Donna Douglas Dies: Beverly Hillbillies Star Was 81

Donna Douglas – the actress best known for her role as Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies – passed away today at the age of 81. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Douglas moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting and modeling while still in her teens. It wasn’t until she was 29, however, that Douglas would land the role that made her famous.  The Beverly Hillbillies ran for nine seasons on CBS, and Elly May quickly became one of the most beloved television characters of the 1960s. While widely regarded as a “single-role” actor who’s remembered primarily for one part, Douglas never expressed any bitterness about not receiving more opportunities in Hollywood. In fact, even in her final years, she spoke with fondness and pride about her time on the Hillbillies cast: “Elly May was like a slice out of my life,” said Douglas in one of her final interviews. “People love her and they love the Hillbillies. Even to this day, it’s shown every day somewhere.” At the height of her fame, Douglas played one of the title characters in the 1966 film Frankie and Johnny, opposite Elvis Presley. it was her only feature film. In 2010, Douglas was immortalized in collectible form as part of Mattel’s line of “Classic TV” Barbie dolls. Douglas is survived by her son, Danny Bourgeois. 23 Shocking Celebrity Deaths 1. Paul Walker Paul Walker died in a car accident on November 30, 2013. He left behind a daughter and a burgeoning film career.

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Donna Douglas Dies: Beverly Hillbillies Star Was 81

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