Donna Douglas passed away at her Louisiana home on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, surrounded by her close friends and family.
Donna’s granddaughter confirmed the sad news to TMZ. The late actress, who was born and raised in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, was a natural for the role of beautiful blonde tomboy Elly May Clampett, whom she portrayed for all nine seasons of the popular CBS series The Beverly Hillbillies. She also reprised her role in the 1993 TV special The Legend of The Beverly Hillbillies.
Donna starred in numerous other classic TV shows, including Mister Ed, The Twilight Zone, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Adam 12, and Route 66.
She only had a few films roles but one of them was opposite Elvis Presley in 1966’s Frankie and Johnny.
Donna enjoyed a close, special friendship with her TV dad Buddy Epsen, who passed away in 2003. She said at the time, “I loved Buddy Ebsen. He reminded me so much of my own Dad. Most of my scenes were with Buddy… Buddy was just a wonderful man. I related to him so easily. The night before he died Max [Baer, Jr., who played Buddy’s son on The Beverly Hillbillies] and I went up to the hospital to see him.”
Donna also leaves behind a musical legacy. After The Beverly Hillbillies, she went on to record several gospel albums and even a few country records. Her discography includes: Donna Douglas Sings Gospel (1982), Here Come the Critters (1983), Donna Douglas Sings Gospel II (1986) and Back on the Mountain (1989).
The beloved actress and singer will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donna’s friends and family during this difficult time.
— Tierney McAfee
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