Donna Eden

Donna Douglas, born Doris Ione Smith, was an American actress, singer, and author, recognized primarily for her portrayal of Elly May Clampett in the television series The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971). Born in Louisiana, she pursued a career in entertainment, initially working as a model and appearing in various television shows and films before landing her most famous role.

Following the success of The Beverly Hillbillies, Douglas found herself typecast and shifted her focus. She became active as a gospel singer, an inspirational speaker for church and youth groups, and an author of children's books and a cookbook. Douglas also ventured into real estate briefly after her acting career concluded. She passed away in 2015.

Douglas's career included notable roles in "Eye of the Beholder" on The Twilight Zone and a film with Elvis Presley. She also engaged in legal disputes, including a lawsuit against Mattel over the unauthorized use of her likeness for a Barbie doll. Despite the challenges of typecasting, Douglas expressed appreciation for the enduring popularity of her character Elly May Clampett.

Doris Ione Smith was born in Pride, Louisiana, on September 26, 1932. After high school, where she excelled in sports and was named Miss Baton Rouge and Miss New Orleans in 1957, she moved to New York City to begin a career in show business. Her early work included modeling for advertisements and appearing as a "Letters Girl" on The Perry Como Show and a "Billboard Girl" on The Steve Allen Show. These television appearances led to her being recognized with the "Miss By-line" title. She later appeared in episodes of The Phil Silvers Show, credited under her given and married name, Doris Bourgeois. Her film debut came with a role in the drama Career (1959), followed by smaller parts in Li'l Abner (1959) and Lover Come Back (1961).

Douglas achieved widespread recognition for her role as Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies, a part she took on when relatively unknown. The show ran from 1962 to 1971. Despite the immense popularity of the character, Douglas felt typecast and subsequently shifted her career focus. During a hiatus from the show, she starred in the film Frankie and Johnny (1966) with Elvis Presley. After The Beverly Hillbillies ended, she participated in a reunion movie in 1981. She also appeared as a guest on other television programs and was a subject of various merchandise, including dolls and coloring books. Douglas reflected that Elly May was a "wonderful little door opener" but emphasized the need for substance to advance beyond such roles.

After The Beverly Hillbillies concluded, Douglas obtained a real estate license but did not pursue it long-term, remaining involved in entertainment and other ventures. She became a prominent gospel singer, performing frequently and speaking at various groups across the United States, with a particular focus on supporting Christian children's homes. Douglas released several gospel albums, beginning in 1982, and also recorded some country music. She authored several books, including a children's book with Bible stories and animal themes titled Donna's Critters and Kids: Children's Stories with a Bible Touch, followed by Miss Donna's Mulberry Acres Farm. In 2013, she published a cookbook, Southern Favorites with a Taste of Hollywood, which included recipes from friends and colleagues and a section on manners.

Donna Douglas was married twice and had one son, Danny Bourgeois, from her first marriage to Roland Bourgeois Jr. Her second marriage was to Robert M. Leeds, a director on The Beverly Hillbillies. In the early 1980s, she attended Rhema Bible Training Center, graduating in 1984. Douglas maintained a close friendship with her Beverly Hillbillies co-star Buddy Ebsen for many years, describing him as being like her father. In later years, she was involved in legal actions, including a $200 million lawsuit against Disney related to the film Sister Act, which she claimed was plagiarized from a work she owned. She also sued Mattel and CBS over the unauthorized use of her likeness for an Elly May Barbie doll, which was eventually settled.

“Elly May was like a slice out of my life. She is a wonderful little door opener for me because people love her, and they love the Hillbillies. Even to this day, it's shown every day somewhere. But, as with any abilities, she may open a door for you, but you have to have substance or integrity to advance you through that door.”

“I loved Buddy Ebsen. He reminded me so much of my own dad. Most of my scenes were with Buddy, and most of Max's with Irene. Buddy was just a wonderful man. I related to him so easily. The night before he died, Max and I went up to the hospital to see him.”