When the show became a top hit, Baer and Douglas wanted Ryan to join them in demanding a fat pay raise from the producer. He later felt that both Pearl and Bea were too good at pulling focus away from the Hillbillies the show was supposed to be about. She kept the same Ellie Mae pigtails hairstyle year after year decade after decade. Never got rid of the pig tails etc. Administered through the Irene Ryan Trust. Age, Husband, Ne What happened to Ally Sheedy (Breakfast Club)? Kathryn Boyds Biography. Irene Ryan was no saint - but she was generous, talented, and wise - no one who knew her during that time will ever forget what a presence and complete professional she was. Still at the bank, huh?". Sadly, however, Kulp diagnosed with cancer in 1990, and died a year later, on February 3rd, 1991, at age 69. Jan. 2, 2015, 4:19 PM PST / Updated Jan. 2, 2015, 4:57 PM PST. Underneath it all, she was Doris from Louisiana, who had gotten extremely lucky to be on one of the most successful sitcoms of the second half of the 20th Century - but she knew she'd never have another role like TBH. "Donna was the star of that infamous "Eye of the Beholder" Twilight Zone episode, but they dubbed all of her dialogue.". However, her first passion in life was journalism. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Take a look at these vintage photos to see the beauty of young Donna Douglas in the 1950s and 1960s. I sat and watched her big number on stage every night, and I saw that she began to cut down on her moves, and to generally diminish the amazing energy that she would normally put out every time (on opening night, she stopped the show cold, and I had to stand there for about eight minutes waiting for the applause to die down before I could go on!). No doubt it made him pissed. ", The show was not only assailed by critics, but by the network president who put it on the air: "I HATED it," Michael Dann confided much later. So, sources have estimated that Nancys wealth was as high as $1.1 million. She was 81. | Ebsen was poisoned by aluminum dust that was put on his face as part of his Tin Man costume. Mrs. Henning says Donna Douglas was a mess after Frankie and Johnny. It funds post-bachelors conservatory training (i.e. His low-paid stint as a hillbilly convinced Baer that the real money was in production, not acting. Let us know in the comments below, and dont forget to subscribe to Facts Verse for more! It doesn't appear he ever played another role at all. I wonder who dubbed her voice. ", Smith described Douglas as a "very good Christian lady. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Raymond Bailey played the role of Mr. Drysdale, the banker who managed Jed Clampetts fortune. The Jethro becomes a Hippy or Jethro joins the Army kind of stuff hasn't aged well. I myself have often used Granny's odee cologne tip she gave to Ellie Mae. He said that she was very Christian, very warm, and quite likable. However, theres one cast member who hasnt died yet! She was a wonderful lady, a very good Christian lady.". But even some non-boomers expressed appreciation on Twitter at the news of Douglas' death. Ryan, Baer, and Douglas worked up an act (some singing, hillbilly dancing, and snappy patter) they did in character on the road and they didn't have to split the take with the copyright owner. Donna Douglas - Buddy Ebsen. "So many kinds of people relate to Elly May," Douglas said. Thanks for finding John Rubinstein's remembrance of Irene Ryan! She was a slice out of my own life. So was "Jed" short for Jedediah or a nickname based on his initials? He purchased the rights to the show and made Beverly Hillbillies themed slot machines and casino games. It was only in the later seasons they turned him into a money-grubbing banker out to bilk the Clampetts and be deliberately cruel to Miss Hathaway. January 27, 2023, 6:25 pm, Trending I vaguely recall seeing somewhere they pocketed more this way then they did with their regular salaries. Just show us the guy's cock and then bring in the next side of beef. Nancy Kulp Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education, Nancy Kulp Personal Life, Marriage, Husband, Divorce, The Untold Truth Of Stan Lees Daughter Joan Celia Lee. By the time TBH came along, Irene was divorced, older, and mostly alone (except for a few friends and a sister who predeceased her). For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. She only starred in one movie. He