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This beloved sitcom followed the employees of an Atlanta interior design firm from 1986-1993. Click through to find out what the Sugarbaker sisters are up to now! Plus, check out who we'd cast in a remake: Recast Blast: 'Designing Women' (CBS)!['Designing Women' Now]()
The gals (where was Meshach Taylor?) got together in 2003 for a reunion. L to R: Dixie Carter, Jean Smart, Annie Potts, and Delta Burke. (AP)![Dixie Carter Then]()
Roles on soaps and shows like “Filthy Rich” led Dixie Carter to her “Designing Women” role – that of sophisticated liberal intellectual Julia Sugarbaker. Julia started the design firm with her shallow sister, Suzanne (Delta Burke). (CBS)![Dixie Carter: 1939 to 2010]()
From 1999 to 2002, Carter portrayed Randi King on the legal drama “Family Law.” Since "Designing Women," the actress had been making guest appearances on shows like “Law & Order: SVU.” Carter received an Emmy nomination for a guest role on “Desperate Housewives" in 2007. She’s also starred in several Broadway musicals and plays. Her final film, “That Evening Sun,” premiered at South by Southwest. Dixie died of cancer complications on April 10, 2010 at age 70. Dixie is survived by her third husband and two daughters. Though famous for playing a liberal, Carter once jokingly described herself as "the only Republican in show business." She published her memoir, “Trying to Get to Heaven” in 1996. (REUTERS)![Annie Potts Then]()
Before Potts played practical designer Mary Jo Shively, she was known as Janine Melnitz in the “Ghostbusters” films. Potts also appeared in John Hughes’ “Pretty in Pink.” (CBS)![Annie Potts Now]()
Since “Designing Women,” Potts’ notable roles have included Mary Elizabeth Sims on the series “Any Day Now” and the voice of Little Bo Peep in the “Toy Story” movies (including the third one, out this year). She’s had guest roles on series like “Joan of Arcadia,” “Criminal Minds” and “Two and a Half Men.” The actress has also worked on audio books, lending her voice to Larry McMurtry’s “Telegraph Days.” She made her Broadway debut in 2009 with “God of Carnage.” Now 57, Potts is on her fourth husband. She has three children. (AP)![Delta Burke Then]()
Delta Burke is best known for her “Designing Women” character Suzanne Sugarbaker, a flashy, materialistic former beauty queen. Suzanne was the silly counterpart to serious sister Julia. Delta was nominated for two Emmys for the role. (CBS)![Delta Burke Now]()
At the end of the show’s fifth season, Burke was let go, due to contentious relations with her bosses and co-star Dixie Carter. The disputes reportedly stemmed from Burke’s weight gain during the run of the show. After “Designing Women,” Burke landed her own series, “Delta,” but it was short lived. The actress has enjoyed stints and guest appearances on shows like “Women of the House,” “Popular,” “Boston Legal,” and “Drop Dead Diva.” Movie credits include “Bridal Fever” and “What Women Want.” In recent years, she appeared on Broadway’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” After years of public weight struggles, Delta lost about 60 pounds due to her diabetes. Married since 1989, Burke is now 53. She manages the clothing company Delta Burke Design. Fun Fact: Burke has compulsive hoarding syndrome. "At one time I had 27 storage units. I don't have a big enough house!" she said. (REUTERS)![Jean Smart Then]()
Smart got her big break playing sweet country girl Charlene Frazier Stillfield (ABC)![Jean Smart Now]()
After “Designing Women,” Smart starred in TV movies like “Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story” (long before Charlize Theron tacked the character), “The Yearling,” and “Scarlett.” In 1995, the actress had her own (short-lived) sitcom, “High Society.” In 2000, Smart landed a role on “Frasier,” which earned her two Emmys. In 2001, she was nominated for a Tony for “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” Movies include “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Garden State,” and this year’s “Youth in Revolt.” From 2005 to 2007, the actress voiced a character on animated series “Kim Possible.” In 2006, Smart joined the cast of “24” and received two Emmy nominations for her role as the First Lady. Smart won an Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in the comedy series "Samantha Who?" in 2008 (at left). Now 58, Smart has reportedly been cast as Hawaii Gov. Pat Jameson in the pilot of the TV remake of "Hawaii Five-0." Married since 1987, Smart has one son and reportedly adopted a baby daughter this year. (REUTERS)![Meshach Taylor Then]()
Taylor was Anthony Bouvier, the only guy on staff and an ex con (he was falsely accused!). Before the series, Taylor acted in horror films like “Coma” and “The Howling” and appeared on numerous TV shows, including “Hill Street Blues” and “The Golden Girls.” Taylor earned an Emmy nomination for his role on “Designing Women.” (CBS)![Meshach Taylor Now]()
After “Designing Women,” Taylor landed a role on the sitcom “Dave’s World.” Movie credits include “Mannequin.” In recent years, he’s appeared on kids’ shows like “Ned’s Declassified School Survivor Guide” and “Hannah Montana.” Other TV shows include “All of Us” and the game show “To Tell the Truth.” He also co-hosted “Living Live!” with Florence Henderson on Retirement Living TV. In 1998, the actor made his Broadway debut as Lumiere in “Beauty and the Beast.” Taylor has several film projects in the works, including this year’s “Hyenas.” Now 63, the actor has been married since 1983. He has four children. (Broadway World)Then/Now: The Cast of 'Designing Women'
With Dixie Carter's recent passing, we wanted to check in on the remaining cast members of the classic sitcom.
Move Forward
- Then/Now: The Cast of 'Designing Women'
