Born in Baywood, Louisiana on September 26, 1939, Donna Douglas began her life as a very Elly May-ish tomboy: Though she was a rough-and-tumble little girl, her show business career began in beauty pageants and cheerleading competitions. Douglas was named Miss New Orleans in 1957 and soon after made appearances on "The Perry Como Show" and "The Steve Allen Show" (as a Billboard Girl). In 1960, Douglas starred in "Eye of the Beholder," one of the most famous episodes of "The Twilight Zone." Her physical beauty was perfect for the "failed" plastic surgery patient--though actress Maxine Stuart provided the character's voice.

In addition to her career-defining role of Elly May Clampett, Donna has appeared in classics such as "The Night Gallery," "Love American Style" and more recently "Super Mario Brothers." She also starred opposite Elvis Presley in the 1966 movie "Frankie and Johnny," which sparked rumors of a romance between the two celebrities. These days Donna is a gospel singer who makes frequent appearances at celebrity autograph shows across the U.S. In 2005 she filmed two pilot episodes for a children's program titled Mirror, Mirror.

Donna Douglas currently lives in the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Area in Louisiana.