Actress Dixie Carter on InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse

The late Dixie Carter sat down with Ernie in 2008 to discuss what it means to be a Southerner, her memories of meeting her husband Hal Holbrook, and the impact that the series "Designing Women" had on her life and her career. Episodes of "InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse" are available on DVD at houstonpbs.org.

[@firewaterbydesign]

It's so hard to believe that this wonderful actress is no longer with us. Dixie Carter was class act. I absolutely loved her in Designing Women. I was just watching some of the old episodes this evening. They were ALL great in that show. 💕

[@hazelb81]

I love how he ALLOWED her to talk😊.

[@gregmoorhead7203]

hazelb8 ~ My thoughts exactly!

[@song4mozart]

He's a very good interviewer, and he's like this with everybody.

[@jordiedeawseome]

i was like 11 or 12 when she died i remember all those times she invited my whole family to her house for a pool party she was a very kind women as well as mr holbrook she will always be in my memories

[@unexpectedvixen5685]

I am so jealous! I would have loved to meet her just once!

[@ritacastle9543]

You are so lucky to met her in person! I'm just binge watching the Designing women and I think the character was a lot like her.

[@shakeyraware1563]

Aww that’s so sweet

[@tsdawson8232]

I would have loved to have met her.

[@MelissaThompson432]

How come in three years you can't remember if you were 11 or 12?

[@MelodyMaker151]

Her and Phylcia Rashad were my two favorite TV actresses ... so graceful and classy.

[@TheChristy627]

MelodyMaker151 This is soooo true!!! Claire and Julia

[@christinamitchell6796]

Omg I thought the same thing, they both had that class, grace and dignity I always admired.

[@kencampbell2359]

I worked with Ms. Carter and Mr. Holbrook on an awards show in the '80's. Lovely, generous, gracious couple.

[@andrusmotto1257]

They both seem so genuine and true. Thank you for sharing your experiences

[@TheChristy627]

My God I love this woman!! She makes me very proud to be a southern!! Proud to be a woman!! Her and Phylicia Rashad are one of a kind... She’s truly missed

[@mvannorden02]

Yes! I always thought they were so beautiful and so smart and classy. I wanted to be like them growing up watching them on TV

[@lavettatolliver5346]

I always wanted to see her and Ms Rashad do a scene together, preferably as Julia and Claire. They reminded me of one another.

[@gregrak9389]

PHYLICIA RASHAD??? give us a fuckin break!! Rashad totally supported serial rapist Bill Cosby, Rashad is best simply forgotten.

[@marvinprice7284]

For me, Dixie Carter just exploded out of nowhere. I kept wondering how I'd never seen this beautiful firebrand before. Her portrayal of Julia Sugarbaker is one of my enduring infatuations.

[@Passionate4Broadway]

You spoke my mind. She empowers me as a young actress. Beauty, grace, and everything in between.

[@deboisblanc]

I'm from Memphis, everyone there knew Dixie. Her Aunt ran a health food store and boutique for years.

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

I saw her on Diff'rent strokes first. Then I saw her as Julia Sugarbaker and fell in love with her.

[@lovingmayberry307]

@@raymondsolisjr.1262 She was on Broadway for years before she landed Designing Women on TV.

[@Soapking1965]

Her first big role was as Brandy Henderson on THE EDGE OF NIGHT in the mid-1970s.

[@MarySammons10]

What a lady. Funny, articulate and just lovely. You are missed Miss Dixie.

[@toddbonin6926]

One of the most beautiful, talented and gracious women of all time. I wish she’d lived forever! Love ya Dixie!!!!

[@248musicgirl]

What a gem she was! Class extraordinaire! She makes anyone that grew up in the south so proud!

[@MTknitter22]

Hal laughed in an interview that yes Dixie was a Southern woman who adored living in NYC. That is so sweet - just love her uniqueness!!

[@erinkwalsh]

I still LOVE Designing Women! I love all of them!!!! They all remind myself of summers in Moultrie, Georgia with my late Mother's family!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stereokid]

What a beautiful and charming woman she was. RIP Dixie Carter

[@queen_of_domination]

I love people from the south. They rock. I love how nice they are. I grew up around hard concrete in three northern cities: NYC, Boston, and North Philly. Although I enjoyed my upbringing, I feel that I enjoyed southern people after I grew up and started traveling:

[@collinreesejones5525]

Dixie and Hal were an ABSOLUTE CLASS ACT!!! BLESS THEM BOTH!!!! 😍😍😍

[@gregmoorhead7203]

Katharine Hepburn once said, whatever star quality is, I definitely have it. The same is DEFINITELY true of Dixie Carter. She’s magnetically magnificent!!!

