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She rose to fame with her sharp wit and captivating performances. Yet, behind the scenes was a woman navigating profound personal triumphs and tragedies. Take a closer look at this iconic actress’s journey over the years and see how she has transformed.
This Hollywood star found fame in the 1980s, becoming a beloved name in television. However, while her career has been filled with multiple accolades, her greatest joy came from being a mother.
The ’80s star circa 1982. | Source: Getty Images
Tragically, she endured the devastating loss of her son when he took his own life in 2019. Continue reading to find out more about her inspiring story and marvel at her stunning transformation over the years.
The actress circa 1982. | Source: Getty Images
Rising Star of the ’80s
Born in 1951 as the youngest of four girls, this actress grew up navigating a challenging childhood. Her parents divorced when she was a baby, and tragedy struck early when her father, Joseph, passed away when she was just seven years old.
Despite these hardships, her passion for performing emerged early, igniting a journey that would lead her to Hollywood stardom. She began acting at ten, showcasing her talents in local theater productions.
The famous actress on the set of “Wizards and Warriors” in 1983. | Source: Getty Images
At eighteen, she took on the leading role in a local production of “The Girl in the Freudian Slip,” marking her professional debut. Her ambitions soon led her to New York City in 1970, where she juggled work as a waitress and hat-check girl while attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Doug Barr and the ’80s star filming “The Love Boat” in 1984. | Source: Getty Images
By her graduation in 1972, she had already secured roles on soap operas, including “Love of Life,” where she played Gerry, and later “The Doctors” as Penny. For five years, she built her career in daytime television before transitioning to guest roles on prime-time series.
The Hollywood star photographed in 1985. | Source: Getty Images
Her big break came when she joined the cast of “Newhart,” where she played Stephanie Vanderkellen, after doing a guest shot for the series. Stephanie was a hilariously self-absorbed, wealthy young woman whose love for luxury often clashed with the rustic simplicity of the Stratford Inn.
The actress as Stephanie Vanderkellen in “Newhart” in 1986. | Source: Getty Images
The character’s sharp wit and comedic timing made her a fan favorite and solidified the actress’s place in sitcom history. However, co-star Bob Newhart once said, “[The actress] is the antithesis of Stephanie,” highlighting her down-to-earth nature in contrast to her on-screen persona.
The “Newhart” star at the 42nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 16, 1990, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
Beyond “Newhart,” the Hollywood star showcased her versatility with a role on “Designing Women,” further cementing her reputation as a skilled comedic actress. However, despite her success, she often emphasized her ordinary, grounded lifestyle, far removed from the glitz and glamour of celebrity culture.
The actress on the set of “Newhart” in 1990. | Source: Getty Images
“We really don’t go to those Hollywood parties. I just can’t imagine choosing to spend an evening at what I consider an audition. It’s not a real relaxing situation,” she remarked.
“I want to say to the housewives who read those magazines, ‘Oh, if you only knew! I am so much more like you than I am like these other celebrities,’” the actress added. Her personal life was more about simplicity and devotion to family.
The ’80s star as posing for a portrait as Allison Sugarbaker in “Designing Women” on August 26, 1991. | Source: Getty Images
She met her husband, actor Jerry Lacy, on the set of “Love of Life” in 1972, and what began as a casual date turned into a committed relationship lasting years. The couple finally tied the knot in 1984, in an intimate wedding in Castlegregory, Ireland.
The actress and her husband, actor Jerry Lacy, at the Emmy Awards on August 25, 1991, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on their nuptials, she recalled, “The night before our wedding [the townspeople] threw a celebration at a local pub. Everybody jigged and held us up on their shoulders. A lady sang ‘Danny Boy.’ I had tears streaming down my face.”
The blonde actress at the 24th Annual NAACP Image Awards on November 11, 1992, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The couple soon embraced parenthood, welcoming their daughter, Kerry, and their son, Danny. Lacy noted that they eased into family life cautiously, saying, “We had dogs first,” before taking on the responsibilities of raising children.
