Donna Douglas ( born Doris Smith ; September 1932 -- January 1 , 2015 ) was an American actress and singer , known for her role as Elly May Clampett in CBS 's `` The Beverly Hillbillies '' ( 1962 -- 1971 ) .
Donna Douglas ( born Doris Smith ; September 26 , 1933 -- January 1 , 2015 ) was an American actress . She was best known for her role as Elly May Clampett in the CBS television series `` The Beverly Hillbillies '' from 1962 to 1971 .