[@adamblue2980]

Charming, warm, and lively. What a lovely person Dixie was.

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

Very beautiful and sexy too

[@carolinetalley]

I love TRUE Southerners, their magnificent & brave history, glorious culture, and the pride they feel for THEIR Dixieland! Dixie Carter was one of the loveliest Southerners ever. "Southern by the grace of God"...ONLY!

[@elainelosee7974]

Loved her and the show. Dixie was truly independent, strong and intelligent. Miss her, thank you,

[@merriedge8186]

She was one of a kind. Miss her being in this world.

[@truthseeker7564]

When I was 10 and my mom would say, so and so died and he was 35 and so young. I'd say 35 isn't young it's old. Now in my 40's, I feel 70 is too young to die. RIP Dixie we lost you too soon. I loved watching Designing women when I was little. At a young age, your character Julia Sugarbaker, inspired me so much. It shaped the way I looked at how women should be treated and how much they are capable of.

[@joshuaseils524]

Just classy and charming and so clearly talented. What a lovely lady.

[@gregoryagogo]

I knew I always loved her from her role as Julia, but seeing her in all her interviews... I know why... it's DIXIE that comes through... I love her!

[@ginnylorenz5265]

A truly wonderful interview with a magnificent woman. Mr. Manouse asked intelligent questions and then sat back and allowed this deep, fascinating, articulate woman to fully express herself. And what a joy it is to listen to her. What a treat!!! Thank you.

[@jazzymoni7750]

Dear Grace and Refinement, Thank you for giving us Ms. Dixie Carter, the epitome of what you represent. She raised the bar on elegance and poise, and is truly missed. A beautiful woman with just as beautiful a soul. ⚘

[@hairyscotman]

Dixie was warmly received in my heart....what a lovely, SMART, beautiful SOUTHERN lady... May GOD Bless you, always....

[@ChaChaDave]

Dixie Carter was and in memory still an outstanding women. I will always have the utmost respect for her and Hal Holbrook..

[@evelynovercash1147]

Very astute woman. "It takes a mighty good man to be better than no man at all." I love it.

[@kingkong7617]

I am a American by birth and a southerner by the grace of God and I will always be proud of my heritage!

[@kbailey8957]

I've always admired this woman, and this interview only makes me admire her more. Her Julia Sugarbaker character showed me the strength & power in controlling ones anger & instead, putting someone in their place with intelligence, a razor sharp tongue, and a sweet-as-sugar smile on your face. It was absolutely the ultimate 'Bless your heart' ever. It helped shape me as a young woman into the type of woman I wanted to be. That, and my Aunt Tiny was a real life Julia Sugarbaker, who almost always used that method to deal with conflict. She made it an art form & I admired that ability in my Aunt to control a situation without needing to even raise her voice. My dear Aunt is passed, too, but watching Dixie Carter in Designing Women brings a bit of my Aunt back to me. I feel blessed to have lived in this era & had such strong female role models.

[@mrsinister8943]

She was what 67-68 In this interview? Damn she looks great and is still incredibly sexy even in her late 60's!

[@SicilianStealth]

I can relate unlike being made fun of her name at 57 I stand 6'6.5" and still get, "do you play basketball?" Dixie and Hal would shop in Rye, NY my hometown.

[@emmabateman2302]

It is with great sadness that I must inform you all that her husband passed away January 23. He was 95 years old. It was a life well lived. ❤️ #TogetherAgain

[@Yoretha]

THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is the epitome of a grand, southern lady. Did you hear how she described Patsy Welting? "Patsy Welting, from Memphis, not living anymore." It's the kindest Southern description of someone who has passed away. Such class, such style. RIP Dixie, you are missed.

[@julie4evert490]

We know...we know.

[@robertandhollyscorpiofan2697]

I like ‘called Home,’ and/or ‘sunrise, sunset.’

[@en6278]

ashamed to say Ive only just discovered this great actress but I am totally smitten by her. she is one of those Bette davis rarities who just oozes charisma & it really translates on the screen. Whatever character they play.

[@fintan3563]

What an inspiration Dixie was! May she Rest in Peace. ❤️❤️❤️

[@wallydeschamps8664]

Class (and talent) personified! She is definitely missed by so very many!