even attempted to create a casino of his own, but the project was suspended indefinitely. More: Double Oscar-winning actress Luise Rainer dead at 104. He usually played hayseeds in the movies, so it was only natural to cast him as the Scarecrow. Starring Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett (he died in 2003) and Irene Ryan (she died in 1973) as Granny, the show ran for nine years on CBS, from 1962 to 1971. Donna Mills was loved because she showed all the other actors how to apply glamorous eye makeup. During her hiatus from acting, Nancy ran as a Democratic nominee for the US House of Representatives from Pennsylvanias 9th congressional district. Some features on this site require a subscription. CARSON CITY, Nev. The live-in girlfriend of former "Beverly Hillbillies" star Max Baer Jr. apparently shot herself and died several days later, authorities said Wednesday. And he wasn't "traded" with Ray Bolger. When she died during the run of Pippin, the cast celebrated. R18, R19, I suspect you are both right. He would end up having to fight an even tougher battle [] More, What could be more mysterious than an island filled with buried treasure? Unfortunately, the first makeup for the Tin Man ended up being toxic for Ebsen and he spent a long time in the hospital. Some people were pissed that he didn't support Nancy Kulp in her election big (some rabid types think that meant he hated gays) and endorsed her opponent, but it was certainly his right to do so. She lived to be 91. Diana Douglas, an actress who was the first wife of Kirk Douglas and the mother of Michael Douglas, died in California Friday, her husband said. Please click here to register for free. I told Bob that I thought perhaps Irene needed a vacation, even though contractually she didn't have one coming for some months; it might do her good to go to California for a while, and then finish up her contract when the weather was warmer. He died on July 6th, 2003, at the age of 95. It was kind of scary. To this day, many boomers can sing the theme song by heart. Elly May was gorgeous but was happier playing with her numerous pets including chimpanzees or "rasslin' fellas" rather than smooching them. The funniest parts IMO were Granny v Mrs Drysdale . It was a conservative district and she lost by a wide margin. It's rumored that she always wanted to make vittles while dressed in just her granny panties. How old is Josh Brolins wife? Just a little dab around the ears, R123, just a dab. Do you know how rich Nancy Kulp was at the time of her death? Baer was born Maximilian Adalbert Baer Jr. in Oakland, California, on December 4, 1937, the son of boxing champion Max Baer and his wife Mary Ellen Sullivan. Creator, Her stage name in the 1950's, while still living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was Dot Bourgeois, as can be seen in several articles in Baton Rouge newspapers of the day. Buddy Ebsen died at 95 on Jul. While the country bumpkin type are typically looked down upon by the wealthier members of society, the show taught many Americans to appreciate the simpler things in life. Was a self-described tomboy in her younger days, and like her character Elly May Clampett, she was extremely fond of animals. Max Bear says the same thing, don't mention Elvis to her. Yes, she created a scholarship fund for young performers funded by her estate. Baer, Jr, didn't like his role and he talked about Ryan kicking him in the ass with her big boots when he stood in her light, but other than that, nothing. Elvis famously said that he missed sleeping with only two of his female movie co-stars (Mary Tyler Moore from a "Change of Habit" and I forget the second). I thought Roger Torrey, who played the frogman (as well as the character's brother) looked rather fine, but I need to watch his episodes again to confirm. I is a Bodine, like Ma and my sister Jethrene. She kept using the execrable and rotten-souled Buddy Ebsen's brass spittoon as a chamberpot. for your pointless bitchery needs. I don't know, I think the notion that Granny thought the frogman was actually part frog is pretty hilarious (imagining Irene Ryan handling that schtick) and not much different than the humor of the show from the very beginning. [quote]Fred Clark and then Larry Keating played Harry Morton, Blanche's fussbudget husband on Burns & Allen. They gave me a lot of laughs when I was a kid. Paul Henning invited the cast and crew to his hometown