Donna Douglas
| Donna Douglas | |
|---|---|
Douglas in 1967
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| Born |
Doris Ione Smith September 26, 1932 Pride, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | January 1, 2015 (aged 82) Zachary, Louisiana |
| Cause of death | Pancreatic cancer |
| Residence | Zachary, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Education | St. Gerard High School |
| Occupation | Actress, singer, writer |
| Years active | 1956–2008 |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | Danny P. Bourgeois |
| Parent(s) |
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Donna Douglas (born Doris Ione Smith; September 26, 1932 – January 1, 2015) was an American actress and singer, known for her role as Elly May Clampett in CBS's The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971). Following her acting career, Douglas became a real estate agent, Gospel singer, inspirational speaker, and author of books for children and adults.
Douglas was born Doris Ione Smith in the community of Pride, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, on September 26, 1932. The younger of two children, she was the only daughter of Emmett Ratcliff Smith, Sr. and his wife, Elma (née Robinson). Her birth name is listed both as Dorothy Smith and Doris Smith in various articles.
Douglas attended St. Gerard Catholic High School, where she played softball and basketball and was a member of the school's first graduating class. Douglas was named "Miss Baton Rouge" and "Miss New Orleans" in 1957.
Douglas moved to New York City to pursue a career in show business and started as an illustration model for toothpaste advertisements. She was featured as the "Letters Girl" on NBC's The Perry Como Show in 1957 and as the "Billboard Girl" on NBC's The Steve Allen Show in 1959. These and other television appearances led New York photographers and newspaper reporters to award her the "Miss By-line" crown, which she wore on CBS's The Ed Sullivan Show.
Hal B. Wallis saw the Sullivan episode and cast her in the role of Marjorie Burke in the movie drama Career (1959), starring Anthony Franciosa, Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine. This was followed by a bit part in the musical comedy Li'l Abner (1959) and the role of a secretary in the comedy/romance Lover Come Back (1961), starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day.
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