Camilla Carr, Designing Women Star, Dies at 83

The cult horror actress was known for her controversial role on the sitcom.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Camilla Carr, a cult horror actress who also starred in the sitcom Designing Women, has died at the age of 83. Carr passed away on February 4 at her home in El Paso, Texas, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease and a dislocated hip.

Why it matters

Carr was known for her memorable role on Designing Women, in which she portrayed a character with controversial views about the AIDS epidemic. Her performance in that episode earned the show's creator an Emmy nomination, highlighting the impact Carr had through her acting.

The details

Carr began her acting career in the 1970s, appearing in various cult horror films directed by S.F. Brownrigg. She also starred in 34 episodes of the soap opera Another World. Carr's most well-known role came in a 1987 episode of Designing Women, where she played a character named Mrs. Imogene Salinger who expressed controversial views about the AIDS epidemic. After taking a nearly three-decade break from acting, Carr returned for the 2015 film Don't Look in the Basement 2, which was her final project.

  • Carr died on February 4, 2026.
  • Carr made a guest appearance on Designing Women in October 1987.

The players

Camilla Carr

A cult horror actress who was known for her role on the sitcom Designing Women, in which she portrayed a character with controversial views about the AIDS epidemic.

Caley O'Dwyer

Carr's son, who spoke about his mother's role on Designing Women.

Linda Bloodworth-Thomason

The creator of Designing Women, who earned an Emmy nomination for penning the episode featuring Carr's character.

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What they’re saying

“It was a sh---y character, but she did a great job for an important cause.”

— Caley O'Dwyer, Carr's son (The Hollywood Reporter)

The takeaway

Carr's portrayal of a character with controversial views on the AIDS epidemic in Designing Women highlighted the show's willingness to tackle important social issues, even if it meant depicting a character with an unpopular perspective. Her performance earned recognition and underscored the impact actors can have in shaping important conversations.