Donna Douglas

Date of Birth: September 26, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 1, 2015

Biography

Donna Douglas was an American actress, singer, and author best known for her role as Elly May Clampett on the CBS television series “The Beverly Hillbillies,” which aired from 1962 to 1971. Born Doris Ione Smith, she grew up in rural Louisiana and initially pursued a career in modeling before transitioning to acting. Her breakout role as the charming and naive Elly May made her a beloved television icon of the 1960s. After “The Beverly Hillbillies,” Douglas continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in various film and television projects and performing as a gospel singer. She also authored several children’s books and was a popular speaker at churches and religious events. Despite her fame, Douglas remained grounded and dedicated to her Christian faith throughout her life.

5 Interesting Facts about Donna Douglas

1. Donna Douglas was crowned “Miss Baton Rouge” and “Miss New Orleans” in the early 1950s.

2. She appeared in an episode of “The Twilight Zone” titled “Eye of the Beholder,” which is considered one of the series’ most iconic episodes.

3. Douglas filed a lawsuit against Disney and Whoopi Goldberg over the film “Sister Act,” claiming the movie was based on a book she had written; the case was settled out of court.

4. She released several gospel albums and performed at religious events across the United States.

5. Douglas had a real estate license and worked in real estate in Beverly Hills after her acting career slowed down.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Donna Douglas

1. “I really love pets. They’re like children. They know if you really love them or not. You can’t fool them.”

2. “Back then, we had values and principles that we respected. I still hold on to those.”

3. “I was always a fan of Elly May, and I loved the character. She was so full of life and fun, and it was just a joy to play her.”

4. “I believed from the beginning that some people will love you, some people will like you, and some people won’t like you at all. That’s the way it is.”

5. “Faith is the most important thing in my life. It is the foundation of everything I do.”