Donna Douglas, the beloved actress and entertainer who enchanted audiences with her portrayal of Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” died at her home in Louisiana on January 1, 2015 at the age of 81. She is survived by two sons and two stepsons, as well as several grandchildren. Donna was born Doris Ione Smith in Pride, Louisiana on September 26, 1933. Following her graduation from Anna S. Dogget School of Nursing in New Orleans, Donna moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. She appeared in commercials and print ads for such brands as Toni Home Permanents and Pepsodent toothpaste, and had small roles in several films, including “Lover Come Back,” “Frankie and Johnny” and “Who’s Minding the Store?” In 1962 she was cast as Elly May Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” a role which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Donna was a passionate advocate for animal rights and she wrote three books, including “The Life and Times of Elly May Clampett.” In 2015, she was inducted into the Louisiana Frontier and Entertainment Hall of Fame. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to any animal rescue organization.