of Joplin Missouri when he was being honored with an award. Bea was too plump and busty to run around in a mad fury the way he intended. You mean her "behavior" in the sense that she proceeded to dress as Elly Mae Clampitt everywhere she went for the rest of her life? Having starred in such television programs as VEGA$ and Spenser: For Hire. Ebsen was the star and the cast treated him with respect but he drank a lot during filming. Had a second career as a gospel singer, as well as a popular real estate agent in Beverly Hills, California. Bolger was cast as the Tin Man, but he passionately wanted to play the Scarecrow. She died on January 1, 2015, at the age of 86. American viewers had plenty of bombshells with comedic chops to choose from on 1960s sitcoms -- one of the national favorites was without a doubt Donna Douglas. But the shows [] More, You might remember her as Mindy in the off-beat yet endearing 70s and 80s sitcom Mork and Mindy. I have never heard or read of any dissension on the set of the show. Actress best known for her role on the hit 1960s sitcom sat down with E! She died of pancreatic cancer on January 1, 2015 at the age of 82. He wasn't in that movie because of illness, not being "traded.". And she began to find roles in film an television. But she'll always be known as Elly May the tomboy-but-sweetly sexy blond Clampett daughter who never seemed to be aware of her effect on men, and who referred to their Beverly Hills mansion swimming pool as the "SEE-ment pond.". Here are 7 things you may not have known about the beautiful blonde. There was nothing "shitty" about Buddy Ebsen supporting another political candidate. She actually made friends with some of our neighbors and came back to visit from time to time. The Beverly Hillbillies was a classic fish-out-of water comedy about a poor backwoods Ozark family transplanted to California after striking oil ("black gold" as the banjo-inflected theme song went) on their land. While Robert Urich was famous for doing battle with tough foes on the screen. There was nothing but resentment. Raymond Bailey pissed them off occasionally but that was because he was very professional and didn't like dicking around on set. She immediately won the character role of "Elly May Clampett" on one of the greatest situation comedies of all time, The Beverly Hillbillies (1962). IE 11 is not supported. Kulp was "loved?" However, other directors began to realize she had a real talent for comedy. It was while he was doing military service in Germany that he met the 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu. Donna found a job as a real estate agent, though it didnt last long. Kulp wouldn't have won the election anyway, so it's stupid to say that her election chances were ruined by evil Buddy Ebsen. by She was just having a good time, and everyone loved her. June 20, 2021, 9:06 am, by Not long after, she casted in The Beverly Hillbillies. Like Buddy, she too is a successful singer (of gospel), is also a character actress, and is also a Republican. Henning was also a writer/producer on the Bob Cummings show Love That Bob. So was Dash Riprock and Roger Torrey who played Matthew and Mark Templeton. BH Producer Paul Henning previously produced and wrote for Burns & Allen so he was well-acquainted with Bea Benadaret, who played neighbor Blanche Morton on the show. She continued with minor roles throughout the 50s, with one noteworthy role of Pamela Livingstone in the TV comedy series The Bob Cummings Show (1955-1959). She was really a cordial and good person. Donna Douglas died Jan. 1 at the age of 81. She played Elly Mae Clampet on the Beverly Hillbillies. The Jethro becomes a Hippy or Jethro joins the Army kind of stuff hasn't aged well. Ebsen, contacted the Shuster campaign and volunteered to record radio spots declaring, "Hey Nancy, I love you dearly but you're too liberal for me I've got to go with Bud Shuster. " Buddy Ebsen, who played Uncle Jed, was not even a resident of the district or state, but did an endorsement and local ad for her shady opponent and GOP incumbent who won. "She was always happy, and she really loved animals -- just like her character on `The Beverly Hillbillies.' "Whenever she gave presents, they always came with (passages) from Scripture.". For her education, after high school, Nancy enrolled at Florida State University, which at the time was Florida State College for Women, from which she obtained a bachelors