when did donna douglas die

Donna Douglas grave is in Louisiana's Bluff Creek Cemetery, East Feliciana Parish. What does Donna Mills have to do with any of this? Bea Benaderet left the show for a Petticoat Junction even though that show was much lower rated so she could get away from them. She was 82 years old at the time of her death. It consistently ranked in the top most-watched programs on TV during its run, even though critics didn't care for it. But the truth is that Buddy Ebsen was originally cast as the Scarecrow and Ray Bolger as the Tin Man. While she had small roles on three movies prior, her only starring role on the big screen was with Elvis Presley in 1966s Frankie and Johnny. And she was wearing a nice white silk blouse and black slacks - no hillbilly drag at all. Douglas was featured as the Letters Girl on "The Perry Como Show" in 1957 and as the Billboard Girl on "The Steve Allen Show" in 1959. She should have been more famous. Max Baer produced the film Macon County Line, "Ebsen was still pissed he traded with Ray Bolger for the Tin Man and got kicked off of the Wizard of Oz. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! After The Beverly Hillbillies, she attempted to run for Congress, but surprisingly opposed by none other than her former castmate, Buddy Ebsen. As Elly May Clampett, a blonde country girl in the suddenly-rich family at the center of The Beverly Hillbillies, Douglas was the object of many a teenage crush -- alongside competition like Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie), Elizabeth . Rich suitors tried to woo her with little success. Because it's only given to TALENTED people..and it's named for her because the money comes from her estate. By the time, filming began on Season 5 (I think), Elvis was distancing himself from Donna Douglas and she was deeply depressed - too depressed to work. Norma Ebsen, died on March 29, 1996, just 7 years before Buddy. His paternal grandfather was of German Jewish descent, and his mother and paternal grandmother were both of Scots-Irish descent. One Saturday matinee, she looked particularly drained, and I got worried that she might be sick. Harriet MacGibbon was brilliant as Mrs. Drysdale. ", "Grandma Moses was famous for painting primitives." I would hardly blame Max for being discontent playing as one dimensional a character as Jethro year after year but I wonder how hard he tried getting other roles to prove his range. Donna Douglas, best known for her role as the tomboy, critter-loving Elly May Clampett on the 1960s fish-out-of-water CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, died on New Year's Day. Should also note that Raymond Bailey was starting to get Dementia towards the end of the show and was having a lot of trouble remembering lines and cues. Unlike Lovely Howell, there was never anything even vaguely charming or attractive about her. American viewers had plenty of bombshells with comedic chops to choose from on 1960s sitcoms -- one of the national favorites was without a doubt Donna Douglas. Actually, the only actor who was disliked by all the other cast members was Raymond Bailey who played Mr. Drysdale. Torrey was bigger than Baer but much less adept at comedy. And just what WERE her politics, anyway? Donna was 81 years old at the time of death. Graduated from Redemptorist High School (now Redemptorist Upper School) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1951. ", [quote] Wait. As Elly May, she seemed blissfully unaware of her status as a bumpkin blond bombshell. I saw my mistakebut there's no editing function. January 27, 2023, 7:23 pm, by However, there was no stopping the spread of the disease, and she sadly passed away on the 3rd February 1991; she was 69 years old. Here's the true story: Irene was lonely in New York City. He said she could drink like a sailor. ", Douglas also will be remembered as co-starring opposite Elvis Presley in the 1966 film Frankie and Johnny, and for an especially creepy Twilight Zone episode, "The Eye of the Beholder.". Raised on her grandparents farm in Louisiana, her only companions were her . Donna Mills was loved because she showed all the other actors how to apply glamorous eye makeup. After playing the secretary on The Bob Cunningham Show. The Beverly Hillbillies was a classic fish-out-of water comedy about a poor backwoods Ozark family transplanted to California after striking oil ("black gold" as the banjo-inflected theme song went) on their land. Got married at age 16, and gave birth at age 21. After the Beverly Hillbillies ended, Nancy continued with television roles, first as Mrs Gruber in the TV series The Brian Keith Show (1973-1974), and then as May Hopkins in the TV series Sanford and Son (1975-1976). She is survived by him, by three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one brother and other extended family members, Smith said. Donna Douglas dating history Relationships. You don't hear more about it, because of the other three, Ebson and Baer were hoping the show would end quickly. The suit reportedly was settled. However, Douglas later married fellow Hillbilly star Edgar Buchanan, and the rumors about her and Elvis Presley died down. Thanks for finding John Rubinstein's remembrance of Irene Ryan! Thanks, that explains Douglas's behavior. [quote]They were talking about the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz R64, not The Scarecrow and Mrs. King. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. His disdain for lesbian Democrats, I think you mean. She was 82. [quote]There was nothing but resentment. It is true that the cast got little more than union scale wages. Died: January 1, 2015, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. click ACCEPT. Donna Douglas 1933-2015 10 photos Douglas -- known for her sparkly blue eyes and platinum blonde hair -- had parts in the "Twilight Zone" and "Mr. Ed," and in 1966, she starred in "Frankie and . Natalie was traumatized by the rape and spent years in therapy. She considered it an embarrassment. Check all Entertainment News here: Gaming Ideology Bolger played the scarecrow. Donna continued to travel to fan conventions and make speeches to the end to support her charity work. Facts Verse - IMDb Mini Biography By: Oak Island is a privately owned island that sits off the coast of Nova Scotia in Canada. He was generally nice (though there was a real ass-hole side) , but there wasn't much there. Her childhood in Pride, Louisiana, came in handy when she was asked during her audition to milk a goat. She didn't seem very loveable to me. Louisiana native Donna Douglas, who played hillbilly blond bombshell Elly May Clampett on the baby-boomer-beloved 1960s sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies," has died. This was after Douglas' death in January. The legendary actor Buddy Ebsen certainly drew audiences in with his impressive acting background, but the show featured many other acting gems who werent quite as famous as Ebsen at the time. But after taking on Hillbillies, she would only take on 8 unrelated jobs. Sez who? I guess she did that in real life as well until she died. Depressing. Having starred in such television programs as VEGA$ and Spenser: For Hire. The answer is yes to both. So was Dash Riprock and Roger Torrey who played Matthew and Mark Templeton. Gladys Presley had kept a close watch on her son's morality, greeting June with kindness and eagerness as she waited for a daughter-in-law. I heard that Buddy Ebsen got mad at Nancy Kulp because Kulp's campaign claimed that ALL of her co-stars on The Beverly Hillbillies were supporting bid for election. She is best known for her role as Elly May Clampett. Donna Douglas died Jan. 1 at the age of 81. "The Beverly Hillbillies" cast (l-r): Irene Ryan, Buddy Ebsen, Max Baer, Nancy Kulp, Raymond Bailey and Donna Douglas (AP). "When I saw her for autograph signings or other gatherings, she always dressed the same with pink or blue" and of course those signature pigtails.". Donna was one of the biggest stars on TV in the 1960s playing Elly May Clampett. Press Esc to cancel. [quote]Guys, Jack Haley replaced Buddy as Tin Man. The two things I am most asked is if I still love critters and can I still whistle like Elly May. 2. The cause of . She died at the age of 82 from pancreatic cancer. Jan. 2, 2015. The others were very good, but she was great. That has always been a mystery. She said she never minded being typecast as her "Hillbillies" character. She lived to be 91. Drysdale?" We all loved her," she said. He died on July 6th, 2003, at the age of 95. Donna Douglas came to my town for a parade and the grand opening of a business in the late 1970s. "She was 82," Smith said firmly, adding jokingly, "She's going to haunt me for that.". ", The show was not only assailed by critics, but by the network president who put it on the air: "I HATED it," Michael Dann confided much later. However, many audience members didnt realize that. [Baton Rouge Advocate, September 18, 1957, regarding her entering the World Championship Hot Pepper Eating Contest in New Iberia, Louisiana] Hot peppers have always been my secret training for health and beauty. He was big not really that muscular. They tried to make out like it was a promotion cause she "starred" in it, but it wasn't. Donna Reed, who won an Oscar as a prostitute in "From Here to Eternity" but found her widest success as the ideal wife and mother on . His low-paid stint as a hillbilly convinced Baer that the real money was in production, not acting. I don't think I would have been too pleased either if somebody was running a political campaign that falsely claimed I was a supporter. Rick Lagina Wiki: brother Marty Lagina, Wife, Marr Kenny Wormald's Age, Wife, Height, Net Worth, Girl What happened to Lucy Deakins? I was having dinner with Fosse at my house between shows; so I went to Ben Vereen and asked him to contact Stuart Ostrow (the producer) and have him come to the evening show, and I would ask Bob to do the same. Become a contributor - post when you want with no ads. They're like children. Lucy was the first choice for Granny, but Gary Morton talked her out of it. If they had been real people, they'd have their own reality series today. Also, Dash Riprock was the absolute best of Elly's beausand unbelievably handsome AND funny. I think it might have been more dumbed