[@andreatrujillo5491]

Miss. Dixie Carter was one of the few people in the acting 🌎 that I truly admired so very much and loved. She was ELEGANT, BEAUTIFUL, SINCERE, HONEST, A SUPERB ACTRESS, SO CLASSY AND VERY KIND AND HUMBLE. Sad i never had a chance to meet her. THANK YOU for all the remarkable 📺 show's, movie's and the LOVELY memorie's you left our 🌎 with to REMEMBER YOU MISS. CARTER. YOU SHALL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! ❤R.I.P. 🌹 🙏 👼 📿 ⛪ 💕 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹 🌹🌹 🌹 🌹

[@bradybuncher]

how sad she has left us . We so need a show like Designing Women on the air today

[@leannfilice6084]

Yes we can use them today what would they say to a pandemic

[@carolgarza2023]

@@leannfilice6084 it would be great but I was thinking a few days ago, how today’s shows in particular (not all) have no moral compass. That show could never be made today

[@lenwelch2195]

What a beautiful soul . She recognized Hal's goodness , the kind that was in her !

[@lysechrist1947]

From what I recall of my short time in South Carolina, I say that what I miss most since leaving is the civility.

[@janscutter]

In all honesty!!!!! My late mother and my aunt look so much like this late great southern belle, as they were and are respectively, I’m always taken aback and saddened, as respect for my mother, with how the southern grace and charm she exudes in any aspect. All southern belles are and will always be, the grace and eloquence that is The Southern Belle.

[@Passionate4Broadway]

I miss her so much it's unbearable... I feel a strange connection to her. Can't wait to meet her in heaven one day.

[@IAmRachelleIRL]

Yeah, she was GREAT!

[@ArchAGabriel]

She was a bigot..

[@jeffreysworld9268]

@@ArchAGabriel do you have details or proof? We all have personal prejudices...what about hers' stood out for you?

[@monicamazzaro2811]

@@Beachview461 your culture? Which part? The misogyny? Segregation?

[@deborahkerrfan1085]

What a charming lady! I had long wanted to meet Dixie & her husband. I always enjoyed this couple individually and together. I am now in search of her autobiography, she was so very charming. Just delightful, with an exceptional attitude.

[@dianaperrone5088]

Dixie Carter!!!! Wow. Let me say she is absolutely amazing I feel so incredibly grateful I have given the chance to discover her. It was completely random but that's so how the best things in life to come be, randomly and when we need them and boy did I need her. She is inspirational, honest, and remarkable. I have been searching for words of wisdom in away that inspires on the level to actually get motivated. And make things start to happen. Due to random nonsensical nonsense of telling my best dude friend it would be hilarious to see Luther from Coach and Suzanne from Designing Women in a skit together, think about it, seriously it would be hilarious and amusing. But that's my 90s sitcom fairytale dream. Sooo thank you KZbin for leading me down the road to Dixie Carter. She is truly what a woman should be

[@slonekettering25]

Awww. I just love her. I hate that she passed away so young. Wait, she was 70. It still felt too soon.

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

70 does seem younger now.

[@aprilgosa5779]

70 is young

[@sarahmoviereviewer4109]

Yup

[@angelacarleton9575]

I can't believe she passed away at 70. I do believe she was ill which her husband never told the public. She was so beloved from all among those actresses in Designing Women.

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

One sexy woman

[@hollybishop1029]

Love her🥰 She’s so inspiring

[@ClassicLoverA]

I think she looks pretty good here; she passed away two years after this (2010).

[@ebonyd4ever]

She was so fantastic and is still one of my role models today.

[@Joe-hx8mg]

She would have been wonderful as a star into her 80's. She is very much missed.

[@alejandrawalker5045]

Ernie you are a wonderful interviwer, such a gentleman. You know when is time to ask and what. Well done. ThaK YOU. This interview was a treat. I love Dixie, what a classy lady.

[@SandyMcInnesMagicMemories]

Dixie Carter was a great actress and a beautiful classy lady! Even though her personal politics were opposite of her character Julia Sugarbaker, that role was truly meant for her and no one else. There characters that come to define an era, and Julia was one of those characters and so beautifully brought to life by Dixie. Designing Women was as much a groundbreaking show as say Maude and others before it as it brought attention and awareness to social issues of it's time. The world could definitely use more Julia Sugarbakers - and more Dixie Carters too! Thanks for many memorable moments, and may she continue to rest in peace. xoxoxo

[@meredithodonnell8619]

She was the BEST. Wish she could’ve been with us longer to make more memories. RIP Dixie

[@jackrenglish]

JUST SO NICE. I WORKED WITH HER..RIP..JE..WEHO. 6/2021

[@kitsonharris]

Wonderful lady, I loved listening to her and watching her videos , she gave me so much peace, thank you Dixie.RIP

[@GrammaD]

Love the interview and the interviewer! What a wonderful woman.

