Elinor Donahue - Archive Interview Part 4 of 7

7-part oral history interview (each segment posted separately) with actress Elinor Donahue. She outlines her early film career in such films as Mister Big and The Unfinished Dance. She describes appearing in early experimental TV for Klaus Landsberg and speaks fondly of her appearance on The Ray Bolger Show. She speaks in detail about her role as teenager "Betty 'Princess' Anderson" on the classic '50s sitcom Father Knows Best. She recalls working with series producer Eugene Rodney and working with fictional father Robert Young, "mother" Jane Wyatt and "siblings" Billy Gray and Lauren Chapin. Donahue then speaks about her role as Andy Taylor's love interest "Ellie May Walker" on "The Andy Griffith Show". She talks about two other recurring parts, "Miriam Welby" on "The Odd Couple" and "Rebecca" on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman". She discusses playing the mother of 30-year-old paperboy Chris Elliot on "Get A Life". Throughout the interview, Donahue talked about her many guest appearances on series over the years including The Loretta Young Show, Star Trek, and Ellen.

To access all segments, visit channel playlists or go to http://tvinterviewsarchive.blogspot.com

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Archive
• of
• American
• Television
• Interview
• emmy
• tv
• legends
• television
• history

[donnieandsarah]

Interesting and revealing comments about the Andy Griffith Show.

[devolanges]

This is so awesome!!!

[RoboSlater]

She's such a wonderful lady.

[steveb802011]

Elinor was wonderful in the Christmas Episode on TAGS. Her "Away in a Manger" duet with Andy was beautiful!

[julikell]

Is it just me ... or does she look a lot like Jane Wyatt? I think so!

[jln55]

She seems like such a nice and down to earth person. I'm glad she has fond memories of TAGS, and even attends events.

[johnstreak]

I think your performance as Ellie Walker was superb.  I always wondered why you didn't remain on the series. I thought you fit the show like a glove. The Christmas show with you and Andy singing together is precious and still brings a tear to my eye. I really think you under-rate yourself Elinor. I would never consider changing the channel while your face is on the screen. Your warm, beautiful smile lights up the room. No one will ever forget you.

[fran9860]

@MrDAVIDEO84 Kitten was my favorite:)!

[MrDAVIDEO84]

" FATHER KNOWS BEST ! " IS ABSOLUTELY STILL

ON THE AIR ! , AS OF THIS DAY ( JANUARY 17, 2011 )

I JUST SAW AN EPISODE ON " ANTENA TV "

I LOVE ABSOLUTELY ADORE, MISS ELINOR DONAHUE !

[keca1430]

Her stories about her life and career are fantastic to hear. One of my favorites on TV for so many years. She sounded just fine singing on that Christmas episode of Andy Griffith.

[suzydastar2007]

Great actress!! FINE WOMAN

[javajax0987]

Yes, Elinor, the show isn't shown anymore and it is dated, but we still LOVE it, Thanks.