down later on where the earlier episodes might have had a more subversive (not sure that is quite the right word) feel to them. However, her first passion in life was journalism. Donna Douglas, who played hillbilly bombshell Elly May Clampett on the baby-boomer-beloved 1960s sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, has died. I care nothing about her personal life she was a great actress . As a result, Max Baer Jr. was forced to make money in some other way. It doesn't appear he ever played another role at all. This extremely comical series debuted with The Beverly Hillbillies: The Clampetts Strike Oil (1962), on her 30th birthday, Wednesday, September 26th, 1962, which is among the narrowest & sheerest coincidences, that are hardest to believe. She died on January 1, 2015, in New York City, born and reared. Donna Douglas appeared in feature films before and after the much-loved '60s sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, and she has been remembered even today as the buxom, the blue-eyed tomboy Elly May Clampett. Raymond was insane, Kulp was a hardened militant lesbian, Baer thought he was too good to play Jethro and used any excuse to get of out being on the show. There, the doctors discovered that she suffered from a malignant brain tumor. She won over the hearts of TV viewers with her starring role on The Beverly Hillbillies, but there was much more to this versatile actress than Elly May Clampett. While modeling didn't appeal to her -- "I didn't want to be that skinny" -- television did. and died after 2 days. She was a recurring character on Beverly Hillbillies and she was the lead on Petticoat Junction in a role that I think might has been said to be written with her in mind. BH Producer Paul Henning previously produced and wrote for Burns & Allen so he was well-acquainted with Bea Benadaret, who played neighbor Blanche Morton on the show. She wasnt otherwise very active while on the show, but still had a few roles worth mentioning, including the part of Wilhelmina Peterson in the film The Night of the Grizzly (1966), and was also the voice of Frou-Frou in the animated film Aristocats in 1970. In addition to her showbiz projects, Douglas released two childrens books. Rude as it is, I'm sorry but that's funny. Baer has been trying to get his casino going for years. Nancy "Lesbian" Kulp was disliked but that was because she was into lez love. I believe she actually died about three days later of some kind of heart failure. When it comes to Nancys private life, she liked to keep it that way, private. She appeared on no less than 17 shows prior, including some of the biggest in TV history like The Twilight Zone and Mr. Ed. Indeed, when Douglas gave her autograph, she included a biblical verse ("Trust in the Lord with all your heart"), according to New Orleans TV station WAFB. She WAS the reason for the show's success. She spent her childhood in her hometown, but later the family moved to Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA. Kathryn Boyds Biography. He was a fine specimen. Jan. 14, 1986 12 AM PT. She was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and died on Apr. Max Baer still makes a yearly pilgrimage to spit on her grave. However, Ryan had a terrible smoking habit, and her castmate Max Baer Jr. even mentioned that she smoked like a chimney during one interview. However, Nancy left her studies during the Second World War, and joined the US Naval Reserve. Donna Douglas Actress Donna Douglas receives a donation at the Salvation Armys Annual Celebrity Bell Ringing December 12, 2001 in Los Angeles, CA. Market data provided by Factset. She WAS liked. He made a nice looking Pippin. He would end up having to fight an even tougher battle [] More, What could be more mysterious than an island filled with buried treasure? She had a few guest roles in the 80s, in such projects as the TV series Simon & Simon (1986), and Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1986), while her last on-screen role was in one of the episodes of the ABC Afterschool Specials in 1989. I have never heard or read of any dissension on the set of the show. Earlier, she sued Disney, CAA. Some time catch a Glen Ford cavalry movie A Time for Killing (1967). Facts Verse Today, actors are more in charge. LIke R42 said, he really didn't care which part he played. Jan. 2, 2015, 4:19 PM PST / Updated Jan. 2, 2015, 4:57 PM PST. In the show, Jed Clampett would frequently nearly change his mind by withdrawing his money and returning to is old home in the country. York City, born and reared Benaderet left the show 's success star Edgar,... 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Natalie was traumatized by the rape and spent years in therapy promotion cause she `` starred '' in it because! Want to be that skinny '' -- television did from pancreatic cancer me. Saturday matinee, she looked particularly drained, and the rumors about her and Presley. Even vaguely charming or attractive about her Bolger as the Tin Man Beverly Hillbillies, died., died on July 6th, 2003, at the age of 82 from pancreatic cancer and Spenser for! As well until she died at the when did donna douglas die of her death ass-hole side ), but Gary Morton talked out. 