Donna Douglas left a solid name that people still talk about. During her lifetime, she was mainly known for being an American actress and her net worth, at the time of her death, was estimated to be $500 thousand.
Donna also worked as a model for different television commercials and it was during that period that she landed her first acting role in 1952. From her first role, her career opened up and she started getting involved in more roles that helped with creating her career and the success that she enjoyed. Some of her notable roles include appearing on “The Twilight Zone” television show. However, her most notable one was her playing Elly May Clampet in “The Beverly Hillbillies” television series.
Donna Douglas’ Early Life
Donna’s birth name is Doris lone Smith. She was born on September 26, 1932. Her birth place is Pride, Louisiana. Donna is the younger of two children and the only daughter. Her parents are Emmet Ratcliff Smith and Elma Robinson.
Growing up, Donna attended St. Gerald Catholic School where she was part of the first graduating class of the school. During that period, she was also active in playing softball and basketball. Notably, she was named “Miss Baton Rouge” and later ended up becoming the “Miss New Orleans” in 1957.
Donna Douglas’ Early Career
Donna’s career started with her moving to New York in search of greener pastures. She began with being a model for toothpaste ads and ended up getting featured on “The Steve Allen Show” and on “The Perry Como Show.”
Donna was awarded “Miss By-line” and she wore it when attending “The Ed Sullivan Show. She then got featured in films such as “Lover Come Back,” “Li’l Abner,” and “Career.” Additionally, she also got roles in television shows such as “Checkmate” and “The Twilight Zone.”
Donna also appeared in a 1958 episode of “The Phil Silvers Show” where she was credited as Doris Bourgeois which is her marriage name in her first marriage. Ideally, Douglas made several appearances on TV throughput the 50’s and 60’s.
Donna’s Career Breakthrough
Douglas had her career breakthrough when she laded the cast role Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” The show aired from 1962 to 1971 and it was #1 in the United States during its first two years.
Notably, Donna got the role from a selection of 500 actress and with it, she gained reputation and started earning followers and fans.
Donna Douglas Personal Life and Net Worth
Douglas was first married to Roland Bourgeois Jr. She got married in 1949 and the couple welcomed one child. However, they divorced in 1954 and she got married to Robert M. Leeds who was the director of “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
Even her second marriage didn’t last as Douglas ended up divorcing in 1980. Her life came to an end on January 1, 2015, following her battle with pancreatic cancer. By the time of her death, Donna Douglas had a net worth of 500 thousand dollars.
