Legendary TV star Dixie Carter, who earned millions of fans on shows like 'Designing Women' and 'Diff'rent Strokes,' died Saturday morning, the AP is reporting. She was 70. Carter died in Houston of complications of endometrial cancer, The Associated Press reported.
Carter's death was confirmed Saturday by publicist Steve Rohn, who represents Carter and her husband, Oscar-nominated actor Hal Holbrook. Further details, including the cause of death, were not disclosed.
"This has been a terrible blow to our family. We would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy," Holbrook said in a written statement.
Carter's career spanned multiple decades on television and on the stage. TV fans may remember her best for her portrayal of Julia Sugarbaker on the CBS sitcom 'Designing Women,' on which she appeared in over 160 episodes from 1986-1993. The role came just one year following a two-season gig on NBC's 'Diff'rent Strokes,' as aerobics instructor Maggie McKinney.
American actress Dixie Carter, who was best-known for her long-running role in the sitcom 'Designing Women' from 1986–1993, died April 10. She was 70. Further details, including the cause of death, were not disclosed. In addition to her husband of nearly 26 years Hal Holbrook, Carter is survived by two daughters from a previous marriage.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Dixie Carter Retrospective
American actress Dixie Carter, who was best-known for her long-running role in the sitcom 'Designing Women' from 1986–1993, died April 10. She was 70. Further details, including the cause of death, were not disclosed. In addition to her husband of nearly 26 years Hal Holbrook, Carter is survived by two daughters from a previous marriage.
Dixie Carter, who was born in McLemoresville, Tenn., started her acting career in a 1960 in a Memphis stage production of 'Carousel.' She also appeared numerous times on Broadway, with roles in Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale' and 'Pal Joey,' as well as recent productions of 'Master Class,' as Maria Callas, and 'Thoroughly Modern Millie.'
Dixie Carter's role in 'Designing Women' came just one year after her two-season gig on 'Diff'rent Strokes,' in which she played aerobics instructor Maggie McKinney. Her acting career credits also included soap operas 'One Life to Live' and 'The Edge of Night' and TV series as 'Out of the Blue,' 'On Our Own,' 'Filthy Rich,' and 'Family Law.'
Carter was married three times -- first, to Arthur Carter, with whom she had two daughters. The couple split in 1977, and that same year, she married actor George Hearn. Carter and Hearn divorced two years later, in 1979. On May 27, 1984, Carter married Hal Holbrook, and remained with him until her death.
Hal Halbrook and Dixie Carter met on the movie set of 'The Killing of Randy Webster' in 1982. They also appeared together last year in 'That Evening Sun,' an independent film based on a short story by author William Gay.
Carter and Delta Burke played the sparring sisters on 'Designing Women.' The series also starred Annie Potts and Jean Smart. The show was unmistakably a comedy but tackled such topics as sexism, ageism, body image and AIDS.
"It was something so unique, because there had never been anything quite like it," Potts told The Associated Press at a 2006 cast reunion. "We had Lucy and Ethel, but we never had that exponentially expanded, smart, attractive women who read newspapers and had passions about things and loved each other and stood by each other."
Carter continued to find success in the latter part of her career, playing Randi King on three seasons of 'Family Law.' She recently appeared in a seven-episode arc on ABC's 'Desperate Housewives,' for which she received her first and only Emmy nomination.
Additional television roles included 'On Our Own,' 'Filthy Rich,' 'Lou Grant,' 'One Life to Live' and 'Out of the Blue.'
A native of McLemoresville, Tennessee, Carter also appeared numerous times on Broadway, with roles in 'Sextet' and 'Pal Joey,' as well as recent productions of 'Master Class,' as Maria Callas, and 'Thoroughly Modern Millie,' in which she played Mrs. Meers.
Carter's acting career dates back to a 1960 production of 'Carousel' in Memphis, Tennessee.
Carter was married three times -- first, to Arthur Carter, with whom she had two daughters. The couple split in 1977, and that same year, she married actor George Hearn. Carter and Hearn divorced two years later, in 1979.
On May 27, 1984, Carter married Hal Holbrook, and remained with him until her death. The couple appeared together in the film 'That Evening Sun,' her last credited role.
I allways loved Dixie. She was the best. DW is one of my all time favorite shows. TV is not the same now. I miss Julia and the way she would tell it like it is. Thank God for reruns. Dixie will live forever in my heart,and hopefully on my Tv. Thanks Dixie for all the joy and Laughs you brought to my life,rest in sweet peace.
Miss Dixie Carter will always be remembered.She was a person I thought was someone that was genuine than other actors. She was reserved in her life and with her family and did not need to be a spectacle in the highlights.Of course she is well known in Designing Women,and I think she was Julia.however she may have been just Dixie.A strong,loving,striving,protetive individual!She was and will always be a woman or individual I will always will admire and I will not cry, even though I did a bit. I am blessed she made me as a individual person and actor. By the way Annie,Jean and Delta as well made a great, in reality Designing Women1 God bless!
A couple of things about "Julia Sugarbaker" - Dixie Carter. She was a beauty in all of the ways you can think of. You'll recall that she always gave the impression she was a Flaming Liberal. After watching a jillion episodes of the "Designing Women" gig, I saw one day that she was actually a diehard conservative in real life. RIP, Dixie. Sparky
We do it so as to not perpetuate ignorance. The USA has been dumbed down enough; foreigners are kicking our tails. Someone has got to say "hey you, that's just not good enough" when mistakes are made.
