It’s been almost four decades since “Designing Women,” and the outspoken Southern belles of Sugarbaker & Associates were first introduced to viewers. Even after all that time, the beloved sitcom remains a fan favorite thanks to its sharp humor, memorable monologues, and groundbreaking storylines. The CBS comedy, which aired from 1986 to 1993, focused on a group of women working at an Atlanta interior design firm. It became one of the defining sitcoms of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. From beauty queen Suzanne Sugarbaker to the sharp-tongued Julia Sugarbaker, the cast became TV icons. Here’s a look at the “Designing Women” cast then and now.
Delta Burke as Suzanne Sugarbaker
Burke played the glamorous and hilariously self-absorbed Suzanne Sugarbaker, a former beauty queen whose one-liners became legendary. During the show’s run, Burke’s performance earned her two Emmy nominations.
Burke left the sitcom during Season 5 of the show. There were reports of behind-the-scenes tensions among the cast.
However, Burke did go on to star in her own sitcom, “Delta.” She would later reprise her role as Suzanne in the spinoff “Women of the House.
GettyIn more recent years, Burke has mainly stepped away from the Hollywood scene. She did make a return in 2019 when she appeared in Dolly Parton’s “Heartstrings.”
Dixie Carter as Julia Sugarbaker
If there was a true standout on “Designing Women,” for me, it had to be Dixie Carter. She famously portrayed the sharp-tongued Julia Sugarbaker, whose fiery speeches often stole scenes. I mean, it’s been almost 40 years, and they are still going viral on social media.
When the sitcom came to an end, Carter continued acting on television and in the theater. She earned praise for her appearances on “Desperate Housewives,” “Family Law,” and other shows.
GettySadly, Carter passed away at the age of 70 in 2010 from complications related to endometrial cancer. However, her portrayal of Julia Sugarbaker continues to be one of the most beloved sitcom performances of that era.
Annie Potts as Mary Jo Shively
Annie Potts portrayed single mom and designer Mary Jo Shivley throughout all seven seasons of “Designing Women.” Potts was already known for movies like “Ghostbusters,” but she went on to enjoy a lengthy television and voice-acting career after the show ended.
GettyPotts was able to have a whole new generation discover her and fall in love with her through her role as Meemaw on “Young Sheldon.” She will also be reprising her role as Bo Beep in “Toy Story 5,” so she’s very much still active on the Hollywood scene.
Jean Smart as Charlene Frazier
Speaking of still active in Hollywood, but next up is Jean Smart, who played the sweet and slightly naïve Charlene Frazier for five full seasons before departing from the show after two episodes in Season 6.
GettySince then, she has built one of the most acclaimed careers of the entire cast. Smart has gone on to appear on hit shows “Frasier,” “Mare of Easttown,” and “Hacks.”
Her role as Deborah Vance on “Hacks” has definitely sparked a major career resurgence for Smart, as she has earned multiple Emmy Awards in that role.
Meshach Taylor as Anthony Bouvier
The final cast member of “Designing Women” was Meshach Taylor, who played Anthony Bouvier. He was a former deliveryman who eventually became a partner at Sugarbaker & Associates.
Taylor’s comedic timing and chemistry with the cast made him a fan favorite. He appeared on all seven seasons of the hit show.
GettyAfter the sitcom ended, Taylor continued acting on television and in the theater. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 67 following a battle with cancer.
Decades later, “Designing Women” continues to attract new viewers thanks to reruns and streaming. The series’ humor and heartfelt friendships still resonate today.
