remained her biggest supporter, reminding her of her worth and beauty.
In later years, Burke left Hollywood behind to focus on her personal life. She designed a clothing line for plus-size women and wrote a memoir. Despite past struggles, she found happiness and stability with McRaney by her side.
Their bond only deepened over time. When McRaney won an Emmy in 2017, he publicly celebrated their love, saying, “At the end of a day’s work, I get to come home to her — that’s the fun.”
Delta Burke’s journey from stardom to personal battles and eventual peace is a testament to resilience. With unwavering love from her husband, she overcame relentless criticism and found a life of fulfillment and joy.
