In the late 1980s, this actress became a household name, charming viewers with her sharp humor and larger-than-life personality on one of television’s most popular sitcoms. But as her fame grew, so did behind-the-scenes tensions and public ridicule over her weight.
However, through it all, one constant remained: her husband’s love. While the world fixated on her struggles, he offered her strength and support, helping her rebuild her life away from the limelight.
A Wonderful Career Overshadowed by Public Scrutiny
In 1986, this actress debuted with the role of Suzanne Sugarbaker on the hit sitcom “Designing Women,” where her striking charisma and sharp comedic timing brought her fame and admiration.
Her struggles became more apparent during the show’s fourth season, as crippling panic atta.cks began to affect her work. These episodes were terrifying, often causing her entire body to shiver.
Her co-star and close friend Dixie Carter would lay beside her and reassure her during these moments, offering much-needed comfort.
Amid these challenges, things were looking up for a moment. Not wanting to add fuel to the fire, according to reports, the actress “backed off” once reports about her weight emerged.
Instead, she turned to the show’s creator, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, with a bold idea to address her weight gain in an episode of “Designing Women.”
Feeling rejected by Hollywood and abandoned by an industry she retreated from the limelight. She and her husband sold their home in Pasadena in 1995 and moved to New Orleans for a fresh start.
A Love That Endured Through All Seasons
Burke’s life changed in 1987 when she met Gerald McRaney, an accomplished actor cast as her character Suzanne’s ex-husband, Dash Goff, on “Designing Women.”
McRaney offered his own perspective on their relationship. “[…] If what you want is a trophy wife, then be happy with how empty and vacuous that’ll turn out to be,” he said. “But if what you want is a wife, then you love that person. Period.”
When she was diagnosed with diabetes, he supported her efforts to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The actress often marveled at her husband’s unwavering affection.
“Mac loves me no matter what,” she said. “He loved me when I got as big as a house. […] He still thinks my body looks great, and I can certifiably tell you it does not!”
