Donna Douglass Settles Elly Mae Clampett Barbie Doll Lawsuit With Mattel

Donna Douglas, the actress who played Elly May Clampett on the “The Beverly Hillbillies” has just settled her lawsuit with Mattel and CBS over a Barbie doll that used her character’s name and likeness.

Douglas was seeking at least $75,000 in her lawsuit against CBS and Mattel. An attorney for Douglas said that the lawsuit had been settled but did not give any further details.

Douglas played Elly Mae Clampett for nine seasons on the CBS comedy about a rural family that moves to Beverly Hills after striking oil. The actress sued CBS Consumer Products and Mattel Inc., saying that they used her character’s name and likeness without her permission. CBS and Mattel said in court documents that they didn’t need the actress’ permission because the character belonged to the network.

No matter who the character truly belongs to, Donna Douglas, CBS, and Mattel have worked tirelessly to preserve the integrity of the character, as evident by this clip of Elly Mae Clampett dancing poolside with a gorilla.

Were you a fan of “The Beverly Hillibillies?”