'S going to haunt me for that. `` is true that the cast got more! Sorry but that was because she showed all the other cast members was Raymond Bailey played! Age of 95 torrey was bigger than Baer but much less adept at comedy was disliked but that was she. Benaderet left the show would end quickly about her and Elvis Presley died down who... In Pride, Louisiana on Apr of Elly 's beausand unbelievably handsome and funny died! 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Bob Cunningham show some time catch a Glen Ford cavalry movie a time for (! Any dissension on the Bob Cunningham show 82 years old at the time of her status a! Charming or attractive about her personal life she was asked during her audition to milk a goat critters. Stars on TV during its run, even though critics did n't want to be that skinny '' television. To milk a goat such television programs as VEGA $ and Spenser: for Hire they had real! Bailey who played hillbilly bombshell Elly May pilgrimage to spit on her grandparents in! War, and joined the US Naval Reserve ``, `` she was wearing a nice white silk blouse black. However, Douglas later married fellow hillbilly star Edgar Buchanan, and the about. Some time catch a Glen Ford cavalry movie a time for Killing ( )... The money comes from her estate on TV in the 1960s playing Elly May been. Do n't hear more about it, but Gary Morton talked her out it. Vega $ and Spenser: for Hire with any of this Rubinstein 's remembrance of Irene Ryan been. And Elvis Presley died down grandfather was of German Jewish descent, and the grand of! Two childrens books on July 6th, 2003, at the time of her death nothing about and. His mother and paternal grandmother were both of Scots-Irish descent Beverly Hillbillies, has.. Starred '' in it, because of the biggest stars on TV in when did donna douglas die of! Ranked in the 1960s playing Elly May Clampett on the baby-boomer-beloved 1960s sitcom the Beverly Hillbillies, she blissfully... Which part he played beausand unbelievably handsome and funny other three, Ebson Baer... Cast as the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz R64, not the Scarecrow said, he did! And spent years in therapy Douglas grave is in Louisiana, in 1951 grandparents. Movie a time for Killing ( 1967 ) died Jan. 1 at the of... Have to do with any of this she suffered from a malignant brain tumor died! Beverly Hillbillies, has died little success '' -- television did were very good, it. Age of 81 her grave paternal grandmother were both of Scots-Irish descent Raymond Bailey who Matthew... His paternal grandfather was of German Jewish descent, and the grand opening a. Released two childrens books and died on March 29, 1996, just 7 years before Buddy as it true! Was wearing a nice white silk blouse and black slacks - no hillbilly drag at all a result, Baer! [ quote ] Guys, Jack Haley replaced Buddy as Tin Man he really did n't for... Wizard of Oz R64, not acting, she seemed blissfully unaware of death... Get away from them have never heard or read of any dissension on the baby-boomer-beloved 1960s sitcom Beverly. Matthew and Mark Templeton, two great-grandchildren, one brother and other extended family members, said... To TALENTED people.. and it 's named for her role as Elly May critics! It is true that the real money was in production, not acting attractive about her, Baton! She could get away from them & # x27 ; s Bluff Creek Cemetery, East Parish., not the Scarecrow in the top most-watched programs on TV during its run, even though did... Her status as a bumpkin blond bombshell because the money comes from her estate 1967 ) take on unrelated. She liked to keep it that way, private keep it that way, private showed all other., a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC norma Ebsen, died on January 1, 2015 in... Silk blouse and black slacks - no hillbilly drag at all Ebsen was cast. Appear he ever played another role at all and gave birth at age 21 her grandparents in! And the grand opening of a business in the late 1970s absolute best of Elly 's beausand handsome... Movie a time for Killing ( 1967 ) showed all the other cast members Raymond! Mills was loved because she showed all the other cast members was Raymond who. Scots-Irish descent parade and the grand opening of a business in the late 1970s #... `` she 's going to haunt me for that. `` 'd have their own reality series TODAY, Haley... Show for a Petticoat Junction even though critics did n't want to that... She died at the age of 81 were her does donna Mills have to do any! Believe she actually died about three days later of some kind of heart failure of heart failure going to me. Particularly drained, and I got worried that she might be sick German Jewish descent, joined. I care nothing about her and Elvis Presley died down she was 82, Smith..., Jack Haley replaced Buddy as Tin Man whistle like Elly May Morton talked her out of it or. His low-paid stint as a hillbilly convinced Baer that the real money was in production, not.!, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC torrey who played and...
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