Donna Douglas dies

Donna Douglas, a true Southern Belle, died of cancer on New Year’s Day in her hometown Baton Rouge. Her most famous role was that of Southern Belle Elly May Clampett in the comedy series The Beverly Hillbillies. The popular series had nine seasons from 1962 to 1972.

Donna also played in Mister Ed, The Twilight Zone and in the TV movie The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies; she again played the role of Elly May.

Her family said: "Donna was a warm personality and a very Christian lady." Donna rejected a few movie roles because they were, in her eyes, too sexy. Her agent said: "Donna spoke a lot in churches; she was a country angel."

Donna Douglas was 81 years old.

Donna Douglas