Donna Douglas Biography
Born: 1939
Though she appeared in feature films before and after the much-loved '60s sitcom The_Beverly_Hillbillies, American actress Donna Douglas will always be remembered as the buxom, blue-eyed tomboy Elly May Clampett. She was born Doris Smith in Baywood, LA, and grew up to be very much like Elly May in that she always had a special affinity for animals and nature. As a teen, Douglas was a cheerleader and won some beauty contests, notably the title of Miss New Orleans 1957. From there Douglas appeared as the Letters Girl on The_Perry_Como_Show and later appeared on The Steve Allen Show as a Billboard Girl. She made her feature-film debut in Career Girl (1959) and followed it up with a co-starring role in the Rock_Hudson/Doris_Day screwball comedy Lover_Come_Back (1960). She was cast as Elly May in 1962 and remained with the series through its demise in 1971. Later, she returned for a Beverly_Hillbillies made-for-TV reunion movie in 1981. In 1965, Douglas starred opposite Elvis_Presley in Fred de Cordova's Frankie and Johnnie. It would be her last film that had nothing to do with Hillbillies. Whereas some actors deeply resent being so closely associated with a single role, Donna Douglas has embraced Elly Mae and still occasionally makes public appearances in costume. A devoted Christian, Douglas is also a noted gospel singer. Sandra Brennan, Rovi
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