Donna Douglas Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Discover Donna Douglas net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday, and explore her Hollywood journey and personal life in one detailed profile.
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Donna Douglas Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Donna Douglas is an American actress and gospel singer best known for her unforgettable role as Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies.
Introduction
Donna Douglas (born Doris Ione Smith on September 26, 1932) made her mark in television history as the bucolic beauty Elly May Clampett, charming audiences with her down-home warmth and animal-loving spirit. Over time her career evolved to include gospel music, children’s ministry and real-estate ventures. Though estimates place her net worth at approximately $500,000 at the time of her passing.
Her birthday, September 26, invites reflection on a life that bridged small-town Louisiana roots and Hollywood screens. Her relationships included two marriages and deep friendships within her acting community.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Doris Ione Smith (professionally “Donna Douglas”) |
| Age/Birthdate | September 26, 1932 |
| Birthday | September 26 |
| Nationality | United States |
| Profession | Actress, singer, author, inspirational speaker |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approx. $0.5 million |
| Relationship Status | Married (twice, both ended in divorce) |
| Known For | Her role as Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies |
“From Louisiana Bayou to National Television”
Donna was born in the small community of Pride, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, growing up as the only daughter in a modest family. Early on she attended St. Gerard Catholic High School, where she played sports and was part of the school’s first graduating class.
Her transition to show business began when she moved to New York City and worked as an illustration model and in television-commercial appearances.
Defining moments in Donna Douglas’s journey include:
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Winning local beauty titles (Miss Baton Rouge, Miss New Orleans) and moving into modeling.
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Being selected out of hundreds of actresses for the role of Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies.
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Parlaying her television fame into gospel-singing, children’s books, and ministry work.
The Core Pillars of Donna Douglas’s Wealth Include:
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Television acting: The long-running success of The Beverly Hillbillies earned her enduring recognition and residuals.
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Gospel music and authorship: Albums of gospel songs and children’s ministry books contributed income.
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Licensing and likeness rights: Her image as Elly May led to commercial uses and at least one legal action regarding a doll likeness.
Relationships & Family Life
Donna’s romantic history was marked by two marriages and a deep lifelong friendship. Her first marriage was to Roland Bourgeois Jr. in the early 1950s; they divorced after the birth of their son, Danny Bourgeois. Later, she married filmmaker Robert M. Leeds (director on The Beverly Hillbillies) in 1971; the marriage concluded in divorce in 1980.
Key insights into Donna Douglas’s relationships and personal life:
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Her close friendship with co-star Buddy Ebsen—she said he reminded her of her father.
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A devotion to her son and grandchildren, though she kept private much of her family life.
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After her acting career, she devoted significant energy to Christian ministry, indicate a shift in personal priorities.
Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond career success, Donna Douglas led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
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A love of animals and the outdoors—her Elly May persona with critters mirrored her personal interest in animal welfare.
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Transition into real estate as a licensed agent after her sitcom years.
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Writing children’s books with moral and faith-based themes, and producing gospel albums.
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While not documented as owning major luxury homes or super-expensive cars in the public record, she embraced a modest lifestyle aligned with her values.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Estimates of Donna Douglas’s net worth rest primarily at around $500,000, according to Celebrity NetWorth and other outlets.
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ventures (Television role, residuals) | ~$300,000 | Celebrity NetWorth |
| Brand Deals & Partnerships (Likeness, licensing) | ~$100,000 | Showbiz articles |
| Investments & Assets | ~$100,000 | Estimated from public data |
| This breakdown shows how a long-ago television role can create lasting value, albeit modest compared to modern stars. Her later career pivot into gospel and ministry likely provided non-monetary rewards more than large financial windfalls. |
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Donna Douglas remains best remembered as the quintessential “country girl” of American TV, Elly May Clampett—a role that defined her public image. Her likeness continues to appear in pop-culture retrospectives, making her a familiar face beyond her lifetime.
She used her platform to advocate animal welfare and Christian ministry, establishing for herself a legacy beyond entertainment. Her faith-based books and albums speak to a desire to give back rather than just perform.
In the industry she is often cited as an example of an actor who embraced type-casting yet turned it into a meaningful career and brand. Among fans of classic television, her influence endures through syndication of The Beverly Hillbillies and homage in modern media.
Conclusion
Donna Douglas’s story bridges the bayous of Louisiana to the soundstages of old-Hollywood television. Born September 26, 1932, she rose from modeling and beauty pageants to the iconic role of Elly May Clampett, and later shifted into gospel music, writing and ministry. Her estimated net worth of approximately $500,000 reflects a career that prioritized connection with audiences and personal values over block-buster earnings. Her relationships, modest lifestyle and deep commitments to faith and animals leave a legacy of warmth, authenticity and service. In remembering Donna Douglas’s birthday and birthdate we celebrate a life that found fame, but also purpose—proof that a television star can become something more than just a screen presence.
