Who is Delta Burke?
Delta Burke is an American actress who is best known for her role as Suzanne Sugarbaker on the hit 1980s-1990s sitcom, Designing Women. Her increasing weight into a plus-sized woman become an issue during her stint on the show, and at times, episodes touched on that topic. The former pageant queen struggled with her weight, eating disorders and depression, and having her physique criticized in the tabloids didn’t help. Designing Women approached the subject of Burke’s weight gain in an episode titled They Shoot Fat Women, Don’t They?, which dealt with Suzanne’s feelings while attending her high school reunion. The episode earned Delta Burke her first Emmy nomination. When she was 41, Burke was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes; she has since been working to get her weight down to a healthier size. Today she is continuing her acting, designing and also owns an antique store in Mississippi.
