Delta Burke, a beloved 80s icon, faced intense scrutiny and personal struggles, but her husband’s unwavering love remained a constant source of strength.
Burke’s rise to fame began with her charismatic portrayal of Suzanne Sugarbaker in the hit sitcom “Designing Women.” However, as her popularity grew, so did the cruel media attention focused on her weight.
Behind the scenes, Burke battled depression and panic attacks, which worsened as the show’s demands increased. Her weight gain became a target for tabloids, earning her hurtful nicknames like “Delta Bulk.”
Co-star Annie Potts recalled the devastating impact of the media’s relentless criticism. Burke’s struggles mirrored those of other Hollywood women, like Elizabeth Taylor, who faced similar body shaming.
During this tumultuous period, Burke found solace in her husband, Gerald McRaney. The couple met on set in 1987, and McRaney’s unwavering support and love helped Burke navigate her darkest moments.
McRaney’s commitment was unshakeable, even when Burke faced intense scrutiny. “The weight never mattered to him,” Burke said. “He told me he didn’t care, which of course I didn’t believe.”
Together, they weathered Burke’s departure from the show, her subsequent struggles, and her diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes. McRaney encouraged Burke to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and she eventually stabilized her weight at 150 pounds.
Their love story is a testament to the power of acceptance and devotion. McRaney’s Emmy acceptance speech in 2017 paid tribute to Burke, saying, “I get to come home to her — that’s the fun.”
Burke echoed this sentiment, “Mac loves me no matter what… When I grew to the size of a house, he loved me.” Their relationship flourished through mutual respect, humor, and embracing each other’s quirks.
Delta Burke’s journey serves as a reminder that true love can conquer even the darkest challenges. Her story inspires hope and resilience, demonstrating that unwavering support and acceptance can overcome adversity.
