Dixie Virginia Carter (May 25, 1939 – April 10, 2010) was an American film, television and stage actress, best known for her role as Julia Sugarbaker in the CBS sitcom Designing Women (1986–1993). She is also known for her roles as Randi King on the CBS legal drama Family Law (1999-2002), Assistant District Attorney, Brandy Henderson on the CBS soap The Edge of Night (1974- 1976), and as Gloria Hodge on the ABC series Desperate Housewives (2006-2007).