Delta Burke Opens Up About Weight Struggles, Drug Use, and 'Ugly' Experience on 'Designing Women'

Delta Burke, best known for her role as Suzanne Sugarbaker on the 1980s sitcom 'Designing Women,' has recently revealed her personal struggles with weight, crystal meth use, and a difficult experience on the show that ultimately led her to leave Hollywood for Florida. In a candid interview on the 'Glamorous Trash' podcast, Burke revisited the challenges she faced during her career, shedding light on the pressures of the entertainment industry.

Burke's long-time struggle with her weight was a central focus of the interview. She admitted to using crystal meth and illegal diet pills called 'Black Beauties' in an attempt to lose weight, citing the immense pressure from the industry to maintain a thin appearance. "I tried everything. I took speed, crystal meth, Black Beauties," Burke shared. Despite her weight struggles, Burke received an outpouring of support from fans who appreciated her representation of plus-size women on 'Designing Women.'

The actress also opened up about her 'unpleasant' experience on the set of 'Designing Women,' which ran from 1986 to 1991. While Burke earned two Emmy nominations for her performance, her weight remained a constant topic of attention, leading to criticism that she found "incredibly hurtful." The pressure and scrutiny took a toll on Burke's emotional well-being, ultimately contributing to her decision to leave the show and Hollywood altogether. "I was emotionally too fragile to handle it," she admitted.

Why this matters: Delta Burke's revelations shed light on the pervasive issues of body image and the pressures faced by actors, particularly women, in the entertainment industry. Her story highlights the need for greater support and understanding for those struggling with weight and substance abuse in Hollywood.

Burke's experiences on 'Designing Women' and her subsequent departure from Hollywood serve as a reminder of the challenges and sacrifices that come with fame. Her decision to leave Los Angeles for Florida underscores the toll that the industry can take on an individual's mental health and well-being. As Burke stated in the interview, "My dream position in Hollywood was not what I had imagined it to be."

Key Takeaways

• Delta Burke struggled with weight, crystal meth, and difficult experience on 'Designing Women'.
• Burke used illegal diet pills and crystal meth to lose weight due to industry pressure.
• Burke faced constant criticism about her weight on the show, which took an emotional toll.
• Burke's story highlights issues of body image and substance abuse in the entertainment industry.
• Burke left Hollywood for Florida, as the industry's demands were not what she had imagined.