Donna Douglas Net Worth: Bio, Early Life, Age, Height, Weight, Family, Spouse, Career And More
Who is Donna Douglas?
Born Doris Ione Smith on September 26, 1932, in Pride, Louisiana, Donna Douglas was the youngest of two children, the only daughter of Emmet Ratcliff Smith and Elma Robinson. She attended St. Gerard Catholic School, where she was part of the inaugural graduating class. During her school years, Douglas excelled in sports, playing both softball and basketball. Her beauty and charm led her to be crowned “Miss Baton Rouge,” and in 1957, she went on to win the title of “Miss New Orleans.”
What is Donna Douglas Net Worth?
Donna Douglas, an American actress, had an estimated net worth of $500,000 at the time of her passing. In 1957, she relocated to New York City to chase her dreams in the entertainment industry. Initially, she worked as a model and featured in numerous television commercials. Her acting career took off in 1959 with a role in the film Career, which set the stage for a successful television career. Douglas went on to star in well-known shows such as The Twilight Zone, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and The Beverly Hillbillies, where she became a beloved figure in American pop culture.
Early life And Education
Donna Douglas, born Doris Ione Smith on September 26, 1932, in Pride, Louisiana, was the daughter of Emmet Ratcliff Smith and Elma Robinson. Growing up in a supportive environment, she attended St. Gerard Catholic School, where she became known for her athletic abilities. Excelling in both softball and basketball, Donna earned a reputation as one of the top players at her school. Her natural beauty and talent led her to win the prestigious title of “Miss Baton Rouge,” which was followed by another major achievement when she was crowned “Miss New Orleans” in 1957. These early accomplishments set the stage for her future success in the entertainment industry, where she would go on to make a lasting impact.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Doris Ione Smith |
| Stage Name | Donna Douglas |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 1932 |
| Date of Death | January 1, 2015 |
| Age at Time of Death | 82 years old |
| Place of Birth | Pride, Louisiana, USA |
| Parents | Emmet Ratcliff Smith and Elma Robinson |
| Education | St. Gerard Catholic School |
| Notable Titles | Miss Baton Rouge (1957), Miss New Orleans (1957) |
| Net Worth (at time of death) | $500,000 |
| Marriages | Roland Bourgeois Jr. (1949–1954), Robert M. Leeds (1971–1980) |
| Career Highlights | The Beverly Hillbillies, The Twilight Zone, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Li’l Abner |
| Other Ventures | Gospel music singer, speaker, author of children’s book and cookbook |
| Cause of Death | Pancreatic cancer |
Age, Height And Weight
Donna Douglas was born on September 26, 1932, in Pride, Louisiana. She enjoyed a successful and fulfilling career throughout her life. Sadly, she passed away in January 2015 at the age of 82. Her death marked the end of an era for her fans and the entertainment industry, where she had left a lasting impression with her iconic roles. Despite her passing, Donna’s legacy continues to live on through her memorable performances and contributions to television and film.
Personal life And Relationship
Donna Douglas’s personal life was marked by two marriages. She first married Roland Bourgeois Jr. in 1949, and the couple had one child together. However, their relationship ended in divorce in 1954. Later, in 1971, Donna married Robert M. Leeds, who was also the director of The Beverly Hillbillies. Unfortunately, this second marriage faced difficulties, and they eventually divorced in 1980. After years of facing personal challenges, Donna passed away on January 1, 2015, at the age of 82 from pancreatic cancer at the Baton Rouge General Hospital.
Career Journey And Rise to Fame
Donna Douglas made her way to New York City, where she kick-started her career in the entertainment industry as a model. She featured in toothpaste advertisements and appeared on popular TV shows like The Perry Como Show and The Steve Allen Show. She went on to win the Miss By-line title and made an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Her early career saw her take on roles in films such as Career, Li’l Abner, and Lover Come Back, while also securing spots on notable television series like The Twilight Zone, Checkmate, and Adam-12. Additionally, Donna made her mark on a 1958 episode of The Phil Silvers Show, where she was credited under the name Doris Bourgeois.
Life After The Beverly Hillbillies
Following her time on The Beverly Hillbillies, Donna Douglas briefly explored a career in real estate before returning to the spotlight. She turned to gospel music, becoming a singer and speaker, performing at various churches, schools, and youth groups across the country. In 1982, she began recording gospel albums, and in the 1970s and ’80s, she also released a handful of country music tracks. In addition to her music, Douglas expanded her creative endeavors by authoring a Christian children’s book, Donna’s Critters and Kids: Children’s Stories with a Bible Touch. She also published a cookbook, Southern Favorites with a Taste of Hollywood, which included recipes from her showbiz peers, combining her love of cooking with her entertainment background.
FAQs:
- Who was Donna Douglas married to?
Donna Douglas was married twice, first to Roland Bourgeois Jr. from 1949 to 1954, and later to Robert M. Leeds, director of The Beverly Hillbillies, from 1971 to 1980. - What is Donna Douglas most famous for?
Donna Douglas is most famous for her iconic role as Elly May Clampett on the television series The Beverly Hillbillies, which became a cornerstone of American pop culture. - What other careers did Donna Douglas pursue?
After acting, Donna Douglas explored a career in real estate and later became a gospel singer, recording albums and performing across the U.S. She also authored a children’s book and a cookbook. - What is Donna Douglas’s net worth?
At the time of her death in 2015, Donna Douglas’s estimated net worth was $500,000, largely from her acting career and later ventures in music and publishing. - How did Donna Douglas die?
Donna Douglas passed away on January 1, 2015, from pancreatic cancer at the age of 82.
Conclusion:
Donna Douglas, remembered for her unforgettable role as Elly May Clampett, left a lasting legacy in the entertainment world. After achieving fame through The Beverly Hillbillies, she embraced other creative passions, including gospel music, writing, and real estate. Despite her passing in 2015, her influence continues through her work, and her estimated net worth of $500,000 reflects her diverse career. Donna’s life was marked by both professional success and personal resilience, making her an enduring figure in television history.
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