Donna Douglas, ‘Beverly Hillbillies’ actress, dies at 81
Actress Donna Douglas, the star of the classic television show “The Beverly Hillbillies” that brought laughter to thousands of homes, is dead at 81. Douglas passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
She played the role of beautiful, sweet Elly May, who loved animals and had an oversized heart. The character Elly May was unconcerned with image, always kind, and a tomboy at heart.
Donna Douglas had to compete for this role, as well over 500,000 actresses tried out for the part. Yet, Douglas said she had an edge the others did not. She found she could relate to Elly May, since she herself grew up as a poor, tomboy from the South.
“She was always happy,” said cousin Charlene Smith. “She really loved animals. She was a wonderful lady, a very good Christian lady.”
Donna Douglas will be missed by many. She was a star here on Earth and now a true star in Heaven.
