Donna Douglas Net Worth, The Beverly Hillbillies, And Lawsuits
Donna Douglas was a celebrated American actress, singer, and author, best known for her iconic role as Elly May Clampett in the beloved television series The Beverly Hillbillies. At the time of her passing, she had an estimated net worth of $500,000.
Early Life
Born Doris Ione Smith on September 26, 1932, in Pride, Louisiana, Donna was the youngest of two children. She was raised by her parents, Emmet Ratcliff Smith and Elma Robinson. Donna attended St. Gerard Catholic School, where she excelled in sports like softball and basketball. In 1957, she gained recognition by winning beauty pageants, including “Miss Baton Rouge” and “Miss New Orleans.”
Early Career
Donna Douglas moved to New York City in 1957 to pursue her dreams in entertainment. She began her career as a model for toothpaste advertisements and made appearances on popular shows like The Perry Como Show and The Steve Allen Show. Her acting debut came in 1959 with the film Career, followed by roles in Li’l Abner and Lover Come Back. She appeared in various television shows throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s, including The Twilight Zone and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.
The Beverly Hillbillies
Donna Douglas’s breakthrough role came when she was cast as Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies, which aired from 1962 to 1971. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, ranking as the #1 program in the United States during its first two years. Despite being relatively unknown before this role, she was selected from over 500 actresses.
During a hiatus from the series in 1966, Donna starred alongside Elvis Presley in Frankie and Johnny, although this did not significantly boost her film career. In 1981, she reprised her role in the reunion movie Return of the Beverly Hillbillies. In a reflective interview from 2003, Donna expressed her feelings about playing Elly May:
“Elly May was like a slice out of my life. She is a wonderful little door opener for me because people love her… Even to this day, it’s shown every day somewhere.”
Life After The Beverly Hillbillies
After the conclusion of The Beverly Hillbillies, Donna Douglas obtained her real estate license but did not remain long in that field due to her ongoing involvement in show business. She transitioned into gospel music, recording several albums starting in 1982. Additionally, she became an inspirational speaker at churches and schools across the United States. Donna authored a Christian children’s book titled Donna’s Critters and Kids: Children’s Stories with a Bible Touch and published a cookbook called Southern Favorites with a Taste of Hollywood in 2013.
Lawsuits
In June 1993, Donna filed a lawsuit against Disney and several prominent actors over claims that the film Sister Act plagiarized her screenplay based on the book A Nun in the Closet. Despite presenting over 100 similarities between the two works, the court ruled in favor of Disney. In May 2011, she also sued Mattel for using her likeness for an Elly May Barbie doll without permission; this case was settled later that year.
Personal Life
Donna Douglas married Roland Bourgeois Jr. in 1949 but divorced five years later. She then wed Robert M. Leeds, her director on The Beverly Hillbillies, in 1971; they divorced in 1980. Tragically, Donna passed away from pancreatic cancer on January 1, 2015, at the age of 82. Through her multifaceted career as an actress, singer, author, and philanthropist, Donna Douglas left an indelible mark on American entertainment and continues to be remembered fondly by fans worldwide.
