Donna Douglas, who became world famous as Elly May Clampett in the 60s comedy The Beverly Hillbillies, has died at the age of 81.
Douglas starred as Elly May, the daughter of widower Jed Clampett (Buddy Epsen) in the long running series from 1962-1971.
After The Beverly Hillbillies ended, Donna became a Gospel singer recording four albums between 1982 and 1989. She always signed her autographs with Proverbs 3: 5-6, which reads:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Donna Douglas wrote the book ‘A Nun In The Closet’, and then unsuccessfully sued Whoopi Goldberg and Bette Midler claiming that they ripped off the idea for their movie ‘Sister Act’. Douglas had pitched her storyboard three times to Disney, Goldberg and Midler three times before Sister Act was made. She claimed 100 similarities in the movie and the book but failed to convince a judge after previously turning down a $1 million settlement offer.
Douglas also sued Mattel for releasing an Elly May Barbie in their Classic TV Collection. Mattel argued that she did not own the likeness despite the packaging using a photo of her. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount out of court.
Donna Douglas appeared in four movies ‘Career’ (1959), ‘Lil Abner’ (1959), ‘Lover Come Back’ (1961) and ‘Frankie and Johnny’ (1961).
Before The Beverly Hillbillies she had occasional parts in ‘Bachelor Father’ (1959), ‘The Twilight Zone’ (1960), ‘Route 66’ (1960), ’77 Sunset Strip’ (1961), ‘Surfside 6’ (1961), ‘Dr Kildare’ (1961) and ‘Mister Ed’ (1961, 1962).
In 1999, Douglas also appeared in an episode of ‘The Nanny’, playing herself.
Max Bear (Jethro Bodine) is now the only surviving member of the Beverly Hillbillies cast. He is 77.
Buddy Ebsen (Jed Clampett) died in 2003 at age 95. Irene Ryan (Granny) died in 1973 at age 70. Raymond Bailey (Mr Drysdale) died in 1980 at age 75. Nancy Culp (Miss Hathaway) died in 1991 at age 61. Bea Benaderet (Pearl Bodine) died in 1968 at age 62 and Harriet MacGibbon (Mrs Drysdale) died in 1987 at age 81.
Douglas died from pancreatic cancer of January 1, 2015.
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