Donna Douglas Net Worth 2025: Early Life, Husband & Career

Donna Douglas was a talented American actress, best known for her iconic role as Elly May Clampett on the hit CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. Her charm, humor, and unique portrayal of the character made her a household name. Over the years, she became an influential figure in American television and beyond.

Not only was Donna a skilled actress, but she also ventured into gospel singing and motivational speaking, leaving a lasting impact on her fans. By the time of her passing in 2015, Donna Douglas’s net worth was estimated at $500,000, reflecting her successful career and ventures in entertainment.

Donna Douglas Biography

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Doris Ione Smith
Stage Name	Donna Douglas
Date of Birth	September 26, 1932
Place of Birth	Pride, Louisiana, USA
Date of Death	January 1, 2015
Place of Death	Zachary, Louisiana, USA
Cause of Death	Pancreatic Cancer
Nationality	American
Profession	Actress, Gospel Singer, Author, Real Estate Investor
Years Active	1956–2015
Famous Role	Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies
Height	5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Hair Color	Blonde
Eye Color	Blue
Education	St. Gerard Catholic High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
First Husband	Roland Bourgeois Jr. (m. 1951, div. 1954)
Second Husband	Robert M. Leeds (m. 1971, div. 1980)
Children	1 Son (Danny Bourgeois)
Net Worth	$500,000 (at the time of her death)
Notable Movies	Frankie and Johnny
Notable TV Shows	The Beverly Hillbillies, The Twilight Zone, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
Awards and Titles	Miss Baton Rouge, Miss New Orleans
Other Ventures	Gospel Singer, Public Speaker, Author of Children’s Books
Legal Issues	Sued for unauthorized merchandise related to The Beverly Hillbillies
Legacy	An icon of American television, known for her comedic roles and Southern charm.

Who is Donna Douglas?

To many, Donna Douglas was Elly May Clampett, the lovable, tomboyish character from The Beverly Hillbillies. However, her identity extended far beyond the series. She was an accomplished gospel singer, an active public speaker, and a figure who maintained a strong connection to her Southern roots.

Her portrayal of Elly May wasn’t just about delivering comedic roles; it was about bringing warmth and relatability to the screen. Douglas’s performance left an indelible mark on American television, making her an enduring icon of the industry.

Donna Douglas Net Worth

At the time of her death in 2015, Donna Douglas’s net worth was estimated at $500,000, a figure reflective of her steady career in entertainment and business. While her earnings from The Beverly Hillbillies were modest by today’s standards, she diversified her income through real estate and gospel singing.

Here’s a breakdown of her financial journey:

Source	Estimated Earnings
The Beverly Hillbillies	$500 per episode (1962-1971)
Real Estate	$200,000+
Speaking Engagements	$50,000+ annually

Early Life and Family

Donna Douglas was born as Doris Ione Smith on September 26, 1932, in Pride, Louisiana. She grew up in a close-knit family with strong Southern values. Her parents, Emmet Ratcliff Smith and Elma Robinson, encouraged her natural charm and warm personality. Donna often spoke about her simple upbringing in the countryside, which shaped her down-to-earth character.

She attended St. Gerard Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Known for her beauty and grace, she earned the titles of Miss Baton Rouge and Miss New Orleans during her younger years. Her early life was filled with ambition and family support, setting the foundation for her journey to becoming an American actress loved by millions.

Who is Donna Douglas’s Husband?

Donna Douglas married Roland Bourgeois Jr. in 1951, but their union was short-lived. They divorced in 1954 after welcoming their only child, Danny Bourgeois. Roland, a native of Louisiana, preferred a life away from the spotlight, unlike Donna’s thriving career in American television.

In 1971, Donna married Robert M. Leeds, a director on The Beverly Hillbillies. Their relationship blossomed on the set of the CBS sitcom, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1980. Despite two marriages, Donna’s focus remained on her work, faith, and family, leaving a lasting legacy as an iconic actress.

Educational Background

Donna Douglas had a humble start in her education. She attended St. Gerard Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During her school years, she showcased her natural charm and won several beauty pageants, including Miss Baton Rouge and Miss New Orleans. These early achievements highlighted her vibrant personality and determination.

After completing high school, Donna moved to New York City to pursue her dreams. While there, she balanced modeling and acting while refining her skills. Her journey shows how her early education and perseverance laid the foundation for her career in American television and beyond.

Donna Douglas’s Personal Life

Donna Douglas’s Personal Life was as colorful as her on-screen persona. Born in Pride, Louisiana, she grew up in a humble setting, which deeply influenced her down-to-earth nature. She was married twice, first to Roland Bourgeois Jr., and then to Robert M. Leeds.

Despite her fame, Donna remained close to her roots and cherished her family life. Apart from her acting career, Donna Douglas was a passionate gospel singer. She often performed at churches and youth groups, sharing her faith through music.

