Donna Douglas was an American actress and singer, best known for her iconic role as Elly May Clampett in the CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. Raised in Louisiana, she won several beauty pageants before moving to New York to pursue a career in entertainment. Beyond her famous television role, she also appeared in films like the Elvis Presley movie Frankie and Johnny. Later in life, Douglas became a gospel singer, a public speaker at churches, and an author of children's books.