TMZ reports, Donna Douglas, the actress who is best known for her role as Elly May Clampett on "The Beverly Hillbillies" passed away New Year's Day at the age of 81.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the show was America's #1 comedy when it debuted on CBS back in 1962, when the actress was paid only $500 a week.  In it's final season in 1972, her salary was raised to $3000 in it's ninth season.

Donna Douglas was reportedly surrounded by her family in Louisiana at the time of her passing.

 

 

 

Donna Douglas, the actress who won over TV viewers as Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” has died, according to multiple media reports. She was 81.

The star’s granddaughter told TMZ, Douglas died in her Louisiana home surrounded by friends and family.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Douglas appeared “The Beverly Hillbillies” for all nine seasons of the show and reprised her role in a TV movie reboot of the series in 1981.

Throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s the 1957 Miss New Orleans winner appeared in series like “The Twilight Zone” and “Mr. Ed.” In 1966, she transitioned to film with a role opposite Elvis Presley in the movie “Frankie and Johnny.”

More From 98.1 The Hawk