Donna Douglas was an American actress and singer best known for her role as Elly May Clampett in the 1960s television sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. She was also a successful businesswoman, gospel singer, and author. Throughout her career, she starred in various films, television shows, and stage productions. Her life and career are an inspiration to many. In this article, we will explore Donna Douglas’ bio, age, height, weight, education, career, family, boyfriend, net worth, facts, and Instagram.
Donna Douglas’ Biography
Donna Douglas was born on September 26, 1933, in Pride, Louisiana, USA. She was the daughter of Emmett Ratcliff and his wife, Elma. Her father was a sharecropper and her mother was a homemaker. She was raised in a religious household and attended the local Baptist church. She had two siblings, a brother named Emmett Jr. and a sister named Betty.
At the age of 16, she graduated from Baton Rouge High School and attended the Louisiana State University for a year. She then moved to New York City to pursue a career in show business. Donna Douglas began her career as a model and was featured in several magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and McCall’s. She also made several appearances on television shows and in films.
In 1961, she was cast in the role of Elly May Clampett in the television sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. She was an instant hit with audiences and the show was a massive success. The show ran for nine seasons and she remained a regular cast member until its conclusion.
Education and Career
Donna Douglas attended the Louisiana State University for a year before moving to New York City to pursue a career in show business. She began her career as a model and was featured in several magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and McCall’s. She also made several appearances on television shows and in films.
In 1961, she was cast in the role of Elly May Clampett in the television sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. She was an instant hit with audiences and the show was a massive success. The show ran for nine seasons and she remained a regular cast member until its conclusion.
Throughout her career, she starred in various films, television shows, and stage productions. She was also a successful businesswoman, gospel singer, and author. She published her autobiography “The Life and Loves of Donna Douglas” in 1988.
Personal Life
Donna Douglas was married twice in her lifetime. Her first marriage was to Robert M. Leeds, a television director, in 1958. The couple had a daughter named Roberta but the marriage ended in divorce in 1966. She then married her second husband, Ronald Levy, in 1972. The couple remained together until his death in 1984.
Donna Douglas was a devout Christian and was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. She was also an active philanthropist and supported several charitable causes throughout her life.
At the age of 82, Donna Douglas passed away on January 1, 2015, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Donna Douglas was a successful actress, businesswoman, gospel singer, and author. Throughout her career, she starred in various films, television shows, and stage productions. She was an inspiration to many and will always be remembered for her iconic role as Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies. Her life and career will be remembered for generations to come.