Cast Of CBS Comedy Sitcom 'Newhart' (1982-1990)

Julia Duffy | Biography

Started her acting career at Old Log Theater in Greenwood, Minnesota

• By Reena Chikanbanjar
• Update : December 08, 2021

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Julia Duffy is an American actress. She is best known for playing Stephanie Vanderkellen in the CBS comedy sitcom Newhart (1982-1990).

Who is Julia Duffy?

Julia Duffy began her acting career at Old Log Theater in Greenwood, Minnesota. She then made her television debut in 1972 in the romantic drama television series Love of Life. Subsequently, from 1973 to 1977, Duffy played Penny Davis on the TV show The Doctors. 

Duffy debuted her film career in the 1980 sci-fi action film Battle Beyond the Stars. She later appeared in films like Cutter’s Way (1981), Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker (1981), Wacko (1982), and Imps* (1983). 

She also appeared on multiple television series, including The Blue and the Gray (1982) and Wizards and Warriors (1983), before landing a breakout role as Stephanie Vanderkellen in the hit television series Newhart in 1983. 

She initially joined the cast of Newhart as a guest-star in the second season, but she made such an impression on viewers, co-stars, and producers that she eventually became a series regular. On Newhart, she played a former rich girl-turned-maid and wife of Michael Harris (played by Peter Scolari) from 1983 until the show ended in 1990. 

Duffy garnered ‘Emmy Award’ nominations for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series’ for seven consecutive years from 1984 to 1990 for her remarkable performance on Newhart. She was also nominated for the ‘Golden Globes Award’ for ‘Best Supporting Actress - Television’ for her role in 1988.

After her breakout appearance, Duffy starred as Maggie Campbell in the comedy sitcom Baby Talk in 1991. However, when the production of the series encountered problems and Duffy also became unsatisfied with her role and the series, she left Baby Talk to join the hit sitcom Designing Women. She played Allison Sugarbaker on Designing Women for 23 episodes in 1991 and 1992. 

After that, she portrayed the role of Barb Ballantine in the romantic comedy film The Mommies from 1993 to 1995. Duffy later appeared in many television series, including Reba from 2001 to 2002, Passions from 2005 to 2006, Drake & Josh from 2004 to 2006, Shameless from 2011 to 2013, Looking from 2014 to 2015, and Black Monday in 2021.

Duffy has also appeared in over a dozen television movies. Her television movie credits include Children in the Crossfire (1984), On Strike for Christmas (2010), and Christmas at the Plaza (2019).

Age and Family

Julia Duffy was born Julia Margaret Hinds to Mary Duffy and Joseph Hinds in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 27 June 1951. Her age is 70 years as of 2021. 

Duffy’s father passed away when she was seven years old. After his father’s death, her mother remarried and worked as a real estate agent.

Duffy has three older sisters. 

Duffy relocated to New York City in 1970 and enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she graduated in 1972. During her studies, she also served as a waiter and hatcheck lady.

Husband & Son

Duffy tied the knot with American actor Jerry Lacy in 1984. They have co-starred in multiple television series, including Designing Women, Drake & Josh, and Adoptable.

The couple has two children together. They welcomed their first child, daughter Kerry Kathleen Lacy, in 1986, and their second child, son Daniel May “Danny” Lacy, in 1989. Kerry is a production designer and actress. Daniel is an actor and animator who has appeared in movies like A Christmas Reunion.

What Happened to Julia Duffy’s Son?

On 5 April 2019, Duffy’s son, Daniel, committed suicide by jumping off the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge outside Santa Barbara, California. Reportedly, he committed suicide after suffering from mental heal issues for many years.

Net Worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth Duffy has a net worth of $4 million as of 2021. She amassed her net worth primarily through her acting career.