The actress at the “Intolerable Cruelty” premiere on September 30, 2003, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Tragedy, however, struck in April 2019 when their son took his own life by jumping from the Cold Spring Bridge in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. The devastating event was confirmed by Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Kelly Hoover.
The ’80s star and her family at the premiere of “Intolerable Cruelty” in 2003. | Source: Getty Images
Emergency personnel responded to the scene, closing the highway near the bridge for an hour. The loss left an indelible mark on the actress and her family.
In the wake of the tragedy, she turned to social media to express her grief and celebrate her son’s life. Quoting Frederick Buechner, she wrote, “What’s lost is nothing to what’s found, and all the death that ever was, set next to life, would scarcely fill a cup.”
She later commemorated what would have been Danny’s 30th birthday, posting, “29 birthdays, 29 years of love, brilliance and laughter w @dannylacy. Heartsick you aren’t here for the 30th, but I treasure the 29.
.”
Through the highs and lows of her life, this actress remained a beacon of resilience. Her journey from an ambitious young performer to a beloved sitcom star, devoted wife, and grieving mother speaks to her remarkable strength and enduring spirit.
Danny Lacy, the actress, and Jerry Lacy at the opening night performance of “The Heiress” on April 29, 2012, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
A Legacy of Grace, Resilience, and Advocacy
This star is none other than Julia Duffy, who, despite enduring the unimaginable tragedy of losing her son in 2019, has continued to shine on-screen. In the years since, she has appeared in notable projects, including “Black Monday,” “Palm Royale,” and “Night Court.”
Julia Duffy at the world premiere screening of “Christmas At The Plaza” on November 18, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on her career and approach to acting, Duffy shared, “When I was younger and more tortured, I wanted to suffer in my roles. I don’t want to do that anymore. There are all these blondes around who cry and look lovely doing it.”
As she has matured, her perspective on Hollywood and its portrayal of older women has grown sharper. Duffy has spoken candidly about aging in the entertainment industry, describing the experience as “very awkward.”
She further expressed disappointment with how writers tend to depict older female characters, often reducing them to stereotypes rather than crafting complex individuals.
Julia Duffy at the premiere of “Christmas With The Campbells” on November 30, 2022, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
“You have to write the person and not the type, and it is very disappointing to me how much even younger writers seem to be writing Aunt B or something when they write an older person and not an individual,” Duffy remarked.
Julia Duffy at the “Christmas With The Campbells” premiere in 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Her plea to writers was heartfelt, “I hope they’re listening, and I know you have the talent to do it. Make that a real person.” While advocating for better representation on-screen, Duffy has remained devoted to her family.
Julia Duffy at the world premiere of “Palm Royale” on March 14, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Her love for her son continues to shine through her Instagram bio, which reads in part, “Please follow @dannylacy, we continue to post art our Danny left behind♥️,” ensuring his memory endures. Her daughter has also shared heartfelt tributes to Duffy, capturing the profound bond they share.
Julia Duffy at the world premiere of “Palm Royale” in 2024. | Source: Getty Images
In May 2019, shortly after Danny’s passing, Kerry wrote, “There just aren’t any words that can possibly do justice to how incredibly amazing and strong and loving and smart and funny and perceptive and patient and passionate and beautiful my mother is. I love you @thejuliaduffy 
.”
As Duffy has embraced life’s challenges and joys, she has also earned admiration for her timeless beauty. “WOW! This woman is stunning — still!” one social media user commented.
Another shared, “What a lovely person she is” and a third typed, “What a woman!” A fourth person added, “Nice to see Julia again. Always admired her. True class.”
From her rise to fame in the 1980s to her continued advocacy for authentic storytelling in Hollywood, Duffy remains a shining example of strength. As a mother, actress, and icon, the actress has shown that even in the face of profound loss, life can still be filled with purpose and beauty.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.
