The Unexpected Secret To Delta Burke And Gerald McRaney's 36-Year Hollywood Marriage

The question of "Who is Delta Burke's husband?" is one of Hollywood's most enduring and romantic mysteries, not because of secrecy, but because of the sheer longevity of their relationship in an industry known for fleeting romances. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the *Designing Women* star remains happily married to the same man she wed over three decades ago: the acclaimed actor Gerald McRaney.

Their love story is the stuff of Hollywood legend, a whirlwind romance that began with a bold proposal on their second date and has since spanned 36 years of marriage, navigating career highs, personal struggles, and the constant spotlight. McRaney, known for his roles in hits like *Simon & Simon* and the Emmy-winning performance in *This Is Us*, has consistently stood by Burke, offering a rare glimpse into a truly supportive celebrity partnership.

Gerald McRaney: A Complete Biographical Profile

Delta Burke's husband is the veteran actor Gerald Lee McRaney, a familiar face on television and film for over five decades. His career has been marked by a versatile range of roles, from action hero to dramatic patriarch.

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• Full Name: Gerald Lee McRaney
• Date of Birth: August 19, 1947
• Age (as of 2025): 77
• Place of Birth: Collins, Mississippi, U.S.
• Spouse: Delta Burke (m. May 28, 1989)
• Previous Marriages: Beverly Root (1967–1971), Pat Moran (1981–1989)
• Children: Two children from previous marriages (Kate McRaney, Jessica McRaney)
• Notable TV Roles: Rick Simon on *Simon & Simon*, Major John D. MacGillis on *Major Dad*, Russell Tuppence on *Deadwood*, and Dr. Nathan Katowski on *This Is Us* (Emmy Award winner).
• Recent Projects (2024/2025): Joined the cast of a new Dan Fogelman show starring Sterling K. Brown, and portrayed Randolph Murdaugh III in a high-profile series about the Murdaugh family.

McRaney’s professional life has seen a resurgence in recent years, proving his enduring appeal and talent. His personal life, however, remains centered on his long-lasting partnership with Delta Burke, whom he affectionately refers to as his soulmate.

The Whirlwind Romance That Started on a TV Set

The origin of Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney’s relationship is a classic Hollywood tale of love at first sight, but with a surprisingly quick commitment. They first crossed paths in 1987 when Burke made a guest appearance on McRaney's hit show, *Simon & Simon*.

McRaney was immediately smitten. He later recalled that he was so taken with Burke that he told a crew member, "I'm going to marry that girl."

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The Second Date Proposal

Their courtship was anything but slow. McRaney, a man known for his decisive nature both on and off-screen, didn't waste any time. He proposed to Delta Burke on their second date.

Burke, who was starring as Suzanne Sugarbaker on the immensely popular sitcom *Designing Women* at the time, accepted. They were married two years later on May 28, 1989. This rapid move is a testament to the deep, immediate connection they shared, a connection that has only strengthened over the decades.

Their marriage has spanned the entirety of Burke's most challenging and public struggles, including her battles with depression, anxiety, and weight fluctuations, as well as her diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and chronic fatigue syndrome. McRaney’s unwavering support during these times is a recurring theme in their public interviews.

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The Secret to a 36-Year Hollywood Partnership

In an industry notorious for short-lived marriages, the 36-year union of Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney is a remarkable achievement. When asked about the secret to their longevity, McRaney has offered a simple, yet profound, answer that centers on respect and continuous togetherness.

"You've Got to Marry the Right Person"

McRaney often attributes the success of their marriage to fundamental compatibility and a deep, mutual understanding. In a recent interview, he emphasized the importance of choosing the right partner.

He revealed that they have a rule: they are together every single day. For over 38 years, including the time they dated, they have rarely spent a day apart. This commitment to constant companionship—even when both were filming—is a cornerstone of their relationship.

A Shelter from the Storm

For Delta Burke, her relationship with McRaney has been described as a "shelter" from the intense media scrutiny and the public drama she faced during her time on *Designing Women* and the subsequent years.

In a 2024 podcast, Burke candidly spoke about their unconditional love, reinforcing the public perception of their bond as a source of strength and stability.

Gerald McRaney Explains Delta Burke's Step Back from Acting

One of the most frequently asked questions about Delta Burke is why she stepped away from the spotlight in the 2000s. Her husband, Gerald McRaney, provided a clear and compassionate explanation, shedding light on her decision and their life together.

McRaney explained that Burke's decision was largely due to her health challenges, particularly her chronic fatigue syndrome. The demands of a full-time acting career became too taxing for her.

Instead of pushing her to continue, McRaney fully supported her retreat from showbiz, allowing her to focus on her health and personal well-being. This choice highlights the couple's priority: their life together over the demands of their careers.

A Focus on Personal Interests

While Burke has largely stepped back from acting, she has focused her creative energy on other passions, including producing and writing. She is also a recognized author.

The couple resides quietly, enjoying their life away from the relentless pace of Hollywood, only occasionally appearing on red carpets together, such as when McRaney was nominated for his Emmy Award for *This Is Us*.

Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords

The enduring marriage of Delta Burke and Gerald McRaney touches upon several key themes and figures in television history, including:

• Designing Women (Suzanne Sugarbaker)
• Simon & Simon (Rick Simon)
• Major Dad
• This Is Us (Dr. Katowski)
• Emmy Award Winner
• Hollywood Longevity
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Celebrity Love Story
• Unconditional Love
• Second Date Proposal
• Gerald McRaney's Career Resurgence
• Dan Fogelman (Producer)
• Murdaugh Family (Recent Acting Role)
• Designing Women Cast

In conclusion, the man who captured the heart of Delta Burke remains the same man who proposed to her over three decades ago on their second date. Gerald McRaney is not just her husband; he is her dedicated partner, her biggest supporter, and the key component to one of the most successful and genuinely loving relationships in modern Hollywood history. Their story serves as a powerful testament to the idea that true love can, and does, last in the entertainment world.