[@lisarice4402]

The choir of angels in Heaven needed a stellar soprano, and she is singing right now!! What a lovely woman!!

[@ritacastle9543]

This nice thought made me smile.

[@isitoveryet9525]

Dixie Carter and Delta Burke made Designing Women, in my humble opinion. The woman was absolutely astounding, & the way Dixie & Delta played off each other was absolute perfection! This woman was pure class. It’s wild how open people could be back then….sad how everyone has to be so filtered & artificial these days 😔

[@bluestate69]

i love dixie carter! she was so genuine and full of life. i probably would have disagreed with her politically, but that actually makes her more appealing to me. i really miss her charm, class and eloquence. this interview gives me a warm feeling and good feeling, especially the part about her meeting hal holbrook.

[@barbaraharney3050]

Such a lovely lady, it makes me proud of my Southern heritage. Beautiful facial structure, high cheek bones kept her looking young. RIP Dixie xx

[@Andrea-sl8wd]

Always thought she looked old and harsh no matter the age...like Joan Crawford.

[@CharlesAnthoneyCabrera]

She was so beautiful!!! She's my hero!!!

[@edwardjames50]

I was so fortunate to have seen her appear live, in a revival of "Pal Joey," back in the ''70s. It was a small role, but she got to sing the famous Rodgers and Hart song, "Zip," and she proved why the number is such a show-stopper. This was long before we came to know her as Julia Sugarbaker, but I have always remembered her stunning performance, for which she should have received a Tony Award.

[@KJBigBelter]

WHAT A GREAT INTERVIEWER! ...you just let them GO...what a gift she was and will be always.

[@theresabollman8061]

Her husband was so much older than she was, I just always thought she would have to face some years alone later in life. What a shock it was that she went first. Very sad of Hal, who loved her so much.

[@jc6594]

Today Commemorates Dixie Carter's 80th Birthday

[@wendywendy8379]

There was only one Dixie Carter. A truly beautiful and classy lady! May she R.I.P.

[@juliefan4lyfe]

I could watch this interview over and over again-my favorite moments are when she sings and when she talks about Hal.

[@SSSummers333]

We will miss you Dixie....but you will always live on through your re-runs and movies! May your family find peace in this troublesome time. Live on Julia Sugarbaker!!!

[@joelboy26]

You are the best Dixie! You will be missed... always.

[@philiptonee6334]

Ernie is an excellent interviewer. He knows when to jump in and hold back and just listen. Dixie is wonderful. ;-)

[@AlbieGray]

Yes, she dated a character named Adam Drake, played by Donald May. What was unique about it was that Brandy was an assistant district attorney and Adam was a defense attorney.

[@Darci3333]

The epitome of a great southern lady with grit..she was beautiful amazing and a powerful actress and powerful endearing person period. Sad that she is no longer with us....that leaves a very big hole in the makeup of this world....

[@anthonymeans7439]

Such a refreshing interview.I've always loved Dixie and her work..She was always so amazing a dedicated ii everything she was apart of

[@mggs5505]

What a graceful woman

[@ushorpa]

Great interview! She was a true Southern woman and an outstanding human being!

[@missmirren1]

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post this, but I wanted to thank you for uploading this video of the amazing Miss Dixie. I had the amazing pleasure of having a special relationship with Dixie for the past 10 years. She was a huge part of my life and I miss her greatly! I remember when she filmed this interview, but can't say I have seen it in its entirity until now. She always speaks the truth,....she was SO kind, elegant, classy and a true one-of-a-kind! It's not the same without her!

[@Sheltieshangrila]

How fortunate were you to know her. She was the epitome of a lady.

[@angelacarleton9575]

I admire intelligence in women and no doubt there are several actresses that exhibit not just their talent but intelligence in their performance: Dixie Carter, Phylicia Rashad, Angela Bassett, and Meryl Streep. I do believe what she said if the world was more literate in terms of reading more the world would be a better place for the children - this I believe too because "ignorance" causes so much chaos and pain which filters down to the children due to parents not being able to cope and overcome their challenges.

[@georgiasweetpotato7170]

#AngelaCarleton 💯💯💯% agree....with that list of talented and intelligent women I would add Dame Helen Mirren to the list also 👌

[@thomstephens]

Great actress! Loved Designing Women!

