R.I.P. Beverly Hillbillies Star Donna Douglas At 81 - Noise11.com
Donna Douglas, music news, Noise11.com, The Beverly Hillbillies

R.I.P. Beverly Hillbillies Star Donna Douglas At 81

by Paul Cashmere on January 3, 2015

in News

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.

——————————————————————————————————————————————
Never miss a story! Get your free Noise11.com daily music news email alert. Subscribe to the Noise11 Music Newsletter here

Listen to the Noise11 Music News channel now at iHeartRadio

Follow Noise11.com on Facebook and Twitter

Related Posts

Hoodoo Gurus Stoneage Romeos 40th anniversary edition
Hoodoo Gurus ‘Stoneage Romeos’ Turns 40

Hoodoo Gurus debut album ‘Stoneage Romeos’ turned 40 this month. The album was released in Australia in March 1984 and in the USA in September 1984.

1 day ago
10cc in Melbourne 25 June 2023 photo by Winston Robinson
Kevin Godley Reunites With 10cc In London

10cc had a special reunion at their London show this week when former member and co-founder Kevin Godley joined the band at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday night (25 March 2024).

1 day ago
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel To Release ‘Back To Front – Live In London’ DVD

Australia missed out on the Peter Gabriel tour but we will get the DVD.

1 day ago
Kylie Minogue photo by Ros O'Gorman
Kylie Minogue Heartbroken By Splendour In The Grass

Kylie Minogue has expressed sadness over an Australian music festival's cancellation.

2 days ago
Michael Jackson Thriller vinyl
Michael Jackson Jacket is Up For Auction

One of Michael Jackson’s personally owned “Thriller” jackets is being offered for sale at Gottahaverockandroll.com

2 days ago
Tim and Neil Finn I See Red rehearsals in LA 2004
Split Enz Fans, Watch The Finn Brothers Rehearse ‘I See Red’

Split Enz/Crowded House archivist Peter Green has offered up another rare fine, Tim and Neil Finn rehearsing their Split Enz classic ‘I See Red’ in Los Angeles in 2004.

2 days ago
Bruce Springsteen Named First International Ivors Fellow

Bruce Springsteen is set become the first international songwriter to become a Fellow of The Ivors Academy.

3 days ago