Delta Burke Opens Up About Struggles with Weight, Substance Abuse, and Leaving Hollywood
Delta Burke, known for her role as Suzanne Sugarbaker on the hit CBS sitcom “Designing Women,” recently opened up about her struggles with weight and substance abuse in a candid interview on the “Glamorous Trash” podcast.
The 67-year-old actor revealed that she turned to crystal meth to keep off the pounds when she first arrived in Hollywood. Burke explained that she had been prescribed “Black Beauties” in London to help her lose weight, but when she came to the United States, she didn’t realize they were illegal. She eventually switched to crystal meth, which she would mix into her cranberry juice and drink before going to work on the sitcom “Filthy Rich.”
Burke shared how the pressure to conform to Hollywood beauty standards took a toll on her self-esteem, with producers and fans criticizing her weight and appearance. She recounted instances where she was hounded by fans asking if she was pregnant and felt pressured to dress like thin actresses of the time, despite her natural curves.
The Emmy-nominated star also discussed her tumultuous time on “Designing Women,” where she faced abuse allegations and ultimately left the show after her option wasn’t picked up. Despite the challenges she faced, Burke reflected on the positive aspects of her time on the series, including meeting her husband of 35 years, actor Gerald McRaney.
Burke admitted that the negative experiences in Hollywood led her to leave Los Angeles and move to Florida with her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic. She expressed gratitude for finding happiness and contentment in her third act, away from the pressures of the entertainment industry.
The actor acknowledged that she never found a creative outlet to replace acting but emphasized the importance of being true to herself and finding peace in her current life. Burke’s story serves as a reminder of the struggles many actors face in the industry and the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care.
