At AndoMoney, I delve into the financial lives of famous personalities, bringing detailed insights into their net worth, career earnings, and sources of wealth. Today, let’s take a closer look at Donna Douglas net worth.
Known as the charming Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies, Donna Douglas carved her path in Hollywood with grace and talent. Her financial journey wasn’t just about her acting career, as she also ventured into singing, writing, and even real estate.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Doris Ione Smith |
| Popular Name | Donna Douglas |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | September 26, 1932 |
| Age (at death) | 82 |
| Parents | Emmett Ratcliff Smith Sr., Elma Robinson |
| Siblings | One sibling |
| Birthplace | Pride, Louisiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | St. Gerard Catholic High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced (twice) |
| Spouse | Robert M. Leeds (m. 1971–1980), Roland Bourgeois (m. 1949–1954) |
| Children | Danny P. Bourgeois |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (at death) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Singing, Writing, Real Estate |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
What is the Net Worth of Donna Douglas in 2024?
While Donna Douglas had a net worth of approximately $500,000 at the time of her death, it is worth noting that her fortune was primarily accumulated during her time on The Beverly Hillbillies and from subsequent ventures in music and real estate.
Compared to other entertainers of her era, her net worth was modest but reflective of a diverse career.
Other notable personalities in similar industries include:
- Elvis Presley
- Buddy Ebsen
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Bette Midler
- Phyllis Diller
- Valerie Harper
- Debbie Reynolds
- Max Baer Jr.
- Irene Ryan
For those interested in a broader comparison, you can check out the most successful actresses in Hollywood for their net worth estimates.
Donna Douglas Salary and Finance Overview
Early Life and Background of Her Career
Donna Douglas, born Doris Ione Smith, hailed from Pride, Louisiana, and was the younger of two children. She won the titles of Miss Baton Rouge and Miss New Orleans in 1957, which marked the beginning of her journey in the entertainment world.
She moved to New York City to pursue her dreams, where her initial work as a model for toothpaste ads set the stage for her entry into television.
Breakthrough Role and Rise to Fame
Douglas’s most notable role was as Elly May Clampett on the television show The Beverly Hillbillies. The show aired from 1962 to 1971 and quickly rose to fame, becoming the #1 show in the U.S. for its first two years.
This role made her a household name and greatly contributed to her financial growth. Although Douglas’s character was typecast as a sweet, naive country girl, it allowed her to make a significant impact on television.
Contributions to Film and Television
In addition to her long-running role on The Beverly Hillbillies, Donna Douglas had parts in various films and television shows, including Career (1959), Li’l Abner (1959), and a memorable episode of The Twilight Zone titled Eye of the Beholder (1960).
Douglas also starred alongside Elvis Presley in Frankie and Johnny (1966). While she did not pursue a prolonged film career, her role in these shows and movies expanded her recognition and income.
Singing and Other Creative Ventures
Beyond acting, Donna Douglas explored a career in gospel singing, releasing several albums beginning in the early 1980s. Her career as a singer took her to churches, youth groups, and events across the United States.
This pivot not only diversified her income streams but also aligned with her personal faith and passion for inspiring others. Her creative side led to the publication of children’s books with Christian themes and a cookbook that combined Southern cooking with Hollywood flair.
Her Work Beyond Acting – Real Estate and Authorship
After her acting career slowed down, Donna Douglas explored real estate, acquiring her license though she didn’t stay long in that field.
She wrote and published Donna’s Critters and Kids, a book for children with a religious touch, followed by Southern Favorites with a Taste of Hollywood, which compiled recipes and social graces from her experiences and friends in the entertainment industry.
These ventures into real estate and writing added new dimensions to her financial portfolio.
Financial Impact of Lawsuits and Legal Actions
Throughout her career, Donna Douglas was involved in several legal disputes. In 1993, she filed a lawsuit against Disney, Whoopi Goldberg, and others over the movie Sister Act, claiming it was based on a screenplay she co-developed from the book A Nun in the Closet.
The judge eventually ruled in favor of Disney, but the case highlighted her business acumen in protecting her creative rights.
In 2011, she filed another lawsuit against Mattel over the unauthorized use of her likeness for an Elly May Barbie doll. This case was settled confidentially, adding yet another chapter to Douglas’s financial story.
Legacy and Influence on Pop Culture
Donna Douglas’s role as Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies became iconic, and even after the show ended, its reruns kept her legacy alive. The character and the show’s humor were influential and served as a stepping stone for Douglas’s endeavors in music, books, and public speaking.
FAQs About Donna Douglas
What Was Donna Douglas’s Role in The Beverly Hillbillies?
She played Elly May Clampett, the lovable, naive country girl, which became her most memorable role.
What Other TV Shows Did She Appear In?
Douglas appeared in episodes of The Twilight Zone, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and Adam-12, among others.
Did She Have a Singing Career?
Yes, she ventured into gospel music and released several albums starting in the 1980s.
Was Donna Douglas Married?
Yes, she was married twice – first to Roland John Bourgeois Jr. and later to Robert M. Leeds, though both marriages ended in divorce.
Did She Have Any Children?
Yes, she had one child, Danny Bourgeois, born in 1954.
What Books Did Donna Douglas Write?
She wrote a children’s book, Donna’s Critters and Kids, and a cookbook, Southern Favorites with a Taste of Hollywood.
What Was Her Legal Dispute with Disney About?
She claimed that the movie Sister Act was based on a screenplay she co-developed from the book A Nun in the Closet.
How Did She Transition After The Beverly Hillbillies?
After the show, she briefly pursued a career in real estate, then focused on gospel singing and writing.
How Did Donna Douglas Get Into Real Estate?
After The Beverly Hillbillies ended, Douglas obtained her real estate license but didn’t work in that field long, preferring creative ventures.
How Did She Pass Away?
Donna Douglas passed away on January 1, 2015, due to pancreatic cancer at age 82.
Conclusion
I hope you found this deep dive into Donna Douglas’s net worth insightful. I encourage you to share your thoughts, comments, or explore more celebrity financial stories on AndoMoney.
