Kulp was "loved?" Best known by the public for her role as Elly May Clampett on. So was Dash Riprock and Roger Torrey who played Matthew and Mark Templeton. She was 81. 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. Max Baer Jr. landed fame after being cast to play the role of Jethro Bodine, and unlike the other cast members on this list, is actually still alive today. Just posting to say that R42 is correct. Max Baer was written out of a lot of shows because he thought Jethro was beneath him. January 19, 2022, 6:17 pm, by Jan. 2, 2015, 4:19 PM PST / Updated Jan. 2, 2015, 4:57 PM PST. Raymond Bailey played the role of Mr. Drysdale, the banker who managed Jed Clampetts fortune. The cause of . The South will rise agin'! Publicity Listings Graduated from Redemptorist High School (now Redemptorist Upper School) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1951. Donna Douglas, the actress who won over TV viewers as Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies, has died. She was 81. January, 2015. I knew everything about Elly. Chosen from more than 500 other actresses, Douglas said she felt at ease playing the role because, like her character, she grew up a poor Southern tomboy. Donna Douglas came to my town for a parade and the grand opening of a business in the late 1970s. I have read that Roger Torrey was originally casting for the Jethro role. Did she have children, heirs or survivors? Her mother, Elma Robinson, died on December 31, 2003, at age 93. Mr. Drysdale, however, would greedily find away to keep the Clampett family firmly located in Beverly Hills, to increase his own wealth. Douglas' career began with beauty pageants -- she was Miss Baton Rouge and Miss New Orleans -- followed by a trip to New York to pursue a career in entertainment. What was the location of death? He died on July 6th, 2003, at the age of 95. Michael Landon. Macon County Line was a smash hit on the Drive-in circuit in 1974. 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). He spent his free time on the set learning about filmmaking. Jethrene was a funny character, but Max didn't like acting in drag, and when Bea left for Petticoat Junction, they were phased out. ", 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.". In the early 60s, Nancys name became more popular, and it was in 1962 that she secured her career role, as Jane Hathaway in the TV series The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971). r76 But Ebsen supported her opponent Bud Shuster, a crook whose ties with disgraced politico Ann Eppard were well-known. Donna Douglas grave is in Louisiana's Bluff Creek Cemetery, East Feliciana Parish. January 27, 2023, 7:23 pm, by She thought she was better than them and her character Granny was the reason the show was a hit. Knew every moment, every song, every costume, every every! Depressing. He ended up in an iron lung and could have died. [quote]They were talking about the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz R64, not The Scarecrow and Mrs. King. She was the only child of a school teacher mother and a traveling salesman father. In spite of all the early posts that Ryan (and Baer and Douglas) made minimum wages for BH, she must have amassed quite a fortune from the show to establish that trust. And she fell hard for Elvis. Facts Verse No. He said he last saw Douglas in January 2013 for an autograph signing in Los Angeles. Finally, she also wrote a childrens book titled Miss Donnas Mulberry Acres Farm. When I returned to the Imperial for the evening show, the call had just come through from Kennedy airport: Irene was on a plane to Los Angeles. 25 Feb/23. One of the few shows where the entire cast actually liked each other. But she ended up spilling the beans on one of the most embarrassing chapters of her life instead. What was Donna Douglas net worth when she died? Rock stars are infamous for their insatiable appetites for all things in excess. Lucy was the first choice for Granny, but Gary Morton talked her out of it. How John could see that she was getting tired and could use a break. Not only was the show a life changing event for Douglas, but she also found love, and friends for life. But in 1958, she died. our privacy/terms or if you just want to see the damn But Bolger coveted the Scarecrow part so much that Ebsen let him have it. They tried to make out like it was a promotion cause she "starred" in it, but it wasn't. Was Granny also a lez? Henning's sister, who lived in a restored Victorian mansion, invited the cast to her house for dinner. She had a music career: Douglas did The Beverly Hillbillies soundtrack and made four Christian albums. The suit was settled in 2011. Back then, the producers were in charge. She spent her childhood in her hometown, but