Allison was the show’s main antagonist. This couldn’t have been achieved without the flawless acting of Julia Duffy, who just so perfectly captured the character’s cunning ways.
Her indifference to the company definitely made everyone pretty angry. Not that she was bothered. If all else failed, Allison planned to take her share from the business, leave Atlanta and open up a new branch of Victoria’s Secret!
Hal Holbrook As Reese Watson
Generally, we tend to fall for our opposites. Though this is not always the case. An example of this? Julia Sugarbaker and Reese Watson played by Hal Holbrooke. These two very similar characters, both widowed, were made for each other.
The two characters balanced each other out. If the one got a little too worked up, the other would be there to calm them down. While we know the fate of Reese, what became of Hal?
Hal Holbrook Today
With or without Designing Women, Hal Holbrooke had an incredibly accomplished career. Most of his roles were of iconic political and historical figures, some of which include John Adams and Abraham Lincoln - he just has that look about him. As far as married life goes, Holbrook tied the knot with one of his co-stars, Dixie Carter. The two were inseparable.
Later in life, he was involved in hit shows like Sons of Anarchy. Sadly, he passed away on 2021. But, his great-nephew Boyd Holbrook has made it into acting. It must be in the genes.
Julia Duffy Today
When Designing Women wrapped, Julia Duffy had a great reputation. She very quickly found work on the show The Mommies where starred in this show for the better part of the 1990s, cementing her as a well-established actress.
There are no future signs of stopping. The TV fave has gone on to appear in a number of shows such as Shameless, and American Housewife.
Jan Hooks As Carlene
This was definitely a wonderful little character in the show. Charlene had a sister named...Carlene. Carlene was played by the very talented Jan Hooks who joined the towards its last couple of seasons.
Carlene stepped into ultimately replace her sister who had moved to England. While she may have not been as sharp as Charlene, Carlene was without a doubt a sweetheart. She also had a real passion for the music biz.