oh no! i’m so bummed about this … legendary and award-winning actress of stage, screen and television – dixie carter unexpectedly passed away earlier today at the age of 70 – she was probably best known for her hilarious turn on the sitcom designing women (1986-1993) where she played the sassy and sharp-tongued southern belle ‘julia sugarbaker’! most recently she was nominated for an emmy for her guest stint on desperate housewives (interesting side note: marc cherry the man behind ‘housewives’ (being sued by nicollette sheridan) was actually ms. carter’s assistant on ‘designing women’!) no word on why she died (or even where she died) but her husband actor hal holbrook issued this statement ‘this has been a terrible blow to our family. we would appreciate everyone understanding that this is a private family tragedy. thank you.’ my thoughts and prayers are going out to her friends and family – especially mr. holbrook – ms. carter will definitely be missed!