Donna Douglas made a lasting impact in the entertainment world, particularly as Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies. Her career spanned decades, from modeling to acting, and later into gospel music and writing.
But what is Donna Douglas net worth today, and how did her wealth accumulate throughout the years?
In this article, we dive into her financial journey, exploring how she built her wealth, her earnings from iconic roles, and how her diverse career pursuits contributed to her finances. Keep reading to learn more about her legacy, salary, and financial standing in 2025.
Donna Douglas Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Doris Ione Smith |
| Popular Name | Donna Douglas |
| Birth Date | September 26, 1932 |
| Age | Died: January 1, 2015 (age 82 years) |
| Birthplace | Pride, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | St. Gerard Catholic School |
| Marital Status | Divorced twice |
| Spouse | Robert M. Leeds (m. 1971–1980), Roland Bourgeois (m. 1949–1954) |
| Children | 1 |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | 1 (brother) |
| Parents | Emmet Ratcliff Smith and Elma Robinson |
| Height | 1.7 m |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (as of 2015) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Real Estate, Gospel Music, Writing |
What is the Net Worth Of Donna Douglas in 2025?
As of 2025, Donna Douglas’ net worth remains estimated at $500,000 based on available information at the time of her passing in 2015.
Though her wealth didn’t reach the heights of some of Hollywood’s top earners, her acting role as Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies ensured long-term earnings through syndication and royalties.
Her wealth also came from her ventures beyond acting, including her work in gospel music and as an author. Compared to other TV stars from the same era, her net worth was modest but still significant for a beloved TV icon.
Other celebrities in similar financial circles include:
- Buddy Ebsen
- Irene Ryan
- Nancy Kulp
- Debbie Reynolds
- Valerie Harper
For more insights into the wealth of Hollywood stars, check out the richest celebrities.
Donna Douglas Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did Donna Douglas Build Her Wealth and Career?
Donna Douglas’ path to wealth began with her move to New York City in 1957 to pursue a career in entertainment. She started as a model, appearing in toothpaste commercials and on television variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show. Her first major acting role came in the 1959 film Career, but it was her role as Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies that truly launched her into the spotlight.
The show, which aired from 1962 to 1971, became a major hit, and Donna’s portrayal of the sweet, naive country girl endeared her to audiences nationwide. This iconic role helped her secure long-term earnings through syndication and royalties, even after the show ended. While she did not become a major movie star, her role on The Beverly Hillbillies ensured financial stability for much of her career.
How Much Did Donna Douglas Earn from The Beverly Hillbillies?
While exact salary figures from The Beverly Hillbillies are difficult to confirm, Donna Douglas’ role as Elly May Clampett undoubtedly provided substantial earnings. At the height of the show’s popularity, it was ranked #1 in the U.S. for two consecutive years, guaranteeing her a solid income. Syndication deals also ensured that she continued to receive royalties from the show long after its conclusion. Although her salary during the show’s original run isn’t publicly detailed, the long-lasting success of the series gave her steady financial support through residuals.
Donna Douglas’ Financial Ventures Beyond Acting
After The Beverly Hillbillies, Donna Douglas transitioned into various business ventures. She briefly worked in real estate but did not pursue it extensively. Her passion for gospel music led her to record several albums starting in the 1980s, which added to her financial portfolio.
Additionally, she ventured into writing, publishing a Christian children’s book titled Donna’s Critters and Kids, and a cookbook, Southern Favorites with a Taste of Hollywood, which featured recipes from her fellow entertainers.
These endeavors allowed Donna to sustain her income during her later years, proving that her versatility extended beyond acting. Though none of these ventures reached the financial heights of her acting career, they contributed to her wealth and legacy.
The Impact of Donna Douglas’ Legal Battles on Her Financial Legacy
Donna Douglas also engaged in legal battles that impacted her finances. In 1993, she filed a lawsuit against Disney, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bette Midler, claiming that the film Sister Act plagiarized a screenplay she had developed from a book she co-owned. While the lawsuit did not result in a favorable outcome, the legal expenses and the negative press might have affected her financial situation at the time.
In another legal matter, she sued Mattel in 2011 for using her likeness in the Elly May Clampett Barbie doll without her permission. Though the details of the settlement were confidential, this lawsuit reflected her desire to protect her financial interests and intellectual property, even after her acting career had ended.
Donna Douglas’ Philanthropic Efforts and How They Affected Her Wealth
Beyond her career, Donna Douglas was known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the South. She worked with children and youth groups, giving speeches at churches, schools, and colleges. Her dedication to charitable causes was not only a part of her personal life but also impacted her finances in the long term, as she often gave back to the communities that had supported her throughout her career. Donna’s involvement in charitable work reflected her values and reinforced the positive image she cultivated as a public figure.
What Was Donna Douglas’ Financial Standing in Her Later Years?
In her later years, Donna Douglas’ financial standing appeared to be stable but not overly extravagant. She had retired from acting by the early 1980s and focused on her family, charity work, and various creative endeavors. Though her net worth was modest compared to some of her contemporaries, Donna maintained a comfortable lifestyle. The royalties from The Beverly Hillbillies, as well as her income from music and writing, ensured that she lived well in her retirement years.
Donna Douglas’ Estate Value After Her Death
After Donna Douglas passed away in 2015, her estate included a combination of royalties from The Beverly Hillbillies, her real estate investments, and the assets from her music and writing career. While specific details about her estate are not widely publicized, it is likely that her wealth was distributed among her surviving family members, with some likely used for charitable causes that she had supported throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her fans, as well as in the ongoing popularity of The Beverly Hillbillies.
Did Donna Douglas’ Fame and Role as Elly May Clampett Contribute to Her Wealth Long-Term?
Donna Douglas’ fame as Elly May Clampett did more than just make her a household name; it became a financial asset. Despite never advancing her career into major film roles, the enduring popularity of The Beverly Hillbillies allowed Donna to continue earning through royalties and merchandise, including the release of an Elly May Barbie doll by Mattel in 2010. The syndication of the show ensured that Donna’s financial legacy lived on long after the final episode aired, making her one of TV’s most beloved and enduring stars.
Conclusion
Donna Douglas built a diverse career that allowed her to maintain a steady income throughout her life, even after retiring from acting. Her legacy continues to thrive through The Beverly Hillbillies and her various business ventures.
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