What Is Delta Burke's Net Worth?
Delta Burke is an accomplished American actress, author, and producer with a net worth of $8 million, a combined figure with her husband, actor Gerald McRaney. Renowned for her role as Suzanne Sugarbaker on the CBS series "Designing Women" (1986–1991), Burke received two Primetime Emmy nominations for her stellar performance in the role.
Delta's career spans over 60 acting credits, including notable roles in films like "Sordid Lives" (2000), "What Women Want" (2000), and "Hansel & Gretel" (2002). She has also made an impact on television, starring in series such as "Filthy Rich" (1982–1983), "1st & Ten" (1984–1987), "Delta" (1992–1993), "Women of the House" (1995), "Popular" (1999–2001), "DAG" (2000–2001), and "Boston Legal" (2006–2007). Burke took on producer roles for "Delta," "Women of the House," "Maternal Instincts" (1996), and "Melanie Darrow" (1997). She has also graced the Broadway stage in productions like "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (2003–2004) and "Steel Magnolias" (2005).
Delta's entrepreneurial ventures included launching the clothing line Delta Burke Design in 1994, which catered to "real clothes for real women." She also penned the book "Delta Style: Eve Wasn't a Size 6 and Neither Am I" in 1998.
Early Life
Born as Delta Ramona Leah Burke on July 30, 1956, in Orlando, Florida, she was raised by her mother Jean and stepfather Frederick. She grew up alongside her younger siblings, Jennifer and Jonathan. At Colonial High School, Delta was celebrated as "Most Likely to Succeed." Her early accolades included winning the Miss Florida pageant in 1974 and earning a scholarship from the Miss America Organization, which enabled her to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art for two years.
Career
Delta's initial steps into acting included an uncredited role in 1978's "Zuma Beach," followed by appearances in "Charleston" and "A Last Cry for Help" in 1979, and "The Seekers." In 1980, she portrayed Bonnie Sue Chisholm in "The Chisholms" and guest-starred in several series such as "Nero Wolfe," "The Fall Guy," "Fantasy Island," "Remington Steele," "The Love Boat," "T. J. Hooker," and "Who's the Boss?" From 1982 to 1983, she starred in "Filthy Rich," and from 1984 to 1987, she featured in HBO’s "1st & Ten."
From 1986 to 1991, Burke gained immense popularity with her role as Suzanne Sugarbaker in "Designing Women," working alongside stars like Dixie Carter, Annie Potts, Jean Smart, and Meshach Taylor. However, her time on the show was marred by controversies, leading to her departure in 1991 following public remarks about the difficult work environment.
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Following "Designing Women," Burke hosted "Saturday Night Live" in 1991 and appeared in TV movies including "Love and Curses… And All That Jazz" (1991) and "Day-O" (1992). She starred as Delta Bishop in the ABC sitcom "Delta" from 1992 to 1993 and voiced Viola in "The Mighty Jungle." Burke also appeared in guest roles on shows like "Diagnosis: Murder," "Touched by an Angel," "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," and "Promised Land," and starred in the TV movie "Melanie Darrow" (1997).
From 1999 to 2001, she played Cherry Cherry on "Popular" and co-starred in "Sordid Lives" (2000) and "What Women Want" (2000). Burke was part of the cast of "DAG" from 2000 to 2001 and appeared in TV movies like "Dangerous Child" (2001) and "Going For Broke" (2003). From 2006 to 2007, she had a recurring role in "Boston Legal." In more recent years, she guest-starred in "Drop Dead Diva" (2009) and appeared in "Dolly Parton's Heartstrings" on Netflix in 2019.
Personal Life
Delta has been married to actor Gerald McRaney since May 28, 1989, and is a stepmother to his children Kate, Jessica, and Angus. In her early forties, she was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and participated in campaigns to raise awareness about leading a healthy lifestyle. Burke has also undergone therapy for compulsive hoarding disorder. In 2008, she openly discussed her challenges with depression and hoarding in an interview with USA Today. Delta is an advocate for gay rights and has supported her lesbian sister throughout her life.
Awards and Nominations
Delta received Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in "Designing Women" in 1990 and 1992. Additionally, she was nominated for Viewers for Quality Television Awards for Best Actress in a Quality Comedy Series in 1989, 1990, and 1991. In 1999, she won an Online Film & Television Association Award for Best Guest Actress in a Cable Series for "Any Day Now." In 2001, she received a "TV Guide" Award nomination for Actress of the Year in a New Series for "DAG."
Real Estate
In 2001, Delta and Gerald bought a 3,610-square-foot home in Studio City, California, for $800,000. Currently, the value of the five-bedroom, six-bathroom house is estimated to be $3 million. The couple also owns properties in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Telluride, Colorado.
