Donna Douglas had an estimated net worth of $500,000 when she passed away in 2015. She gained fame for her role as Elly May Clampett on the popular TV show The Beverly Hillbillies, which ran from 1962 to 1971. This role significantly boosted her career and earnings.
Besides acting, Douglas explored music and wrote several books. Her work in these areas added to her wealth over time. Despite facing challenges in Hollywood, she remained optimistic and encouraged many with her talent and positive attitude.
Her contributions to entertainment helped shape her legacy and impacted her financial success throughout her life.
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Donna Douglas Wealth and Revenue Streams
Net Worth Overview
Donna Douglas had a net worth of $500,000 at the time of her death in 2015. Her wealth came from various sources throughout her life.
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
Primary Revenue Streams
Acting Career: Acting was a major source of income for Donna Douglas. She gained fame as Elly May Clampett on the popular TV show The Beverly Hillbillies, which ran from 1962 to 1971. This role helped her earn money through acting contracts, guest appearances, and reruns.
Music Ventures: In addition to acting, Douglas pursued music. She released several singles and albums during her career. Performing at events and shows also added to her earnings.
Writing Books: Donna Douglas authored books that contributed to her financial success. Her works included cookbooks and children’s stories. Selling these books provided another stream of revenue.
Personal appearances: Douglas participated in personal appearances at conventions and fan events. These appearances allowed fans to meet her, generating additional income through fees for autographs and photos.
Real Estate Investments: Douglas invested in real estate over the years. Buying properties gave her rental income, boosting her overall wealth.
These diverse revenue streams played a significant role in shaping Donna Douglas’s financial standing during her lifetime.
Donna Douglas Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Doris Ione Smith (known as Donna Douglas) |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 1932 |
| Place of Birth | Pride, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, USA |
| Date of Death | January 1, 2015 |
| Cause of Death | Pancreatic cancer |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, singer, author |
| Notable Role | Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971) |
| Education | Attended St. Gerard Catholic High School |
| Career Start | Began as a model and made her acting debut in the film Career (1959) |
| Major Achievements | Starred in The Beverly Hillbillies, which was a top-rated show appeared in films like Frankie and Johnny (1966) Authored children’s books and a cookbook |
| Other Ventures | Worked as a real estate agent Released several gospel music albums Inspirational speaker |
| Spouses | Roland Bourgeois Jr. (1949–1954, divorced) Robert M. Leeds (1971-1980, divorced) |
| Children | One son, Danny Bourgeois |
| Awards | Miss Golden Globe (1963) TV Land Favorite Fish Out of Water Award (2004) |
| Philanthropic Work | Involved in charitable activities for children and authored Christian children’s books |
Early Life
Donna Douglas was born on September 26, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She grew up in a close-knit family with her parents and three siblings. From a young age, she showed interest in performing arts. She participated in local church events and school plays, showcasing her talent for acting.
In 1950, Donna graduated from Baton Rouge High School. After high school, she attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where she studied business and drama. While at LSU, she continued to hone her skills by taking part in various performances and competitions.
Douglas moved to New York City after college to pursue acting full-time. She faced challenges early on but remained determined to succeed in the competitive entertainment industry. Her hard work paid off when she landed modeling jobs that helped her gain visibility.
In the late 1950s, Douglas appeared on television shows like “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Steve Allen Show.” These appearances set the stage for her breakthrough role as Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” which would become one of the most popular TV series of its time.
Educational background
Donna Douglas graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1950. After high school, she attended Louisiana State University (LSU). At LSU, she studied business and drama, which helped her develop her acting skills.
While at university, Douglas took part in various performances. These experiences gave her the confidence to pursue a career in acting. After finishing college, she moved to New York City. In New York, she worked hard to get modeling jobs and began appearing on television shows.
Her education laid the groundwork for her future success in entertainment. It also provided her with valuable skills that contributed to her later achievements as an actress and author.
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Donna Douglas Business Achievements
Donna Douglas achieved significant success in her career, contributing to her estimated net worth of $500,000 at the time of her death. Acting played a major role in this success, especially through her iconic character, Elly May Clampett, on The Beverly Hillbillies. The show ran from 1962 to 1971 and became immensely popular. This popularity helped boost her earnings significantly.
In addition to acting, Douglas explored other avenues that added to her wealth. Music was one such path; she released several singles and albums during her career. Many fans enjoyed listening to her songs, which further enhanced her fame.
