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 steadfast love. While the world fixated on her struggles, he offered her strength and support, helping her rebuild her life away from the limelight.
In 1986, this actress landed the role of Suzanne Sugarbaker on the hit sitcom “Designing Women,” where her striking charisma and sharp comedic timing brought her fame and admiration.
With her quick wit and undeniable charm, she won over audiences and seemed destined for a long, successful career. Yet, as the spotlight brightened, the pressures of Hollywood began to take a devastating toll on her mental health and self-esteem.
Behind the scenes, the actress was struggling with depression, a battle she had faced since her teenage years. By the end of the show’s second season, the condition worsened, leading to periods where she would isolate herself completely.
“Basically, I would shut down and hole up,” she later revealed. “I wouldn’t want to leave the apartment until I came out of this dark place. It was very debilitating.”
Her struggles became more apparent during the show’s fourth season, as crippling panic attacks began to affect her work. These episodes were terrifying, often causing her entire body to spasm.
Her co-star and close friend Dixie Carter would lay beside her and reassure her during these moments, offering much-needed comfort.
Despite these personal battles, the actress pushed forward in her role, but her weight gain soon became a target of relentless media scrutiny. As her figure changed, tabloids mocked her appearance with cruel nicknames like “Delta Bulk.”
The harsh coverage was emotionally devastating. “The tabloid machine tortured [her],” co-star Annie Potts later said. Reflecting on the public’s obsession with her body, the actress, a former Miss Florida, questioned why she was subjected to such ridicule.