degree in journalism. There is nothing like those Bonnie Mace stories. She wanted to leave the series. [Baton Rouge Advocate, September 18, 1957, regarding her entering the World Championship Hot Pepper Eating Contest in New Iberia, Louisiana] Hot peppers have always been my secret training for health and beauty. In politics, she ran for a congressional seat, as a democrat. He spent his free time on the set learning about filmmaking. American Actress Donna Douglas was born Dorothy Smith on 26th September, 1933 in Pride, Louisiana, USA and passed away on 1st Jan 2015 Zachary, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, USA . She blames her co-star Buddy Ebsen who described Nancy as too liberal in a radio campaign for Buddy Shuster. You can't fool them. How's Mr. Donna Douglas appeared in feature films before and after the much-loved '60s sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, and she has been remembered even today as the buxom, the blue-eyed tomboy Elly May Clampett. Even though Max Baer Jr. became famous for his role as Jethro, however, it ended up ruining his career as an actor. The stories you care about, delivered daily. I meant to write: "Jethro Bodine" is one of the best names ever invented. Yes indeed, we too use "cookies." Friends said she would "shudder" every time she heard Douglas's name. Douglas only appeared in one film: In 1966, the star acted in Frankie and Johnny, an Elvis Presley film.. 2. I have sat and watched 4-5 episodes in a row. donna douglas home donna douglas home (No Ratings Yet) . The two things I am most asked is if I still love critters and can I still whistle like Elly May. From Times Wire Services. Donna was the star of that infamous "Eye of the Beholder" Twilight Zone episode, but they dubbed all of her dialogue. Clampett." He said she could drink like a sailor. R12 et al are much more entertaining than the supposed truth. When the show ended, Max took the small pot of money he had saved and produced an indie thriller called Macon County Line. R127, sorry to be pedantic, but that doll is a knock off and is not a licensed Elly Mae doll. Harriet MacGibbon was brilliant as Mrs. Drysdale. Funny woman. I am sure the three other top-billed cast members (as the nominal star, Ebsen would always be paid the most) had favored nations clauses so that they all had to get similar or same salaries if someone got a raise. Max definitely brought an effortless sweetness and naivete to Jethro that is, no doubt, harder for a hunky grown man to achieve than most people would appreciate. Bolger played the scarecrow. [quote]They were talking about the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz R64, not The Scarecrow and Mrs. King. And then there was Ronnie Burns! January 19, 2022, 6:17 pm, by For Donna Douglas, it sounds as though art really did reflect life in a way. September 14, 2021, 5:02 am, Way back in 1980, Dolly Parton sat down with Chet Flippo of Rolling Stone magazine for what she thought was just going to be a typical interview. His death was attributed to his mother's smoking. She seems to have worked a lot in very small roles- often uncredited. She would pick fights with the crew and beat them up. After playing the secretary on The Bob Cunningham Show. "So many people love her, and that means a lot to me. However, many audience members didnt realize that. Directors simply couldnt imagine him playing any other role, and he was unable to find work. Max Baer Jr., who co-starred with Donna Douglas on The Beverly Hillbillies, tells RumorFix, "I loved her.". Her standby, Lucie Lancaster, went on that night, and then continued to play the part until Dorothy Stickney took over some weeks later. More: Joe Cockers 7 accomplishments that should be celebrated, Douglas found a real-life father figure in Buddy Ebsen, who played her father Jed Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies. 7.3k Views. Donna Douglas's Salary and Net Worth. She could really sell a song! The stars granddaughter told TMZ Douglas died in her Louisiana home surrounded by friends and family. The Beverly Hillbillies was a groundbreaking sitcom that aired on CBS in 1962 and ran for nine seasons until its eventual end in 1971. I had heard the story as Bailey said to Henning when they pulled up, "you didn't tell me your sister lived in a whorehouse." I joyously discovered that every episode of TBH is on Youtube! 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