Douglas also expressed herself through writing. She authored multiple books, including cookbooks and stories for children. These publications not only showcased her creativity but also provided additional income.
Furthermore, she took part in personal appearances at conventions and fan events. Fans paid for autographs and photos with Douglas at these events, creating another stream of revenue.
Real estate investments contributed positively to Douglas’s financial status as well. She made smart choices in purchasing properties that generated rental income over time.
Net Worth Analysis
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 (at the time of her death in 2015) |
| Primary Sources of Income | Acting career, notably as Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies Gospel singing Real estate sales |
| Career Overview | Rose to fame in the 1960s with The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971) appeared in various films and TV shows, including “The Twilight Zone” and “Frankie and Johnny.” |
| Major Achievements | Iconic role in The Beverly Hillbillies Released several gospel albums and children’s books |
| Real Estate Ventures | Worked as a real estate agent in Beverly Hills after her acting career |
| Publications | Authored a Christian children’s book titled “Donna’s Critters and Kids” and a cookbook, “Southern Favorites with a Taste of Hollywood.” |
| Philanthropic Efforts | Involved in charitable work, particularly for children in the American South |
| Personal Life | Married twice, with one child from her first marriage; passed away on January 1, 2015, from pancreatic cancer |
Marriage, Family Ties & Private Life
Donna Douglas married Roland L. “R.L.” Bourgeois Jr. in 1947. They had one son together named Daniel, born in 1954. The couple divorced in 1980 after more than three decades of marriage.
Douglas valued family and maintained close ties with her loved ones throughout her life. She often expressed how important her upbringing was to her career and personal values. Her early experiences in Baton Rouge shaped her work ethic and love for performance.
In addition to her immediate family, Douglas was involved in various community activities and church events. She frequently participated in charitable endeavors, using her fame to support causes she cared about.
Douglas kept much of her private life away from the public eye after gaining fame on television. She preferred to focus on her career while enjoying quiet moments with family and friends outside of Hollywood’s spotlight.
Her strong faith played a significant role in guiding her decisions throughout life, providing comfort during challenging times both personally and professionally.
Age & Height
Donna Douglas was born on September 26, 1932. At the time of her passing in January 2015, she was 82 years old. Her long life included a successful career in acting and other creative fields.
Donna Douglas stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters). This height contributed to her presence on screen, especially during her iconic role as Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
Her age and height played a part in shaping her public image and characters throughout her career.
Weight & Physical Traits
Donna Douglas’s legacy extends beyond her financial achievements. Her charm and talent made her a beloved figure in entertainment history. She combined beauty with intelligence, showcasing versatility in every role she played.
Standing at approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, Douglas had a striking presence that captivated audiences. Her dedication to her craft and positive outlook on life inspired many who followed her career.
Even after her passing in 2015, the impact of her work continues to resonate. Donna Douglas remains an enduring symbol of talent and resilience in the entertainment world, leaving behind a rich legacy for future generations to admire.
Conclusion
Donna Douglas had an estimated net worth of $500,000 at the time of her death in 2015, a figure that reflects her successful career in entertainment. Best known for her role as Elly May Clampett on the beloved television series The Beverly Hillbillies, she captured the hearts of audiences with her charm and talent.
Beyond acting, Douglas also ventured into gospel music and worked as a real estate agent, showcasing her diverse skills. Throughout her life, she remained active in charitable work and authored children’s books, further enriching her legacy.
While her net worth may not be as high as some of her contemporaries, Donna Douglas’s impact on television and her contributions to the community continue to be remembered fondly by fans and peers alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Donna Douglas?
Donna Douglas was an American actress and author best known for her role as Elly May Clampett on the classic television series The Beverly Hillbillies, which aired from 1962 to 1971. She also pursued a music career, wrote several books, and made smart real estate investments.
What was Donna Douglas’s net worth at the time of her death?
At the time of her passing in January 2015, Donna Douglas had an estimated net worth of $500,000. Her wealth stemmed from her successful acting career, music ventures, writing endeavors, and real estate investments.
When was Donna Douglas born?
Donna Douglas was born on September 26, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She grew up in a close-knit family that fostered her interest in the performing arts from a young age.
What educational background did Donna Douglas have?
Douglas graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1950 and later attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where she studied business and drama. This education helped shape her future success as an actress and author.
How did Donna Douglas contribute to charity?
Throughout her life, Donna Douglas actively participated in community activities and charitable endeavors. She used her fame to support causes she cared about while maintaining strong ties with family and friends.
