Donna Douglas’ Net Worth 2025: How The ‘Elly May Clampett’ Star Built Her Fortune?

Donna Douglas is one of the most popular faces in the history of classic television. She is most recognized for playing ‘Elly May Clampett’ in ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’. Donna has captivated millions with her southern charm and her innocent appeal. Behind her cuteness, there existed a shrewd and sensible woman who had managed to amass a small but enduring fortune in Hollywood.

Ever wondered how much Donna Douglas earned on ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ or what her net worth was upon her death? This profile reveals all that. 

We are going to discuss the net worth of Donna Douglas, her career, and the legacy that she left behind. 

Donna Douglas Bio  

Full Name	Doris Ione Smith (Donna Douglas)
Born	September 26, 1932 – Pride, Louisiana, USA
Died	January 1, 2015 – Zachary, Louisiana, USA
Profession	Actress, Singer, Author
Famous Role	Elly May Clampett (The Beverly Hillbillies)
Net Worth	$500,000 – $1 million
Nationality	American
Children	Danny Bourgeois
Cause of Death	Pancreatic Cancer

Early Life & Background

Donna Douglas was born on 26 September 1932 in Pride, Louisiana as Doris Ione Smith. Her beauty and flair made her win a number of beauty pageants, and she proceeded to New York to become an actress.

Douglas was an actor who maintained part-time jobs to feed herself. Her priorities were faith, family and simple living. 

Rise To Fame In Hollywood

Donna made her debut with minor appearances on television but her fame came in 1962 as she was cast in the role of ‘Elly May Clampett’ in ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’. The series lasted nine seasons and was one of the most-viewed comedy series in the U.S.

The most common question one might ask is: “How much did Donna Douglas make on The Beverly Hillbillies?” She received a considerable salary, comparable to that of her co-stars, and she was able to accumulate stable wealth over the duration of the show. 

Fans loved her chemistry with the cast, and in particular with Max Baer Jr. who portrayed Jethro Bodine. 

Career Ventures Beyond Acting

Once ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ was over in 1971, Douglas focused on gospel music, motivational speaking, and writing.

• She also released several spiritual gospel albums, where she expressed her Christian faith through music and also identified with the listeners in a heart-to-heart manner.
• Douglas toured the nation, delivering inspirational and religious discourses in churches and community forums, sharing her biography to inspire people.
• She wrote children’s and inspirational books, and some of her stories contained moral teaching about what was written in the Bible.
• In 1966, she played with Elvis in the movie Frankie and Johnny. The friendship gave rise to rumors about a relationship between Donna Douglas and Elvis Presley, which then prompted the question: Did Donna Douglas date Elvis? The two were very close friends and got along very well, yet it is not confirmed that the two are romantically involved.
• Douglas often attended the reunions and autograph signings of ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ and interacted well with her fans.

Donna Douglas’ Net Worth 2025

So, How much is Donna Douglas’ net worth?  Her net worth was between $500,000 and $ 1 million at the time of her death in 2015. 

She earned her living mainly through her acting, music albums, and speaking engagements. She invested wisely unlike most Hollywood personalities. 

What Do We Know About Donna Douglas’ House & Assets?

She also had an exquisite house in Louisiana, where she spent a life free of the spotlight. Her modesty was well-known. She used to say that the real wealth is faith and kindness. 

Why Did Donna Douglas File A Lawsuit?

Douglas also hit the headlines in the 1990s when she sued Disney. The question is usually asked by fans: “Why did Donna Douglas sue Disney?” She sued Disney on the grounds that its movie ‘The Beverly Hillbillies ‘ had used her image and the characters of the show without her consent. The case was eventually out-of-court settled. 

Who Was Donna Douglas’ Husband?

Douglas was married twice. She married Roland Bourgeois Jr. and had one son, Danny Bourgeois, whom people frequently visit in search of Donna Douglas’ children. 

The second time she married director Robert Leeds. They divorced. People who are concerned with Donna Douglas’ husband and family discover that she maintained the privacy of her personal life.  

When Did Donna Douglas Pass Away?

Unfortunately, Donna Douglas died due to pancreatic cancer on 1 January 2015, at the age of 82. Her legacy of a positive personality and strong sense of morality inspires fans globally even after her death. 

In Summary,

Donna Douglas was a woman of grace and authenticity who lived through small-town Louisiana and Hollywood stardom. Her experience shows that success is not only counted in terms of fortune; it is in terms of honesty and heritage.

Her memory still glows with her values and millions of fans who still adore Donna even after her death as ‘Ellie May Clampett’.