Designing Women was one sitcom which I always made it a point to watch when I was younger (well, the original cast, not so much after Delta Burke and Jean Smart left the show). The humor and sharp wit of these classy southern ladies always made for loads of entertainment and laughter. The show would not have been as successful as it was without Carter's incredible character, Julia Sugarbaker, who was always known for her sharp tongue and quick temper. One thing I liked so much about the character was that she always stood up for what she believed in (remember that episode where she let loose on some ignorant woman on the issue of AIDS? Pretty groundbreaking, as that issue was not freely discussed much on primetime television at the time.) I couldn't find a clip of that tirade, but this one is a close second - the time that Julia went off on a former Miss Georgia who made the unfortunate mistake of making fun of Julia's sister, Suzanne:
Dixie Carter had an amazing soprano voice, which on occasion viewers were lucky enough to hear on the show. Her singing of "How Great Thou Art" still gives me chills:
I loved this statement that was released today from Annie Potts, Carter's castmate on Designing Women and a fellow Southern lady:
"Dixie Carter was a goddess. Beautiful and brainy, smart and funny, prim and sexy, wickedly talented and divinely sweet. The kind of wife and mother that every mother hopes their daughter will become, and the kind of friend that is absolutely irreplaceable. She loved fiercely and was adored in return. To have known her a little was a delight to all. To have known her well, a treasure beyond reckoning. And now, a loss beyond measure."
What a beautiful sentiment for a beautiful person.
19 comments:
Thanks for sharing this, I had no idea! Designing Women was one of my favorite shows growing up. She and all of the actresses on it played such strong Southern women. After your post I suddenly really want to find some reruns somewhere.
Hi, I love your blog and just had to comment on this one. I LOVED her and I was so sad yesterday and this post is just perfect!! She was amazing!
Oh my gosh! She was, for me, exactly who I wanted to be like when I grew up. What a loss.
Wow. I have chills reading that statement from Annie Potts. I was so sad to read about her passing in the paper this morning. Such a class act!
So so sad! I loved Dixie, and even more, Designing Women. They should try another show like that...but I'm afraid nothing will match the old show. Thanks for sharing!
So sad! When I think of a true southern lady, she always first on my list. Hope your having a great day! xoxo
I'm 26 but I remember watching that show all the time! i loved it!!
a real southern icon! i loved her steel magnolia attitude about everything! boy, do i miss that show! great post -- and great blog! i just found you and am now a follower! :-)
Oh I was so sad to hear about this. I LOVED designing women!
That is one of her best clips! Thanks for sharing.
Designing Women was such a good show. I always loved Julia's tirades. She knew exactly how to put people in their place, but did it with southern class. I always thought Dixie Carter had just as much class as Julia.. She will be missed.
She was gorgeous. That clip made me laugh.
Sara I just had to stop by and say Hi...I've gotten several blog design jobs lately from people who love yours!! Thanks so much!
Just so sad! Loved that show and loved her and the part she played. She will be missed.
I hated to hear that about Dixie--course I say her name because watching her, loving her voice for years...I feel like I know her!!
I used to love DW...her character was my fave! This morning, on the news I was surprised to learn that she acted on Broadway as well. Truly a class act all around. I was saddened to hear this news as well.
Are you kidding? Of course, take your time! I'm so anxious to see your Derby posts.
You have no idea. This whole blogging thing is new to me, so it's fun to get to know so many different people. Seriously? I've been telling everyone to cheer for Mission Impazible. Haha! I mean, that's amazing your husband's bf gets a chance to watch his horse race? And being from Kentucky?! So surreal!
Hope you include the story behind the name in one of your posts. My husband was wondering about the name too. :) Just a guess, but I think it has something to do with La Paz, Argentina, but I could COMPLETELY wrong.
Oh my. This actually reduced me to tears. Am I nuts?! She was an idol of sorts. I had no idea until I read it here. It has been one of those weeks and I've been horribly out of touch. Terrific post for an amazing woman. Very appropriate is should come from a southern girl with such class.
xoxo
Marija
I am a huge Dixie Carter fan, and also wrote a memorial to her on my blog. The world is a little less gracious without her in it.
That tirade on the former Miss Georgia is one of my favorites!
"And THAT is the NIGHT that the lights went out. In GEORGIA!" Ah.... love it!
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