Well, howdy there, folks! Gather ’round and lend an ear, because we’re about to take a rollicking trip back in time to the simpler, funnier days of television with a deep dive into one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time: “The Beverly Hillbillies.” From the moment Jed Clampett accidentally struck oil while shooting at a rabbit – or a surveyor did, depending on which part of the story you’re hearing – the world was never quite the same. This delightful fish-out-of-water tale captured hearts from 1962 to 1971, proving that sometimes, all you need is a goodhearted, unpretentious family trying to make sense of the big, fancy city life.
For nine incredible seasons, we watched Jed, Granny, Elly May, and Jethro bring their Ozark charm and homespun wisdom to the elite, often bewildered residents of Beverly Hills. They showed us that true riches aren’t just about money, but about family, integrity, and a good dose of “rheumatize medicine.” Critics might have scoffed, but America tuned in by the millions, making it the number-one show for its first two seasons and a top 20 hit for eight of its nine years. It’s a testament to the unforgettable characters and the brilliant cast who brought them to life.
So, grab your vittles and settle in, because we’re about to revisit the hilarious Clampett clan and their high-society neighbors. What ever happened to these legendary actors after their time in that iconic Beverly Hills mansion? We’ve gathered all the latest on where some of your favorite stars are now, or what their incredible legacies left behind. From humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom, and everything in between, let’s explore the journeys of these beloved performers. You’ll want to read on, we guarantee it!
1. **Buddy Ebsen (Mr. Jed Clampett)**: Ah, Jed Clampett. The calm, common-sense patriarch who truly grounded “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Buddy Ebsen, the masterful actor who brought Jed to life, imbued him with such dignity and integrity. Jed was a simple-minded man on the surface, yet deeply intelligent and always true to himself, never altering how he treated people, despite his newfound fortune. He was, as Ebsen himself described it, “a straight man in the series,” whose job was to “set up the situations and the lines” for the others, making occasional droll observations.
Buddy Ebsen’s career was nothing short of legendary, spanning an incredible seven decades. Before striking oil (figuratively speaking!) on television, Buddy was a dancer, singer, actor, and comedian. Many might not know he was originally cast as the iconic Tin Man in 1939’s “The Wizard of Oz” but had to be recast due to a dangerous reaction to the aluminum dust in the makeup. Talk about a close call!
His career began with his first film role as a dancer alongside his sister, Velma Ebsen, in the 1936 Oscar-nominated “Broadway Melody.” He then enjoyed immense success with “The Beverly Hillbillies,” and even after the show, his career continued to flourish. He later starred in another lasting TV character, Barnaby Jones, a private eye series that enjoyed eight successful seasons. Buddy’s final big-screen appearance was a cameo as Barnaby Jones in the 1993 film adaptation of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” He lent his voice one final time to the cartoon sitcom “King of the Hill” before passing away on July 6, 2003, at the age of 95. What an incredible run!
2. **Donna Douglas (Elly May)**: Elly May Clampett, the show’s golden girl, was an absolute treasure. Donna Douglas, born Doris Ione Smith, perfectly captured the essence of the “beautiful tomboy who could fight like a wild animal.” With her signature pigtails, Elly May was a mountain beauty with the body of a pin-up girl and the soul of a tomboy, always tender with her friends, animals, and family. She often said animals were better companions than people, though she later conceded that “fellas kin be more fun than critters.”
Before her Hillbilly fame, Donna was a crowned beauty queen, named both Miss Baton Rouge and Miss New Orleans in the ’50s, which inspired her move to New York to start an acting career. “The Beverly Hillbillies” launched her newfound fame, and while she never became a movie star in the traditional sense, she did land a major film role opposite none other than the King himself, Elvis Presley, in the musical “Frankie and Johnny.”
After her acting career, Donna transitioned into gospel singing, releasing her first album in 1982, followed by several more. She also dabbled in country records during the ’70s and ’80s. Later, she stepped back from entertainment to study children’s ministry and even wrote a Bible-themed children’s book. She briefly returned to the public eye with two lawsuits: one against the film “The Sister Act” for $200 million for allegedly stealing her novel/screenplay, which she lost; and another in 2011 for her likeness being used for a Barbie doll, which she settled. Donna was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away in 2015 at the age of 82. She once shared her perspective on being viewed as a sex symbol: “I’m not belittling the power sex has in the making of a star… but I hope my career will have a wider horizon.”
3. **Nancy Kulp (Jane Hathaway)**: “Miss Jane” Hathaway, as the Clampetts affectionately called her, was the intelligent, loyal, and efficient secretary to Milburn Drysdale at the Commerce Bank of Beverly Hills. Portrayed brilliantly by Nancy Kulp, Jane was often the voice of reason amidst the Clampetts’ chaos, tasked with ensuring they didn’t squander their immense fortune. She was genuinely fond of the family and often tried to shield them from her boss’s greed, frequently rescuing Drysdale from his outlandish schemes with little thanks.
Nancy Kulp was a remarkable woman with an impressive background long before her acting career. She held both a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Master’s degrees in English and French. She also served in the United States Naval Reserve, ranking as a Lieutenant until her honorable discharge in 1946. Her acting career began in 1951, with her big break coming as the neighborhood bird watcher Pamela Livingstone on “The Bob Cummings Show,” leading her to her infamous role as Ms. Hathaway.
From that point on, Nancy Kulp became a household name, reprising her role for the 1981 film “The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies.” After her acting hiatus, she pursued a political career, running as a Democratic nominee for the US House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s 9th congressional district. Although she lost the race, she continued to educate others with her acting wisdom, remaining active in the entertainment world until her death from cancer in February 1991, at the age of 69. TV Guide even ranked Jane Hathaway number 38 on its list of “50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time” in 1999!
