If I had to make a list of the most influential television characters, Julia Sugarbaker would be right at the top. Growing up, my mom used to make me watch Designing Women for hours on end, and while at times uptight and strict, I always found Dixie Carter’s portrayal of Sugarbaker to be right on point (yes, even at five I could critique network television).
I learned a lot of lessons from her character: how to be strong but still be a lady, how to be classy and still have fun. And in honor of Dixie Carter and her wonderful talent, here’s a great clip that sums up Julia Sugarbaker to a tee.