[@suzeauster2223]

Greetings ✨From Florida 🐬 Fantastic Interview Ernie; Your a Great ✨Facilitator 🎯 Precious Dixie ✨has Gone to Glory 🙏 R.I.P. 🕊 and sorely Missed ❣️

[@leedaniels2506]

Dixie Carter soooo Southern & Hal Holbrook soooo Yankee--Such a wonderful couple!

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

He's still alive isn't he?

[@thirdintegra]

@@raymondsolisjr.1262 He is

[@kennethagnew1627]

just an absolutely fantastic interview thank you so much

[@ritacastle9543]

She is so beautiful, clever and full of life.

[@KenJohnsonMusic]

If you can really love someone from the other side of a television screen...Dixie Carter.

[@myfriendisaac]

4:19 I LOVE HER ANSWER!!! Grateful 💘💐🥰

[@mthivier]

One thing she doesn't mention that I would love to have heard her discussing was her mid-70s role on "The Edge of Night" (she played Brandy Henderson, the DA), which was pretty much her first major TV role. That's the first time I remember seeing her.

[@reidx512]

I loved this lady, I was young and respected her all of my days. I am a southern girl, proud, and a great lover of all things southern. These ladies rocked that southern theme. I know she was a Republican, and this is cool with me...She was a great, classy, BOSS_LADY, and my prayer is that she is resting in peace....

[@Jonathan_Angus]

What an amazing interview to help me learn just a little about this amazing actress. Thank you for posting!

[@leninm.plazas1922]

RIP Dixie Carter. You and Hal were my heroes.

[@MatthewMcClellan]

Thank you for this, Ernie. She was such a lovely human being.

[@Marina28ish]

Great interview. What a great woman, charming and smart. Rare human being. She died way too young.

[@sylviacalhoun2399]

I love Dixie "Julia Sugarbaker" Carter! This lady is & was so amazing & my hero! RIP! You are loved & so missed!💕 er!

[@Americasprice]

I guess heaven needed a little more class up there. Love Dixie. Will miss her.

[@EagleArrow]

She's up there with many other greats on a mission helping us still living to get through the mess we are in now in 2020 to give us hope.

[@vernellharris5278]

Never seen this interview but glad I ran across it. I am and always will be a fan of Julia Sugarbaker. Seeing her make me really miss designing women and that whole grand cast.

[@mooka4515]

Still one of my favourite actors. She died too soon.

[@maxwaller2055]

*¡Dixie Virginia Carter!* - written at 4:37 PM Pacific Standard Time on Sunday, 26 January 2020

[@stubilt3848]

I met Dixie when she was sailing in Auckland New Zealand with her husband Such a friendly couple we spent time together time together it wasn't nice away off on what I but I often wonder what happened to that lovely

[@r0n724]

A true Lady and Star! In one episode of Designing Woman, "Julia" said that ten minutes after you die people will forget you. Dixie Carter will never be forgotten!

[@udui1o173]

The series got canceled in 93. If it happened today with the subject matter more opened it would be a hit. DW is a classy show the scripts, hair, makeup, fashion is super. Other generations will be viewing this.

[@prettyandyoung7028]

and the way she carries herself so well..always a lady..she's such a role model of womanhood

[@jordiedeawseome]

Many of you may not believe me but I personally know mrs Dixie and mr Holbrook. They are wonderful kind people. My mom and her sisters worked for them. And I visit their house every year. My family was devastated to hear that mrs Dixie passed away. But she will not be forgotten. My family still visit mr Holbrook. He invites us to his home for a bar b que. In fact I am going this Saturday for 4th of July. Again they are very wonderful and generous.

[@erikandrus4387]

+pokemonmaster55 I love this...I know this is an odd thing to comment, but the Holbrooks/Carters...Mr. Holbrook is an independent, and Dixie was a conservative; but they never let politics get in the way of them falling in love. Nowadays everybody stresses like with like - I love the fact Hal and Dixie were so different, yet truly in love with each other despite their differences. Awesome love story of our time.

[@indubitablysoyall]

pokemonmaster55 was she for gay marriage? cuz her aids speech was powerful

[@ronbrownell5149]

bs

[@suecunningham1238]

pokemonmaster55. I believe you!!

[@travisjames3517]

pokemonmaster55 There have been some things said that Carter talked to Burke like a dog during the feud. I suppose it does not matter now. I know Carter said that she would never watch DW reruns because it made her sad. Julia Duffy had some harsh words for Carter, too.