I was and am still a big fan of Designing Women. Dixie Carter was always my favorite on there but I liked all of the characters. My condolences go out to Hal Holbrook and their family. Dixie Carter was a true southern belle and may she rest in peace knowing she is one of god's angels now. Dixie we will miss you.
I adored her and most audiences did not get to see the breadth of her talent. Ms. Carter did great work on TV but her stage career was astonishing. I had the great priviledge of seeing her on Broadway in Pal Joey in 1976. She brought the house down with the Rodgers and Hart show-stopper ZIP. She was also one of those rare women who the camera did not do justice to. In person, she was beyond stunning. RIP Julia Sugarbaker. You brought joy to millions of fans and we will have you on film and in our hearts forever.
I knew Dixie in the late 60's early 70's. I remember when her girls were born. Though the families did not stay in touch, I remember her as a gorgeous and equally sweet. WHAT A SHOCK TO HEAR FIRST THING IN THE MORNING!!!! May her family treasure the wonderful memories.
What a great loss! She was such a talented lady, and a lady in every sense of the word. She was my favorite on Designing Women. She had such a biting sense of humor and her facial expressions alone cracked me up. God has a wonderful angel in heaven with him now. My prayers go to all of her family
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Legendary TV star Dixie Carter, who earned millions of fans on shows like 'Designing Women' and 'Diff'rent Strokes,' died Saturday morning, the AP is reporting. She was 70. Carter died in Houston of complications of endometrial cancer, The Associated Press reported. 
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I agree ! Bring back DW !
She was an impressive,strong woman. I will miss her! Rest in peace, and condolences to her family. She will be remembered by many.
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I allways loved Dixie. She was the best. DW is one of my all time favorite shows. TV is not the same now. I miss Julia and the way she would tell it like it is. Thank God for reruns. Dixie
will live forever in my heart,and hopefully on my Tv. Thanks Dixie for all the joy and Laughs you brought to my life,rest in sweet peace.
Reply
Miss Dixie Carter will always be remembered.She was a person I thought was someone that was genuine than other actors. She was reserved in her life and with her family and did not need to be a spectacle in the highlights.Of course she is well known in Designing Women,and I think she was Julia.however she may have been just Dixie.A strong,loving,striving,protetive individual!She was and will always be a woman or individual I will always will admire and I will not cry, even though I did a bit.
I am blessed she made me as a individual person and actor.
By the way Annie,Jean and Delta as well made a great, in reality Designing Women1
God bless!
Sincerely.
Michael Hernandez
Reply
A couple of things about "Julia Sugarbaker" - Dixie Carter. She was a beauty in all of the ways you can think of. You'll recall that she always gave the impression she was a Flaming Liberal. After watching a jillion episodes of the "Designing Women" gig, I saw one day that she was actually a diehard conservative in real life. RIP, Dixie.
Sparky
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We lost a true southern lady rest in piece Dixie
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Joe it's rest in peace, not piece.
why do people point out words that are misspelled. we all know what he meant.
We do it so as to not perpetuate ignorance. The USA has been dumbed down enough; foreigners are kicking our tails. Someone has got to say "hey you, that's just not good enough" when mistakes are made.
please tell us what happened to this lovely lady, we care, she was in great shape doing yoga always, something bad must have happened, Im very sad.
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It is really sad, I would also like to know what happened, she was an inspiration...........
That was really a rude thing to say! Guess we know what is on your brain all the time. Grow up and respect people!
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I was and am still a big fan of Designing Women. Dixie Carter was always my favorite on there but I liked all of the characters. My condolences go out to Hal Holbrook and their family. Dixie Carter was a true southern belle and may she rest in peace knowing she is one of god's angels now. Dixie we will miss you.
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I watched the show all the time. In was taken back by her death. I hope her family is doing well.
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I adored her and most audiences did not get to see the breadth of her talent. Ms. Carter did great work on TV but her stage career was astonishing. I had the great priviledge of seeing her on Broadway in Pal Joey in 1976. She brought the house down with the Rodgers and Hart show-stopper ZIP. She was also one of those rare women who the camera did not do justice to. In person, she was beyond stunning. RIP Julia Sugarbaker. You brought joy to millions of fans and we will have you on film and in our hearts forever.
Reply
Rest in peace! A great actress and lady. Condolences to her
husband, Hal.
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I knew Dixie in the late 60's early 70's. I remember when her girls were born. Though the families did not stay in touch, I remember her as a gorgeous and equally sweet.
WHAT A SHOCK TO HEAR FIRST THING IN THE MORNING!!!!
May her family treasure the wonderful memories.
Terrie "Epstein" O'Regan
Reply
She left pleasant memories. She's in good hands now. God will take care of her now. Rest in peace Dixie Carter. You will be missed.
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What a great loss! She was such a talented lady, and a lady in every sense of the word. She was my favorite on Designing Women. She had such a biting sense of humor and her facial expressions alone cracked me up. God has a wonderful angel in heaven with him now. My prayers go to all of her family
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Southern charm.
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