4. **Sharon Tate (Janet Trego)**: While not a main cast member, the list of “Beverly Hillbillies” stars wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of the unforgettable guest appearances. Among the more famously known names was the renowned actress Sharon Tate, who became a regular as another bank secretary and ‘inside eyes’ for Mrs. Drysdale. She portrayed Janet Trego in 15 episodes, often becoming the object of Jethro’s romantic, if clueless, overtures. Her presence added a touch of Hollywood glamour to the banking world the Clampetts inhabited.
Sharon Tate was already a rising star, known for her captivating beauty and burgeoning talent, when she joined the show. Her role as Janet Trego showcased her charm and comedic timing, making her a memorable part of the Commerce Bank’s bustling office. The context specifically mentions her as a “legendary actress and Manson murder victim,” which casts a somber shadow on her brief but impactful presence on the show.
Her career was tragically cut short, but her work on “The Beverly Hillbillies” and other projects highlighted a promising talent taken too soon. She remains a poignant figure in Hollywood history, remembered not just for her untimely death, but for the beauty and grace she brought to the screen. Her appearances on the show, though limited, are a reminder of the many talented individuals who contributed to its enduring legacy.
5. **Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs (Themselves)**: Now, who could forget the instantly recognizable, foot-tapping sounds of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett”? That iconic theme song, which perfectly set the tone for every episode, was brought to life by none other than the legendary bluegrass duo, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, also known as the Foggy Mountain Boys. These talented musicians didn’t just provide the unforgettable soundtrack; they actually appeared as themselves in seven episodes, cementing their place in Clampett lore as longtime friends of the family, often performing their incredible music.
The instrumental wizardry of Flatt and Scruggs, with Jerry Scoggins on vocals, kicked off each week’s dose of hillbilly hilarity. Their rendition of Paul Henning’s catchy tune became a cultural phenomenon, even hitting number one on the Billboard Hot Country chart and number 44 on the Hot 100 pop chart with their own version for Columbia Records. Talk about a theme song with star power! Their unique blend of banjo and guitar picking immediately transported audiences to the Ozarks, no matter where they were watching.
Beyond the opening credits, their on-screen appearances were always a treat, adding a layer of authentic country flavor to the show. While “The Beverly Hillbillies” generally stuck to its comedic roots rather than showcasing extensive country music, the occasional presence of Flatt and Scruggs, and sometimes even other country stars like Roy Clark, added an authentic touch of the “old country” to the city setting. They served as a genuine connection to the Clampetts’ origins, providing a musical interlude that reinforced the family’s simple pleasures.
These appearances reminded everyone that even in Beverly Hills, the Clampetts stayed true to their roots, always surrounded by good music and good company. It’s truly special when a show’s theme song becomes as famous and beloved as its characters, and Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs made that happen with their incredible talent. Their contributions, both musical and on-screen, are a testament to the show’s clever blend of humor, heart, and a touch of genuine American folk tradition.
6. **Eva Gabor (Lisa Douglas)**: And where would Oliver Douglas be without his equally iconic, and dramatically city-loving, wife, Lisa Douglas? The glamorous and utterly delightful Lisa, brought to life by the incomparable Eva Gabor, also made her way from “Green Acres” into the Clampetts’ orbit through those wonderful crossover episodes. Her presence in “The Beverly Hillbillies” added another touch of high-society contrast, even as she herself was struggling with the realities of farm life in Hooterville, providing yet another layer to the comedic comparisons.
Lisa Douglas was known for her unshakeable elegance and her persistent longing for the luxuries of city living, often expressed with her charming Hungarian accent and impeccable fashion sense. Imagining her interacting with the down-to-earth Clampetts, perhaps sharing notes on “fancy eatin'” or “critters,” is a true delight for any fan of these intertwined sitcoms. Her character was a testament to the power of a fish-out-of-water scenario, demonstrating that cultural adjustment could be just as hilarious when moving from the metropolis to the farm, or vice-versa.
Her gentle nature, combined with her steadfast devotion to her husband (despite his wild farming dreams), made Lisa a truly endearing character. When she appeared in the Clampett’s world, it was a moment of delightful recognition for fans, bridging two of television’s most unique comedic families. These crossovers weren’t just novelty; they enriched the narrative, showing different facets of the “country folk in the city” or “city folk in the country” trope.
Eva Gabor created a truly unforgettable character in Lisa Douglas, whose witty remarks and stylish demeanor stood out whether she was in Hooterville or Beverly Hills. Her crossover appearances emphasized the clever narrative threads Paul Henning wove between his shows, making the television landscape feel richer and more cohesive. It’s a wonderful piece of television history to see how these characters from different, yet related, worlds could come together and bring even more laughter to our living rooms, proving that good comedy, like good neighbors, knows no bounds.
And there you have it, folks! Our delightful journey through the lives and legacies of the incredible cast of “The Beverly Hillbillies” comes to a close. From the core Clampett family and their long-suffering Beverly Hills neighbors to the memorable recurring characters and even those fantastic crossover stars from the interconnected worlds of Paul Henning, each actor played a pivotal role in creating a show that truly stood the test of time. Their timeless humor, genuine warmth, and unforgettable performances continue to resonate, proving that sometimes, the simplest stories, told with the greatest heart, are the ones we cherish the most. So, next time you hear that banjo strum, remember the magic, the laughs, and the enduring spirit of the Clampetts, because they truly were, and still are, one of a kind.
