Julia Duffy (born Julia Margaret Hinds; June 27, 1951) is an American actress, best known for playing Stephanie Vanderkellen on the sitcom Newhart (1983–90). For this role, she received seven Emmy Award nominations and a 1988 Golden Globe Award nomination. The role also won her three Viewers for Quality Television awards as well as five American Comedy Awards nominations. She is also notable for playing the original Maggie Campbell on Baby Talk (1991) and Allison Sugarbaker on Designing Women (1991–92).
Duffy was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1951, the daughter of Joseph Hinds and Mary Duffy. Her early career included parts in soap operas such as One Life to Live, The Doctors, and Love of Life. Duffy also appeared in movies such as Night Warning (1981) and Cutter's Way (1981). She made an appearance on the television sitcom Cheers during the show's first season in 1982; she had been considered for the role of Diane Chambers, the sitcom's female lead.