Famous Actress Admits To Using Crystal Meth For Weight Loss

In an emotionally charged revelation, Delta Burke, famed for her role in the sitcom ‘Designing Women,’ disclosed her harrowing use of crystal meth to maintain her weight, a decision driven by the intense pressures of Hollywood’s scrutiny over her appearance.

In a candid interview on the ‘Glamorous Trash’ podcast with host Chelsea Devantez, Burke opened up about her daunting experiences, highlighting the relentless challenges that came with her fame.

“It got ugly and very sad,” Burke described her tumultuous time on the show, which ended in 1991 amidst a bitter clash with the creators.

The weight scrutiny was particularly brutal. Recalling a disturbing incident, Burke shared, “A fan jerked my coat open and said, ‘Let’s see, how fat are ya?’ It was incredibly ugly.” The negative attention took a severe toll on her, leading to extreme measures. “I thought I was stronger. I wasn’t gonna win. I’m just an actress, you know. I don’t have any power,” she confessed.

Delta Burke at “Designing Women: A Reunion” presented by the Museum of Television and Radio. Museum of Television and Radio, Beverly Hills, California. October 25, 2006.

Burke first gained recognition as a beauty pageant contestant, winning the title of Miss Florida in 1974. She also appeared in various other television shows and movies, often playing strong, flamboyant characters. Beyond acting, she has been open about her personal struggles, including her battle with diabetes and experiences with depression, which has endeared her to many of her fans. She has also been involved in fashion, particularly in designing clothes for plus-sized women.

Burke’s ordeal with weight management began during her drama school days in London, where she first encountered diet pills. These efforts escalated upon her return to the U.S., transitioning from prescribed pills to illegal substances. “They were like medicine to me,” she said about the pills, which she took to suppress her appetite.

LOS ANGELES – SEP 9: Delta Burke, Gerald McRaney at the 2017 Creative Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, CA

The situation spiraled when her tolerance to the pills grew, leading her to crystal meth. Unaware of its profound dangers at the time, she was told to “snort” it. Choosing instead to mix it with cranberry juice, Burke would consume it before work, which resulted in her not eating for days. “And they were still saying, ‘Your butt’s too big. Your legs are too big,'” she lamented, looking back at her former self as a “freaking goddess.”

Burke credited her enduring 34-year marriage to Gerald McRaney, whom she met while filming Designing Women, for helping her navigate through these tumultuous periods. “I love my life truly for the first time. And I love him desperately,” she shared.

Reflecting on her experiences, Burke expressed a bittersweet sentiment towards her career and the dreams she held. Despite the hardships, she found joy in making people laugh and cherished the character growth alongside her co-stars like Annie Potts, Jean Smart, and the late Dixie Carter.