Donna Douglas, best known for her role as Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies, had a career that spanned both television and music. Though she may no longer be in the spotlight, her financial journey remains a point of intrigue for many.
What is Donna Douglas net worth in 2025, and how did she manage to build her wealth?
In this article, PBC dives into the career and financial aspects of her life, exploring the earnings from her iconic role, her post-acting ventures, and more. If you’re curious about the financial life of one of TV’s most beloved stars, you’re in the right place.
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?
Donna Douglas’ net worth is estimated at $500,000 at the time of her death in 2015. While this might seem modest in comparison to other TV stars of the era, her financial success was rooted in her multifaceted career.
Donna’s acting roles, especially her iconic portrayal of Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies, contributed significantly to her wealth. Additionally, her ventures in gospel music, writing, and charity work allowed her to continue earning well beyond her acting years.
Compared to other notable television stars, such as the cast of The Beverly Hillbillies, Donna Douglas’ wealth is modest. However, she carved out a strong financial legacy from her work in the entertainment industry.
- Elly May Clampett (Donna Douglas)
- Buddy Ebsen
- Nancy Kulp
- Phyllis Diller
- Debbie Reynolds
- Mattel (Barbie)
- Disney (Sister Act Lawsuit)
- Elvis Presley
- Beverly Hillbillies Cast
- The Twilight Zone (TV Show)
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Donna Douglas Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did Donna Douglas’ Wealth Evolve After The Beverly Hillbillies?
Donna Douglas’ wealth evolved significantly after her iconic role as Elly May Clampett. Once The Beverly Hillbillies wrapped in 1971, Donna transitioned to a variety of different pursuits. One notable venture was her singing career.
Donna recorded several gospel albums throughout the 1980s, a decision that added another revenue stream to her portfolio.
Her passion for giving back also led her to become involved in charitable work, particularly for children in the American South. Donna used her fame to raise awareness for causes that were close to her heart, even speaking at churches and schools across the country.
These activities, though not highly publicized, played a significant role in her financial stability after her acting career slowed down.
Her post-Hillbillies years were also marked by her exploration of writing. She published children’s books, including Donna’s Critters and Kids, which offered Bible-based stories with an animal twist. These endeavors provided her with a sustainable income and further diversified her wealth.
How Did Donna Douglas Make Money Outside of Acting?
Donna Douglas didn’t just rely on acting to build her wealth. After retiring from Hollywood, she ventured into several other fields that allowed her to make money and secure a comfortable living.
She briefly pursued a career in real estate after obtaining her real estate license. While this wasn’t a long-term pursuit, it showed her entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to diversify her income streams.
Donna also became a well-known author. Her cookbook Southern Favorites with a Taste of Hollywood published in 2013, offered a glimpse into the culinary lives of other famous personalities, showcasing her talents in a different light. The book likely provided her with some financial returns as well.
Additionally, her gospel singing career, while not a mainstream moneymaker, helped her maintain financial relevance for years after her TV fame. By combining these ventures, Donna Douglas created a diversified portfolio that sustained her even after her acting days were behind her.
How Much Did Donna Douglas Earn From The Beverly Hillbillies and Other Roles?
The bulk of Donna Douglas’ earnings came from her role as Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies. During the show’s initial run from 1962 to 1971, she was one of the highest-paid actresses in television.
The success of the show, particularly in its early years when it was the #1 show in the U.S., helped cement her place in Hollywood and set the stage for the financial success she would enjoy later in life.
In addition to The Beverly Hillbillies, Donna made appearances on other popular TV shows like The Twilight Zone and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Though these roles didn’t generate the same level of income as Hillbillies, they nonetheless added to her portfolio.
Her appearance in the 1966 film Frankie and Johnny with Elvis Presley was another important milestone in her career. While her film career never reached the heights of her television fame, it was still a noteworthy financial contribution.
How Did Donna Douglas Manage Her Wealth in Later Life?
In the later years of her life, Donna Douglas took a different approach to managing her wealth. She wasn’t focused on accumulating further wealth, but instead, she seemed to prioritize her faith, charity work, and personal satisfaction.
Her investments, including her ventures into writing and gospel music, helped her maintain a comfortable standard of living. As for the financial aspects of her final years, she lived in relative privacy and didn’t seem concerned with keeping up with the lifestyle of more prominent Hollywood stars.
While she may have faced financial challenges here and there, she never seemed to struggle in any major way. Her wealth, which was substantial by the standards of many, was simply a reflection of her career’s success, not a pursuit of materialism.
Conclusion
Donna Douglas’ wealth story is one of adaptation, versatility, and humility. From her television stardom to her gospel music career and charitable work, she built a diversified financial legacy. If you’re interested in learning more about the finances of famous individuals like Donna Douglas, feel free to leave a comment or share this article.
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