Donna Douglas was an American actress and singer who became a household name for her role as Elly May Clampett in the television series “The Beverly Hillbillies.” She was born on September 26, 1932, in Pride, Louisiana, and passed away on January 1, 2015, in Zachary, Louisiana.
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Early Life and Education
Donna Douglas was born to Emmett Ratcliff and Elma Robinson in Pride, Louisiana. She was the only daughter among four siblings. Donna attended St. Gerard Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After graduating from high school, Donna worked as a beautician before pursuing her career in entertainment.
Career
Donna Douglas began her career as a model in the late 1950s. She was eventually discovered by producer Hal Wallis, who offered her a contract with Paramount Pictures. She appeared in several films, including “Career,” “Lover Come Back,” and “Frankie and Johnny.”
In 1962, Donna was cast in the role of Elly May Clampett in “The Beverly Hillbillies.” The show became an instant hit, and Donna quickly became a household name. She appeared in 274 episodes of the show from 1962 to 1971. During this time, she also released several singles and albums, including “Donna Douglas Sings Gospel,” “The Best of Donna Douglas,” and “All American Country Girl.”
After “The Beverly Hillbillies,” Donna appeared in several films and television shows, including “Frankenstein’s Daughter,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Adam-12.” She also made guest appearances on several game shows, including “Password,” “Match Game,” and “The Hollywood Squares.”
Personal Life
Donna Douglas was married twice. Her first marriage was to Roland Bourgeois Jr. in 1949. The couple had a son, Danny P. Bourgeois, before divorcing in 1954. In 1971, Donna married Robert M. Leeds, a television producer. They divorced in 1980.
Donna was also an author and wrote several books, including “Donna’s Critters and Kids: Children’s Stories with a Bible Touch,” “Miss Donna’s Mulberry Acres Farm,” and “A Little Elvises Christmas.”
Net Worth
Donna Douglas had an estimated net worth of $500,000 at the time of her death. Her primary source of income was her acting career, as well as her work as a singer and author.
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Legacy
Donna Douglas will always be remembered for her iconic role as Elly May Clampett in “The Beverly Hillbillies.” She was also a talented singer, author, and actress who left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.
FAQs:
Q: What was his most famous role?
A: His most famous role was as Elly May Clampett in “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
Q: How many episodes of “The Beverly Hillbillies” did Donna Douglas appear in?
A: She appeared in 274 episodes of “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
Q: What other shows and movies did Donna Douglas appear in?
A: In addition to “The Beverly Hillbillies,” Donna Douglas appeared in several other films and television shows, including “Career,” “Frankie and Johnny,” “Adam-12,” and “The Twilight Zone.”
Q: What was net worth?
A: At the time of her death, she had an estimated net worth of $500,000, primarily from her acting career, singing, and writing books.
Q: Did Donna Douglas write any books?
A: Yes, she wrote several books, including “Donna’s Critters and Kids: Children’s Stories with a Bible Touch,” “Miss Donna’s Mulberry Acres Farm,” and “A Little Elvises Christmas.”
Conclusion:
Donna Douglas was a beloved actress and singer who will always be remembered for her role as Elly May Clampett in “The Beverly Hillbillies.” She had a successful career in entertainment and was also a talented author. Donna’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her fans and the entertainment industry as a whole.