‘Newhart' Star Julia Duffy Is 74 and Beautiful on the Red Carpet
Julia Duffy rose to stardom as Stephanie Vanderkellen on the TV series Newhart, but the TV staple is looking incredible these days.
The talented actress, 74, tackled the role of Vanderkellen on the popular series, which starred legendary actor Bob Newhart as an author and inn owner in a picturesque Vermont town. Duffy's character was a spoiled cousin who attempted to serve as the inn's maid, despite her entitled attitude. She played the role from 1983 until 1990, when the beloved show concluded.
After her most iconic role, Duffy went on to play Allison Sugarbaker on Designing Women and ventured into children's territory with the popular Nickelodeon series Drake & Josh. Also boasting a successful theatrical career, Duffy delights fans by returning to TV screens as Mary Jones Davidsoul in Palm Royale, the popular Apple TV series that follows the drama of high society in Palm Beach, Florida, starting in 1969. The series also stars Kristen Wiig, Leslie Bibb, Josh Lucas, and comedy icon Carol Burnett.
This week, Duffy hit the red carpet alongside Celeste Hughey for the NBCUniversal Emmy Luncheon at Avra Beverly Hills Estiatorio in Beverly Hills, California. With a natural glow on her face, the actress is truly in her prime.
What Has Julia Duffy Said About Aging in Hollywood?
In a 2024 podcast appearance, Duffy spoke about how aging in Hollywood is "very awkward."
During an appearance on Steve Kmetko's podcast, Still Here Hollywood, Kmetko asked Duffy if aging in Hollywood had affected her.
"I'll tell you something that drives me up a wall, because it's symbolic of all of it," Duffy said. "I have read for and actually played the role of a woman who's older, that they have named Myrna - that takes place present day."
PEOPLE pointed out that the role was for an appearance on Melissa & Joey in 2010.
"Now, I know what people were named who are my age, now. We were Patty and Kathy and Susie. These women that they write in older roles could have been at Woodstock," said Duffy. "If you're having them be 70 today in 2024."
"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 Bee or something when they write an older person and not an individual," Duffy continued. "I hope they're listening and I know you have the talent to do it. Make that a real person."
To watch Duffy on the podcast episode, click below:
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 11:18 AM.