Donna Douglas was an American actress and singer who became famous for her portrayal of Elly May Clampett in the popular television show, The Beverly Hillbillies. She was also an author, entrepreneur and gospel singer. Douglas was born in 1933 and passed away in 2015. She was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and is remembered fondly for her work.
Donna Douglas: Bio
Donna Douglas was born Doris Ione Smith in 1933 in Louisiana. She was the daughter of Emmett Ratcliff Smith and Elma Robinson Smith. She had one brother, Emmett Smith Jr. Growing up, Douglas was a cheerleader and active in her church. She won the Miss Baton Rouge beauty pageant in 1953 and was crowned Miss New Orleans in the same year. Douglas then moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.
Donna Douglas: Wiki
Douglas made her acting debut in 1958 in the film, The Big Beat. She appeared in several other films including Career, Li’l Abner, and Frank Sinatra’s Come Blow Your Horn. Her most famous role was Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies, which aired from 1962 to 1971. During this time, she also released two gospel albums, In a New Dimension and Amazing Grace.
Donna Douglas: Age & Net Worth
Douglas passed away in 2015 at the age of 82. She had an estimated net worth of $1 million. She had made her money from her acting work and from her endorsement deals. Douglas was married twice, first to Roland Bourgeois Jr. and then to Robert M. Leeds. She had no children.
Donna Douglas will always be remembered for her iconic role as Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies. She was also an accomplished singer, author and entrepreneur. Douglas was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and she will be missed by her fans and colleagues.