Her television roles, particularly as Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies, showed her warmth and relatability, which mirrored her real-life personality. Donna led a fulfilling personal life until her death in 2015 from pancreatic cancer.

Donna Douglas Height & Physical Stats

Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, Donna Douglas had a striking presence that complemented her roles. Her blonde hair and radiant smile became her trademarks, making her one of the most recognizable faces of her time.

Attribute	Details
Height	5 ft 6 in
Hair Color	Blonde
Eye Color	Blue

Career Journey

Donna Douglas’s career journey was marked by versatility and hard work. She started her career in New York City, where she found success as a model, appearing in toothpaste ads and on popular television shows like The Perry Como Show and The Steve Allen Show.

Her beauty and charm helped her establish a strong presence, but she soon realized her passion for acting was what she truly wanted to pursue. Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Donna appeared in several films, including Career (1959) and Li’l Abner (1959), where she showcased her acting chops.

Early Career

Donna Douglas’s path to fame began with her early work in television shows and films. She quickly made a name for herself in commercials and was soon appearing in guest roles on popular television series like The Twilight Zone and The Phil Silvers Show.

Her comedic roles stood out, proving her ability to entertain audiences with both charm and humor. These experiences helped her gain the confidence and skill necessary to secure bigger roles in Hollywood.

Breakthrough Role

Donna’s big break came in 1962 when she was cast as Elly May Clampett in the CBS sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies. Her iconic role made her a household name. She became beloved for portraying the innocent and beautiful daughter of a family.

The family strikes oil and moves to Beverly Hills, where she brings charm and down-to-earth qualities. The show ran for nine successful seasons, cementing Donna Douglas’s place in television history as Elly May Clampett, a character still celebrated today.

Beyond Beverly Hillbillies

After The Beverly Hillbillies wrapped up, Donna Douglas didn’t stop working. She explored other creative outlets, including gospel singing, where she recorded several albums starting in 1982. Donna also ventured into real estate and even authored a cookbook.

Her passion for helping others led her to become a motivational speaker, sharing her life story and faith with audiences at churches and youth groups. Donna’s work after the sitcom showcased her range, proving she was more than just an actress, but a multi-talented individual who stayed true to her roots.

Lawsuits and Legal Issues

Throughout her life, Donna Douglas faced a few legal issues and lawsuits, but she always remained strong and resilient. One of the most publicized cases was when she sued the producers of The Beverly Hillbillies for not paying her the proper royalties.

She claimed that her likeness was used for merchandise without her consent, which led to a legal battle. While this case was controversial, it showed Donna’s determination to fight for what she believed was right.

Despite this challenge, Donna remained focused on her career and personal life. She did not let legal matters define her, and continued to inspire many with her work. She also maintained a strong connection with fans who admired her for her roles in television series like The Beverly Hillbillies.

Through all the ups and downs, Donna’s resilience shone brightly. In the years following the legal battles, Donna also worked as a motivational speaker, sharing her personal experiences.

She spoke about overcoming challenges, including dealing with lawsuits and staying true to herself in the face of adversity. Her message resonated with many people, making her an even more respected figure beyond just her iconic role as Elly May Clampett.

Donna Douglas Films and Television

Donna Douglas had a successful career both on television and in films. She starred in several iconic roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress. From her famous portrayal of Elly May Clampett to her appearances in television shows and movies, Donna made a lasting impact on the entertainment world.

Films

Career (1959) – Marjorie Burke
Li’l Abner (1959) – Chorus Dancer
Bells Are Ringing (1960) – Party Guest
Strangers When We Meet (1960) – Neighbor
Lover Come Back (1961) – Deborah
Frankie and Johnny (1966) – Featured role

Television

Bachelor Father (1959) – Linda
U.S. Marshal (1959) – Joyce Markham
The Twilight Zone (1960) – Janet Tyler
Route 66 (1960) – Model
77 Sunset Strip (1961) – Rhoda Sheridan
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1961) – Janice

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Donna Douglas left a lasting legacy in the world of American television. Her role as Elly May Clampett on the CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies became iconic, and she became a beloved figure in pop culture. Fans continue to admire her charm, warmth, and portrayal of an unforgettable character.

Beyond television, Donna Douglas influenced the entertainment industry in many ways. She ventured into gospel singing and worked as a motivational speaker. Her versatility and kindness made her a cherished figure, with her contributions still felt in both television shows and film.

Conclusion

Donna Douglas will always be remembered for her unforgettable role as Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies. Her warmth, charm, and talent made her a beloved figure in American television. Beyond acting, she embraced many roles, from gospel singer to motivational speaker, inspiring countless people throughout her life.

Her legacy continues to influence pop culture and television today. Donna Douglas’s net worth reflects not only her acting success but also her diverse contributions to entertainment. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will be cherished by fans for generations to come.