Donna Douglas, best known for her role as Elly May Clampett from "The Beverly Hillbillies," died this past New Year's Day. She was 81 years old. As of now, her cause of death remains undisclosed.

According to the Examiner, her death was first reported by Shelly Brown of the Christian gospel group "The Browns" with the statement:

"We lost a dear family friend today...The world knew her as Ellie Mae Clampett... A Beverly Hillbilly...But we knew her as our precious Donna who never met a stranger, had style and grace, had a kind heart, always wore pretty pink, and loved people! I'm thankful for the time we got to spend with her and all the wisdom and lessons that the kids learned from her! I will forever hear her whistle and "y'all come back now, hear"!!! See you on the other side, my friend!!!"

Born as Dorothy Smith, Douglas began her career as a model, and was Miss New Orleans in 1957. She went on to make appearances in many TV shows, including "Bachelor Father," "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet"and in four episodes of the series"Checkmate." She also appeared in the 1960 "Twilight Zone" episode "Eye of the Beholder."

Of course, her most famous role was in "The Beverly Hillbillies," which ran from 1962-1971. According to The Advocate, Douglas portrayed Elly May Clampett in all 274 episodes of the show.

She stated of the role, "No one ever had to tell me how to play Elly May when that part came along... They asked me if I could milk a goat and I said 'sure!' I knew everything about her. When I got that part, I thought my little heart would pop open."

After her run with the show was over, she co-starred in "Frankie and Johnny" with Elvis Presley in 1966, continued in acting, and then got into real estate in the Los Angeles area. Before her death, she traveled as an inspirational speaker for 15 years.