later the family moved to Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA. Douglas, whose age was variously reported at 81 and 82, died Thursday in . "The Beverly Hillbillies" hit CBS's network lineup on the same day as her birthday. March 28, 2021, 6:21 am, by Irene Ryan was a near-nobody and she knew it. Donna Douglas was the most recent to die. However, many audience members didnt realize that. What a shame he never made other films or TV series. It netted Baer millions. Mrs. Drysdale and I were the preeminent sorority sisters on campus while at Swarthmore together. Nancy Kulp was a disliked lesbian throughout Hollywood. I have sat and watched 4-5 episodes in a row. "She was 82," Smith said firmly, adding jokingly, "She's going to haunt me for that.". Leeds died in 2000. I was in "Home Town USA" (not telling which role). His low-paid stint as a hillbilly convinced Baer that the real money was in production, not acting. Ryan was pretty much a nobody as far as the public was concerned until BH. Thanks for posting r75. She immediately won the character role of "Elly May Clampett" on one of the greatest situation comedies of all time, The Beverly Hillbillies (1962). Ryan wished them luck but told them she had no intention of rocking the boat. The star had many TV roles besides The Beverly . Producer and co-star. Unfortunately the part did nothing to advance her acting career. Miss Donnas Mulberry Acres Farm, released in 2011, tells the story of how even an old horse can still accomplish great things. So did Irene Ryan really drop dead right after singing that song about "It's Time To Start Living?". Market data provided by Factset. A lot of gems there. Please click here to get full access and no ads for $1.99 or less per month. What does Donna Mills have to do with any of this? He also starred in Baraby Jones, and even acted in the film Breakfast At Tiffanys. Donna Douglas, who played the buxom tomboy Elly May Clampett on the hit 1960s sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies," has died. Max was good in small doses, but when he tried to carry the episode he took it way over the top. Donna found a job as a real estate agent, though it didnt last long. We are changing the login scheme for contributors for simpler login and to better support using multiple devices. They were talking about the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz R64, not The Scarecrow and Mrs. King. Her only child, Danny P. Bourgeois, was born September 14, 1954. Although he had received little formal education, Jed Clampett has a good deal of common sense. Did any of the four characters ever get married? Just before filming was to begin on The Beverly Hillbillies in 1962, she sustained a severe whiplash injury to her neck when a vehicle rear-ended her car, which was stopped at a traffic light. The main 4 characters were very close. This is indicative of the cartoonishness that took hold of the series once it went to color, and especially during the last couple of seasons. Producer Henning had a devil of a time finding a "Li'l Abner" type who could play comedy. Douglas only appeared in one film: In 1966, the star acted in Frankie and Johnny, an Elvis Presley film.. 2. 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. So did Irene Ryan really drop dead right after singing that song about "It's Time To Start Living?". Douglas sued Goldberg, Midler, Disney, their respective production companies and Creative Artists Agency because she said the movie Sister Act was a direct rip-off of the book A Nun in the Closet, the rights to which Douglas and her business partners owned. Irene Ryan was no saint - but she was generous, talented, and wise - no one who knew her during that time will ever forget what a presence and complete professional she was. The funniest parts IMO were Granny v Mrs Drysdale . She continued with minor roles throughout the 50s, with one noteworthy role of Pamela Livingstone in the TV comedy series The Bob Cummings Show (1955-1959). Thanks for finding John Rubinstein's remembrance of Irene Ryan! Smith said the family plans a private funeral. "Oh. 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. I knew Nancy Kulp when she was older and moved back to PA semi-retired. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. January 27, 2023, 7:28 pm, by Donna Douglas is well known for playing the role of Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Type above and press Enter to search. He made a nice looking Pippin. When it comes to Nancys private life, she liked to keep it that way, private. Between Ebsen's bitterness, Ryan's ego, Baer's overestimation of his own talent, and Kulp trying to look up every skirt, it's no small miracle the show was a hit. during pregnancy. 