What '80s Star Delta Burke Looks Like Years After Designing Women Ended

By Charlene Teressa
Delta Burke smiles on the red carpet in 1987 Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

The '80s was certainly a memorable time. From throwback fashion trends that Gen X will remember wearing to synth-heavy disco music, it was also known for producing some of the best sitcoms to ever grace our screens. And one of them is the hit show "Designing Women," featuring the unforgettable Delta Burke as the beautiful and vain Suzanne Sugarbaker. But it's been years since "Designing Women" wrapped up filming in 1993, and it's reasonable to wonder what Burke looks like decades later. 

Delta Burke pictured in smiling in 2020Albert L. Ortega/Getty

Burke has largely stepped back from the spotlight, but the image above taken of Burke in 2020 shows that she is still as cheery and as gorgeous as ever. The "Women of the House" star appears as recognizable as she was in the '80s, with minimal wrinkles and only the slightest gray showing in her dark hair. Aside from aging with confidence like these celebs, it's clear she's more than content with where she is in life. 

Delta Burke's time on Designing Women wasn't a positive experience

Delta Burke photographed in 2001 Getty Images/Getty Images

Delta Burke's breakout role in "Designing Women" may have brought increased attention to her acting talent, but her behind-the-scenes experience is something the actor does not look back on fondly. In fact, it was one of the main reasons why Burke left the show after five seasons in 1991. After more than 30 years since her departure, Burke broke her silence on Chelsea Devantez's "Glamorous Trash" podcast in 2024. "It got ugly and very sad," the star lamented (per People) when speaking of the rift between her and the show's founder, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. 

"We do "Designing Women," and I'm so happy to be there. I love everything. But then things started to change, which I won't go into," Burke continued to recount. Although she didn't go into detail over what exactly they were fighting about, the accomplished actor hinted that Bloodworth-Thomason barred her from exiting the show. But despite the bad blood that they've had, Burke still acknowledged Bloodworth-Thomason's talent as a director and writer, though she's glad she "survived" and came out of it intact.

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