Beloved former child star Elinor Donahue, best known from TV’s iconic programs like Father Knows Best, The Andy Griffith Show, The Odd Couple, and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, is now 88 years young. With more than 110 different character portrayals, Donahue has also made her mark in pop-culture history with legendary guest appearances on TV shows like Star Trek The Original Series (as it’s now known). This is her story.
A Closer Look
Elinor Donahue was born Mary Elinor Donahue on April 19, 1937, in Tacoma, Washington, the daughter of Doris Genevieve (née Gelbaugh) and Thomas William Donahue.
Tap dancing at the age of 16 months, the optimum girl next door, Donahue began singing on radio and then in vaudeville, which led to a film contract with Universal Studios at the age of 5.
Donahue was soon cast in movies like Mister Big (1943), and eventually moved to MGM and appeared in films such as The Unfinished Dance (1947) and Love Is Better Than Ever (1952), and more.
Donahue’s charm then expertly transferred to the small screen with her iconic performance as Betty “Princess” Anderson in Father Knows Best from 1954 to 1960.
As the oldest daughter of premium TV parents played by Robert Young and Jane Wyatt, Donahue displayd a range most adult actors never acheive.
Following Father Knows Best, Donahue was cast as Andy Griffith’s first signigcant girlfriend on The Andy Griffith Show, and then made countless acclaimed TV guest appearances.
Those include her benchmark, poignant performance as Nancy Hedford in the original Star Trek episode, “Metamorphosis.”
Donahue later performed a semi-regular role as TV girlfriend Miriam Welby to Tony Randall’s Felix Unger on The Odd Couple, which was followed by a regular role on the critically-favorite, if short-lived dramedy, Mulligan’s Stew.
Other TV appearances include guest spots on shows like Barnaby Jones (1973), Newhart (1982), The Golden Girls (1985), and semi-regular roles on Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, and Days of Our Lives.
Behind the Scenes
What many might know is that Elinor Donahue is the widow of TV network executive/producer Harry Ackerman, a creative behind-the-scenes force who helped guided everything from I Love Lucy, and Bewitched, to Hazel, Gidget, and several other small screen gems associated with Columbia Television.
The song “Ellie’s Smile,” by Jonathan Lore, is a tribute to Donanue and includes references to her career. And according to those film and television historians like Robert S. Ray, Donahue is more than worthy of the praise.
“She has an infectious smile, and such a pleasant personality,” said Ray. When Donahue (who’s been happil married to producer/director Lou Genevrino since 1992) appeared on Father Knows Best as a teen, Ray added, “…she was independent and strong-willed as Betty Anderson, a.k.a. ‘Princess’….and also as Ellie on The Andy Griffith Show.”
“And even to some extent with her semi-regular role as Miriam Welby on The Odd Couple,” Ray said.
That “Welby” last name, meanwhile, was a wink and a nod to the character of Dr. Marcus Welby, played by Father Knows Best’s dad Robert Young on his hit follow-up TV medical drama, Marcus Welby, M.D.
As Ray revealed, it was Odd Couple star Tony Randall’s idea to have Donahue’s character utilize the Welby name. “He thought that would be a cute idea,” Ray says of Randall.
Lasting Impression
The elegance, class, sophistication, and style of the affable and likable actress Elinor Donahue are rarely seen on film, television, and the stage in the modern era.
Happy 88th Birthday, Elinor Donahue.
