Donna Douglas was asked to milk goats for her ”Beverly Hillbillies” audition

Donna Douglas was definitely destined to play Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies. In an interview with The Tennessean, she explained that she started out as an actress, starting with a move to New York before departing for California. Douglas explained that she feels the best way to gain knowledge is through action. “I had to study and work at the same time. That’s how I started. I never said a word until I went to Hollywood,” she explained.

When Douglas auditioned for the role of Elly May, she was up against 500 other actors also auditioning. She noted that she had only been in acting school for a week before reading the part. However, Douglas remained determined and optimistic. “I’m pretty simple, but I know I can learn,” she said.

Most auditions are stressful because the actors have to read to a group of casting directors and producers who will decide their future work. However, Donna Douglas’s Beverly Hillbillies audition came with an additional, unforeseen pressure. According to an article in the Associated Press, Donna Douglas had to milk a live goat. Luckily, Douglas has a similar education level to Elly May and knows how to handle farm animals. “I used to milk cows,” Douglas explains. I thought they were equipped the same way so I just followed suit.”

It’s very possible that this is what helped her land the role, which is great news for Douglas, who quickly became attached to the character. She told The Tennessean, “When I read that part, I was so grateful. I wanted to do a family show. When you work together for nine years, you’re like a family. It’s a dream role.”

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She continued, “I knew everything about Elly May from day one. I never needed direction on my character. It’s something you have to do yourself.”