Donna Douglas
- Born:
- September 26, 1932, Pride, Louisiana, USA
- Died:
- January 1, 2015, Zachary, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actress, Gospel Singer, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born Doris Ione Smith in Pride, East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana.
- Graduated from St. Francisville High School.
- Attended two years at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, majoring in English and teaching.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her career as a beauty queen, winning titles such as "Miss Baton Rouge" and "Miss New Orleans."
- Moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting and modeling.
- Made her television debut on The Perry Como Show in 1957.
- Gained widespread recognition for her role as Elly May Clampett in the CBS television series The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971).
- After The Beverly Hillbillies ended, Donna Douglas explored other career paths as detailed in "donna douglas biography wikipedia" entries.
- Appeared in films such as Career (1959) and Lover Come Back (1961).
- Focused on gospel music and Christian ministry later in life.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1959 | Career | Marcia |
| 1961 | Lover Come Back | Deborah |
| 1966 | Frankie and Johnny | Frankie's Girl |
Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role |
| 1962-1971 | The Beverly Hillbillies | Elly May Clampett |
| 1961 | The Twilight Zone | Janet Tyler (episode: "Eye of the Beholder") |
Books
- Donna Douglas' Cookin' Across the U.S.A.
- Southern Seasons Cookbook
Legacy and Impact
Donna Douglas is best remembered for her iconic role as Elly May Clampett, which cemented her place in television history. Her portrayal of the kind-hearted and animal-loving character endeared her to audiences worldwide, contributing to the lasting popularity of The Beverly Hillbillies.