The Designing Women Cast: Where Are They Now In 2025? Jean Smart's Emmy Win And The Reboot Saga

The iconic cast of Designing Women, the classic CBS sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1993, continues to captivate audiences and dominate headlines with their phenomenal careers and enduring legacy. As of December 13, 2025, the stars who brought the Sugarbaker's Design Firm to life are enjoying a remarkable resurgence, with two of the main actresses, Jean Smart and Annie Potts, starring in major new television projects, all while persistent rumors of a highly anticipated show reboot continue to swirl.

The phrase "designer woman cast" almost exclusively refers to the beloved Southern belles of Atlanta—Julia, Suzanne, Mary Jo, and Charlene—whose sharp wit and political commentary made the show a cultural touchstone. While the original series ended decades ago, the careers of the surviving cast members are more vibrant than ever, providing a wealth of fresh, unique information for fans eager to know what the 'designer women' are up to now.

The Original Designing Women Cast: A Complete Profile

The core cast of Designing Women, created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, was renowned for its powerful ensemble of actresses, each bringing a distinct personality and Southern charm to the screen. Here is a complete biographical profile of the main cast members who defined the series:

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• Dixie Carter (Julia Sugarbaker):
  • Role: Julia Sugarbaker, the firm's co-founder, known for her passionate, often lengthy, and politically charged "Sugarbaker Rants."
  • Born: May 25, 1939, in McLemoresville, Tennessee.
  • Died: April 10, 2010, at age 70.
  • Legacy: Post-Designing Women, she starred in *Family Law* and *Desperate Housewives*, earning an Emmy nomination for the latter. Her legacy is defined by her fierce portrayal of a Southern liberal intellectual.
• Delta Burke (Suzanne Sugarbaker):
  • Role: Suzanne Sugarbaker, Julia's beautiful, self-absorbed, and often comedic younger sister and co-owner of the firm.
  • Born: July 30, 1956, in Orlando, Florida.
  • Current Status: As of mid-2025, she is 69 and has continued to act on and off in television and theater.
  • Notable Post-Show Work: *Delta*, *Women of the House*, and a Tony-nominated Broadway run in *Thoroughly Modern Millie*.
• Annie Potts (Mary Jo Shively):
  • Role: Mary Jo Shively, a divorced, highly practical, and often insecure interior designer.
  • Born: October 28, 1952, in Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Current Status: Extremely active in television and film.
  • Notable Post-Show Work: *Love & War*, the *Toy Story* film series (as Bo Peep), and a starring role in the hit CBS sitcom *Young Sheldon*.
• Jean Smart (Charlene Frazier Stillfield):
  • Role: Charlene Frazier Stillfield, the firm's naive, sweet-natured, and often superstitious office manager.
  • Born: September 13, 1951, in Seattle, Washington.
  • Current Status: One of Hollywood's most acclaimed and sought-after actresses.
  • Notable Post-Show Work: *Frasier*, *24*, *Fargo*, *Watchmen*, and the critically acclaimed HBO series *Hacks*.
• Meshach Taylor (Anthony Bouvier):
  • Role: Anthony Bouvier, the firm’s deliveryman who later becomes a partner.
  • Born: April 11, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts.
  • Died: June 28, 2014, at age 67.
  • Legacy: Post-Designing Women, he starred in *Dave's World* and made numerous guest appearances, remembered for his groundbreaking role in the sitcom.

Jean Smart and Annie Potts: Dominating the 2025 Television Landscape

The most compelling and up-to-date news about the "designer woman cast" centers on the incredible, late-career success of Jean Smart and Annie Potts. Both actresses have cemented their status as television legends with high-profile, current projects, proving their comedic and dramatic versatility.

Jean Smart's Continued 'Hacks' Success and New Roles

Jean Smart, who played the endearing Charlene Frazier, has become a powerhouse in Hollywood. Her role as legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance on the HBO Max series *Hacks* has brought her a new level of critical adoration. The latest updates confirm her continued dominance in the industry.

In a remarkable achievement, Jean Smart won the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy Award for *Hacks* at the 2025 Emmy Awards. This victory underscores her current standing as one of the best working actresses in the business, a far cry from her days as the sweet, often-gullible office manager at Sugarbaker's.

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Beyond her Emmy-winning role, Smart is also pursuing other diverse projects. She was recently involved in a reading of a new play, *Call Me Izzy*, a project she had reportedly wanted to do for years, which required her to convince her two sons to spend the summer in New York City. This demonstrates her commitment to the stage and to continually challenging herself creatively.

Annie Potts' Transition from 'Young Sheldon' to 'Best Medicine'

Annie Potts, known to millions as the pragmatic Mary Jo Shively, has also maintained a highly visible career. For years, she anchored the hit prequel series *Young Sheldon* as the fiery and protective Meemaw. With *Young Sheldon* concluding, Potts immediately lined up a new, exciting starring role for 2025.

Potts has joined the cast of the upcoming series *Best Medicine*, which is the highly anticipated U.S. adaptation of the beloved British series *Doc Martin*. Her new role on this series has generated significant buzz among her fanbase, who are eager to see her in a new, captivating role.

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Furthermore, Potts is set to star in the Hallmark Channel’s movie musical *The Music Teacher*, adding a new genre—the musical—to her already extensive filmography. She is also slated to star in a reading of the solo play *White Lies* in January 2025, directed by Tamara Tunie. This flurry of activity in late 2024 and 2025 solidifies her as one of the most consistently working members of the original *Designing Women* cast.

The Status of the Designing Women Revival and Delta Burke's Life

The enduring popularity of the series has led to multiple attempts to bring a *Designing Women* revival or reboot to television. Fans of Julia Sugarbaker and the Sugarbaker's team have been following the news closely, hoping for a return to the famed Atlanta design firm.

Is the Designing Women Reboot Still Happening?

The latest updates confirm that a *Designing Women* reboot remains a possibility, though its status is often in flux. A revival, which is intended to serve as a sequel to the original hit show, received a script commitment from ABC some time ago. The project, being developed by Sony, aims to bring a new generation of "designer women" to the small screen, with the hope of capturing the same social commentary and Southern charm that made the original a hit.

While a premiere date is not confirmed, the fact that the project continues to be discussed and developed indicates that the property is still highly valued in Hollywood. The success of the original cast members in other high-profile shows only adds fuel to the idea that a return to the world of Sugarbaker & Associates would be a ratings success.

Delta Burke's Personal Journey and Stage Return

Delta Burke, who played the former beauty queen Suzanne Sugarbaker, has had a well-documented personal journey since leaving the show. In recent years, she has been living a much more private life, but she occasionally returns to the spotlight for select projects.

In a piece of news that surfaced in late 2025, it was reported that Burke was "quite scarred" from her highly publicized exit from *Designing Women* in the early 1990s, but she remains close with Jean Smart, showcasing the lasting bonds forged on the set. This emotional insight provides a fresh perspective on the behind-the-scenes drama that has long been part of the show's history.

Burke also made a return to the stage in a production of *Millie* in September 2025, demonstrating her continued passion for acting and theater. Her 69th birthday in July 2025 was also a note of celebration, with fans reflecting on her iconic portrayal of Suzanne, a character that remains one of the most memorable in sitcom history.

The "designer woman cast" of *Designing Women* is far from a relic of the past. From Jean Smart's Emmy-winning turn as Deborah Vance to Annie Potts' constant stream of new television and film projects, and the continued public interest in Delta Burke and the revival efforts, the women of Sugarbaker's Design Firm remain a vital and current part of the entertainment industry as we move into 2025. Their careers are a testament to the enduring power of female ensemble comedies and the talent of a truly legendary cast.