Donna Douglas Overview
An American-born actress, true blooded Southern Belle from Pride, Louisiana, Donna Douglas’s birth name was listed using both Dorothy Smith and Doris Smith. She was born on September 26, 1933, and had her exposures to beauty pageants before leaving her birthplace and settling in New York for a career in the entertainment industry. Her winning a local pageant paved the way for her to be invited to the Ed Sullivan’s Show.
She had only one son, Danny P. Bourgeois who was born on September 14, 1954. Douglas was very well known during her time especially with her rumored romantic links to Elvis Presley, which was eventually dismissed as rumors only. They developed closeness as they had a lot in common.
She has appeared 270 plus episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies which told of a family which made their relocations in Beverly Hills with their discovery of oil. Her tomboyish character innocently revealed her beautiful face and attractive physique.
She also made it into the popular Twilight Zone, in The Eye of the Beholder episode and appeared opposite Elvis Presley in the film, Frankie and Johnny in 1966, as well as with Doris Day and Rock Hudson in a 1961 comedy film.
She finished high school in 1951 from Redemptorist High School in her native Louisiana. Her mother’s name was Elma Robinson who died in 2003 at the age of 93.
The Life of Donna Douglas
What were Donna Douglas' extraordinary features?
Donna Douglas was considered a bombshell with her voluptuous body, her blue eyes, and that platinum blond hair. Not to mention that she possessed a lisp, breathless voice to match her astounding looks.
What was Donna Douglas' life like after Beverly Hillbillies?
Donna Douglas became a country and gospel singer with several albums to her credit worked with real estate and that book she published in 2011, based on biblical themes.
After her show The Beverly Hillbillies, she dabbled in recorded country, real estate, and even religious work such as gospel music, and biblical books for children.
She was born as Doris Smith and she began her career in pageants pursuing a career in entertainment.
During the time she was publishing her book, she pursued Mattel in a suit for the toy manufacturer’s alleged use of her famous name and semblance of a Barbie doll without her consent but accordingly, a settlement was made.
When did Donna Douglas die?
Donna died at the age of 82 on January 1, 2015, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
What did Donna Douglas die from?
Donna Douglas died of pancreatic cancer which was first diagnosed in 2014.
What was Donna Douglas' character name in Beverley Hillbillies?
She played the role of Ellie Mae Clampett in the sitcom Beverly Hillbillies during the 60s.
Who did Donna Douglas get married to?
Donna Douglas married twice. She was divorced in 1980 from Robert M. Leeds whom she married in 1971 at the young age of 16. She remarried Roland Bourgeois in 1979 with whom they had one son.