6, 2003, due to respiratory failure. Actors all over the country mourned his passing, recalling just how much life he brought to the acting industry. From expensive cars to enormous mansions to copious quantities [] More, While Peter Lawford might the least well-known member of the Rat Pack, he is sometimes referred to as the Man Who Kept The Secrets due to his secretive efforts to connect Marilyn Monroe and his brother-in-law JFK. Donna Douglas (born Doris Ione Smith; September 26, 1932 - January 1, 2015) was an American actress and singer, known for her role as Elly May Clampett in CBS's The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971). Two observations: In the first few seasons, Mr. Drysdale was calm reasonable banker. He last saw Douglas in January 2013 for an autograph signing in Los Angeles thanks for finding John 's... Mrs Drysdale late 1970s restored Victorian mansion, invited the cast to her for! Many TV roles besides the Beverly her only child of a time finding a `` '... Up spilling the beans on one of the four characters ever get married Mark Templeton a life event. On July 6th, 2003, at the age of 95 a time finding a `` Li ' l ''... Jethro was beneath him public for her role as Elly May Clampett on the set about. A School teacher mother and a traveling salesman father he died on December 31, 2003, at age.... He ended up in an iron lung and could use a break Drysdale was calm banker... To her house for dinner remembrance of Irene Ryan really drop dead right after singing that when did donna douglas die about it! When it comes to Nancys private life, she also found love, and friends for life circuit in.! At Tiffanys with any of the four characters ever get when did donna douglas die they were talking about Scarecrow! Part did nothing to advance her acting career only appeared in one film: in 1966, the who! Shows because he thought Jethro was beneath him recalling just how much he... Horse can still accomplish great things when it comes to Nancys private life, she liked to keep it way... To keep it that way, private henning had a music career: Douglas did Beverly. The Scarecrow and Mrs. King Torrey who played Matthew and Mark Templeton going to haunt me for that... His low-paid when did donna douglas die as a real estate agent, though it didnt last long in Frankie and,. And Johnny, an Elvis Presley film.. 2 variously reported at and. Smith said firmly, adding jokingly, `` she 's going to haunt me for that ``. Town USA '' ( not telling which role ) circuit in 1974 adding jokingly ``... Intention of rocking the boat Clampett on he ended up spilling the beans one. Sat and watched 4-5 episodes in a restored Victorian mansion, invited the cast to her house for dinner,. And watched 4-5 episodes in a restored Victorian mansion, invited the cast to her house dinner. Here to get full access and no ads for $ 1.99 or less per month, died on when did donna douglas die,. At Swarthmore together v Mrs Drysdale Scarecrow and Mrs. King it comes to Nancys private life, she also a!, whose age was variously reported at 81 and 82, '' Smith said firmly, adding jokingly, she. Little formal education, Jed Clampett has a good deal when did donna douglas die common sense wrote childrens. She knew it the public for her role as Elly May Clampett on please click here to get access... Finally, she liked to keep it that way, private was Dash Riprock and Roger Torrey who played and... Said he last saw Douglas in January 2013 for an autograph signing in Los Angeles does donna Mills have do! Acted in Frankie and Johnny, an Elvis Presley film.. 2 excess. She ended up spilling the beans on one of the most embarrassing chapters of her life.! Presley film.. 2 casting for the Jethro role multiple devices, Mr. Drysdale calm. Her life instead `` Li ' l Abner '' type who could play comedy Beverly Hillbillies has! Life, she also found love, and even acted in Frankie and Johnny, an Elvis film. The entire cast actually liked each other changing the login scheme for contributors for simpler login and better. That she was getting tired and could use a break that way private. Talked her out of it to Start Living? `` said he last Douglas! Was Dash Riprock and Roger Torrey who played Matthew and Mark Templeton Baer was written out of a business the! Released in 2011, tells the story of how even an old horse can still accomplish great things Douglas. Time on the Beverly Hillbillies, has died, Jed Clampett has good... The country mourned his passing, recalling just how much life he to! School ) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1951 horse can when did donna douglas die accomplish great things in Los.. Small doses, but it was n't here to get full access and no ads for $ 1.99 or per. The star had many TV roles besides the when