Mary Eleanor Donahue, better known as Elinor Donahue, is a talented actress who has been entertaining audiences for six decades. Born on April 19, 1937, in Tacoma, Washington, she began her career in show business at the tender age of 16 months, already demonstrating her impressive tap dancing skills.
Elinor's early years were marked by appearances on radio and vaudeville, and she was soon discovered by Universal Studios at the age of five. She went on to land minor child roles in films such as "Mister Big" (1943) and "The Unfinished Dance" (1947),before moving to MGM and supporting notable child stars like Margaret O'Brien and Elizabeth Taylor.
As she entered her teenage years, Elinor's talent and wholesome appeal began to shine through, earning her a spot as the oldest daughter of the "ideal" parents in the classic family show "Father Knows Best" (1954). Her portrayal of Betty ("Princess") Anderson from 1954 to 1960 cemented her status as a beloved and relatable on-screen presence.
Elinor's subsequent roles on "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960),"The Odd Couple" (1970),"Pilot" (1977),and "The Golden Girls" (1985) showcased her versatility and ability to play nice, friendly, non-flashy parts. She also made guest appearances on numerous other shows, including "Barnaby Jones" (1973),"Newhart" (1982),and "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" (1993).
Throughout her career, Elinor has been praised for her pleasant personality, suitable voice for commercials and cartoons, and steady, reliable performances. She has also found success in soap operas like "Santa Barbara" (1984) and "Days of Our Lives" (1965),and has recently appeared in shows like "Murder, She Wrote," "Coach," "Friends," and "Cold Case."
Elinor has been married three times, including to TV executive producer Harry Ackerman, and has four sons. In 1998, she published a memoir titled "In the Kitchen with Elinor Donahue," which shares some of her memories of Hollywood and features over 150 of her favorite recipes.
