Despite the major differences in hair and clothing trends since the 60s, Donna Douglas’ innate beauty has always shined through. During her high school years, Douglas was an athlete and played for both the basketball and softball teams.
Before getting her big break in show business, she was crowned Miss New Orleans and Miss Baton Rouge. Donna Douglas won pageant after pageant, and it’s not very hard to see why. Not long after she was discovered, she became widely known as Elly May Clampett.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Years prior to Buddy Ebsen’s successful portrayal of Jed Clampett, the actor worked on Broadway alongside Shirley Temple and Judy Garland. Strangely enough, he began work with Garland on her most famous role in the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” as the Scarecrow, but when Ray Bolger was cast, he was given the role of the Tin Man.
Sadly, he had an adverse reaction to the metallic makeup and had to resign from the role. Although Buddy Ebsen blamed “The Wizard of Oz” for ongoing health troubles later in life, he actually outlived all the other main stars from the film.
A Man of Many Talents
Buddy Ebsen had a natural knack for show business with his many talents. He wasn’t only an accomplished actor with dance credentials, but boy, could he sing. So the natural next step after the success of “The Beverly Hillbillies” was to find another place to let his inner hillbilly shine.
Ebsen began to put out country music songs with folksy undertones. Now it was clear; he could not only look at the part, but he could sound it too! His songs are warm and cozy and add a homey feel to the country music scene.
Never Too Old
It is never too late to make your dreams a reality, something which Irene Ryan took to heart after “The Beverly Hillbillies” came to an end. Although she was best known for her role as Granny and was offered a similar role on TV soon after the show was canceled, Irene Ryan decided to decline.
Instead, she decided to move to New York and try out her skills on Broadway. Her success is a lesson for all of us that you are never too old to reinvent yourself!
Time To Say Goodbye
All good things must come to an end, even with a track record of incredible ratings and adoring fans. The network decided to cancel “The Beverly Hillbillies” in 1971 after nine successful seasons. CBS executive Fred Silverman felt that the show had lost its appeal and was no longer unique in its portrayal of rural life.
By then, the network was running similar shows like “Petticoat Junction” and “Green Acres.” Due to the popularity of these competing shows, which also portray small-town life, the Clampetts were no longer welcome.