Donna Douglas as ‘Elly May Clampett’ – The Beverly Hillbillies, 1962
Pictured below is famed actress and singer, Donna Douglass, as the character Elly May Clampett from the hit ‘60s CBS television series, “The Beverly Hillbillies.” A role Douglass played from 1962 to 1971, she captured the hearts of viewers with her performance as a sweet and animal-loving daughter; the only child of characters Jed and Rose Ellen Clampett. Born in an East Baton Rouge Parish of Louisiana, reflecting her Hillbilly character, in real life Douglass was also an “honest-to-goodness critter loving Southern Belle.”
Douglass also appeared in what is still considered today as one of the most famous episodes of “The Twilight Zone”: “Eye of the Beholder.” In addition to her acting career, in 2013, Douglass also published her “nostalgic” cookbook, “Southern Favorites with a Taste of Hollywood.”
Elinor Donahue, Ron Howard and Andy Griffith, Posing for a Holiday Publicity Photo for “The Andy Griffith Show”, 1960
Below, actors Elinor Donahue, Ron Howard, and Andy Griffith strike a pose, as they take a picture for a Holiday promotional photograph for “The Andy Griffith Show” in 1960. The iconic Andy Griffith Show captured viewers from all over, as it followed the life of the fictional lead character Andy Taylor (played by Andy Griffith), a widowed country-bumpkin sheriff in charge of the tiny town of Mayberry, North Carolina.
The show went on to run for a total of 8 seasons, lasting from 1960, up until 1968. Following Donahue’s last role as Judge Marie Anderson in the soap opera, “The Young and the Restless", she eventually chose to step out of the limelight. Today, she is happy to lead a life away from the cameras. “As far as I know, and nobody knows what’s around the corner, it’s no more,” she said. “I’m done, finished… But all told, it was all just so magical. Honestly, I’ve had a lot of fun.”
Happy Day’s Chachi (Scott Baio) and Joanie (Erin Moran) Go to the Beach, 1981
Pictured in the vintage picture below is Happy Day’s much-loved television couple, Chachi Arcola (played by Scott Baio) and Joanie Cunningham (played by Erin Moran), having a very happy day at the beach back in 1981. Fan favorites of the widely successful show, in 1982 these Happy Day characters would go on to star in their very own spinoff show, “Joanie Loves Chachi.”
In addition to Chachi and Joanie, the series also featured characters like Al Delvecchio (played by Al Molinaro), Chachi’s stepfather and former owner of Happy Day’s fictional Arnold’s Drive-In. In addition, Chachi’s mother, Louisa Delvecchio (played by Ellen Travolta), was also a member of this Happy Days spinoff. Years later, Travolta and Baio would again work together in 1984, co-starring as mother and son duo in the hit American television sitcom, “Charles in Charge.”
Heather Thomas, aka ’Jody Banks’ - The Fall Guy From 1981-86
Pictured in the photograph below is popular actress Heather Thomas as the popular character ‘Jody Banks’, on the show, “The Fall Guy,” a role which Banks played from 1981 to 1986. The basis of this series? A plot widely revolving around “The adventures of a film stunt performer who moonlights as a bounty hunter when movie work is slow.”
The TV series is known for its frequent celebrity cameos, as well as its occasional in-joke references of the series, “The Six Million Dollar Man,” one of Major’s previously starring roles. Before her breakout role as Banks on “The Fall Guy,” Thomas first entered the limelight at the young age of 14, acting as a host and celebrity interviewer on the NBC series, “Talking with a Giant.”
Tommy Chong: Comedian, Actor and Father of Six
Pictured below is the widely known comedian, actor, writer, and musician Thomas B. Kin Chong, most known as Tommy Chong to both fans and critics alike. Notoriously known for his efforts as an activist in the fight for cannabis rights, Chong’s success is due largely in part to his marijuana-centered comedy series of which Chong is most known for, “Cheech & Chong.”
Aside from the series Chong starred in alongside his fellow comedic partner in crime, Cheech Marin, Cheech and Chong are also known for their numerous musical albums. And while the idea of Chong as a father would most likely be viewed as another one of the infamous comedian’s jokes, in reality, Tommy Chong is actually considered “quite the family man.” In total, throughout his marriages, notorious stoner-turned-family-man would go on to raise a whopping six children.