Who plays Dana Sue in Sweet Magnolias? Star's career and notable projects, explored 

Netflix's Sweet Magnolias, the romance drama based on the series of books by Sheryyl Woods, premiered in 2020.

The story follows three women who grew up together and are now navigating romance and careers together in their 40s. After the show was successful, it was finally renewed for Season 4, which debuted on Netflix on February 6, 2025.

Sweet Magnolias is led by three actresses who play the roles of the titular three women. These include JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliot, and Heather Headley.

Brooke Elliot plays the role of Dana Sue Sullivan, the Head Chef at her restaurant Sullivan's.

More on Elliot's career and her character in Sweet Magnolias in our story.

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What projects has Sweet Magnolias star Brooke Elliot been in so far?

Sweet Magnolias star Brooke Elliot was born in Minnesota and according to her parents, she began singing when she was just three years old.

In 1999, she began her career in theater. Her early performances were in a production of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Miracle Worker, and Heathers, with a group called Babes with Blades.

She then moved on to star in famous productions of plays like Beauty and the Beast and Wicked, where she performed alongside Adam Lambert.

She also moved on to Broadway and eventually got her first movie role in 2000, where she played Mel Gibson in What Women Want. Her film and TV credits include titles like Denise Bell in Law & Order: Trial by Jury, Jane Bingum in Drop Dead Diva, Dolly Parton's Heartstrings, and More Beautiful for Having Been Broken.

After many guest appearances and cameo roles, she finally bagged a main role in Sweet Magnolias in 2020.

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Exploring Brooke Elliot's role in Sweet Magnolias

In Sweet Magnolias, Brooke Elliot plays the role of Dana Sue Sullivan. She is a chef by profession and owns the most happening restaurant in all of Serenity, called the Sullivans. She is the head chef there.

Dana is one of the main characters on the show, who, along with her other friends, manages love, friendship, and career in their small town.

Season 3 saw her mending her relationship with her estranged husband, Ronnie, and they finally renewed their vows. However, the ceremony had its drawbacks as Kathy, Ronnie's sister, returned in Season 3 and was not a welcome guest for the couple.

Kathy was cross with Dana throughout Season 3 because she believed that she deserved the restaurant, but instead went to Dana. After Ronnie wrote her a big cheque, she finally left town for good.

Dana finally gets a second chance at marriage with Ronnie, and her friends make sure that her special day is not ruined. They bring the whole town to celebrate with the couple.

In Season 4, Dana decided to step back from Sullivan's and give back to the community, by shifting her focus on their Community foundation.

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