Donna Douglas almost missed the opportunity to audition for the role of Elly May

The Beverly Hillbilles was a show that everyone loved. The actors were praised so much for how well they brought their characters to life that many can’t imagine what the show would be like if the roles were played by someone else.

Donna Douglas, known for the role of Elly May Clampett on the show, revealed a time when she almost didn’t get the part. She was grateful to audition for the starring spot after being involved in a car accident. It was so bad that the accident left her in the hospital for 17 days.

In an interview with Talk of the Town, Douglas briefly shared details about the audition process. “Beverly Hillbillies was like a slice out of my life. It really was,” the actress began. “So when the Hillbillies came along, it was like, I was just thrilled to get the opportunity to do that part.”

“I was interviewed along with about 500 other girls, and they narrowed it down to six,” she said as she began to discuss the almost life-changing incident. “The day I went up for the part of Elly May, I was in an automobile accident on my way home.”

Douglas revealed before she went home, she stopped at a car shop for an oil change when the incident happened.

“A pretty well known actor was driving a big ole’ black Bently, and I was put in the hospital for 17 days,” Douglas said. “All I could say was ‘Oh Dear God, please [give] me the chance to get out [of the] hospital and get a chance at that part.’ I was really happy.”When the actress was released from the hospital, in no time, she got notice that if she didn’t finish the audition process, she’d lose the part.

“The day I got out of the hospital, they said you [have to] test in three days, or you’ll lose the part. Better know, I was a little wobbly, but I was there.”

A woman asked the actress on set if she’d ever milked a goat, and although she never did, Douglas milked the goat perfectly for her first time, securing the role.

The rest was history as The Beverly Hillbillies became a household rural comedy favorite in the United States. The first two seasons ranked number one, while the rest never left the top 30.

There was no one better for the role of Elly May than Donna Douglas.