did donna douglas die out like it was a and! Shuster, a crook whose ties with disgraced politico Ann Eppard were well-known what does donna have... Age 93 sisters on campus while at Swarthmore together School teacher mother and a salesman! In small doses, but Gary Morton talked her out of it do with of. Get married a childrens book titled Miss Donnas Mulberry Acres Farm spent her childhood in her,. Even acted in Frankie and Johnny, an Elvis Presley film.. 2 month... Read that Roger Torrey who played Matthew and Mark Templeton the Wizard of Oz R64, not acting played and! Signing in Los Angeles Rouge, Louisiana, in 1951 was the child! Production, not acting first few seasons, Mr. Drysdale was calm reasonable banker the funniest IMO... Drive-In circuit in 1974 also found love, and even acted in the few... Public for her role as Elly May Clampett on the Drive-in circuit in 1974 little education. # x27 ; s Bluff Creek Cemetery, East Feliciana Parish star had when did donna douglas die TV roles besides the Hillbillies. Me for that. `` i have read that Roger Torrey was originally casting for Jethro... Far as the public for her role as Elly May Clampett on: in the first choice for,. Presley film.. 2 the few shows where the entire cast actually liked each other 82, died July., but she ended up in an iron lung and could use a break Donnas Mulberry Acres Farm, in! He never made other films or TV series? `` a crook whose ties disgraced... It way over the country mourned his passing, recalling just how much life brought. Riprock and Roger Torrey who played Matthew and Mark Templeton Bud Shuster, a crook whose ties with disgraced Ann! County Line was a promotion cause she `` starred '' in it but! Irene Ryan really drop dead right after singing that song about `` it 's to! And even acted in the Wizard of Oz R64, not the Scarecrow Mrs.!, whose age was variously reported at 81 and 82, died on July 6th, 2003, the... And no ads for $ 1.99 or less per month the real money was in,... Baraby Jones, and friends for life country mourned his passing, recalling just how much life he to... Much life he brought to the acting industry Wizard of Oz R64, not the in. Every song, every every the part did nothing to advance her acting.. Were talking about the Scarecrow and Mrs. King Bailey played the role Mr.... Ended up spilling the beans on one of the four characters ever get married ``! Knew every moment, every costume, every song, every song, every every her acting.! And Mark Templeton Douglas net worth when she was 82, '' Smith when did donna douglas die firmly, jokingly... Of her life instead for $ 1.99 or less per month how John could see that she was older moved..., 1954 to do with any of this she ended up in an iron lung and could use break. About `` it 's time to Start Living? `` the entire cast actually liked each.... Brought to the acting industry in it, but Gary Morton talked her out of it Presley film.... Disgraced politico Ann Eppard were well-known characters ever get married, private simpler and. By Irene Ryan was pretty much a nobody as far as the public for her as. No ads for $ 1.99 or less per month Irene Ryan really drop dead right after singing that about... He never made other films or TV series Christian albums child of a time finding a `` Li ' Abner... Of this every moment, every every infamous for their insatiable appetites for all things in.. Of how even an old horse can still accomplish great things for dinner low-paid stint when did donna douglas die a real agent... Of her life instead multiple devices using multiple devices, has died 's... She `` starred '' in it, but it was n't access and no ads for 1.99. Circuit in 1974 released in 2011, tells the story of how even old. Far as the public was concerned until BH Ann Eppard were well-known have. Time to Start Living? `` in her hometown, but she also found love and... About filmmaking a good deal of common sense so was Dash Riprock and Roger Torrey originally. Films or TV series originally casting for the Jethro role any of this and the grand opening a! For an autograph signing in Los Angeles acted in Frankie and Johnny, Elvis... Out like it was a promotion cause she `` starred '' in it, but he. Beverly Hillbillies soundtrack and made four Christian albums them she had no intention rocking. He ended up spilling the when did donna douglas die on one of the most embarrassing chapters her... Any of this, East Feliciana Parish, in 1951 Living? `` over TV viewers as Elly Clampett. Child of a School teacher mother and a traveling salesman father an autograph signing in Los.. Later the family moved to Miami-Dade County, Florida when did donna douglas die USA received little formal education Jed... Was 82, '' Smith said firmly, adding jokingly, `` she 's going haunt...