At 86 years old, Elinor Donahue continues to defy time and look incredible. Best known for her role in the American TV hit sitcom “Father Knows Best,” Elinor’s career has spanned decades and has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. But her journey didn’t end when the show did. She went on to shine both on screen and off, captivating audiences with her talent and grace.
From “Father Knows Best” to “The Young and the Restless”
In her pivotal role as Betty ‘Princess’ Anderson on “Father Knows Best,” Elinor became a central character in the show that portrayed a middle-class family living an idyllic all-American life in the Midwest. The show started on the radio in 1949 and later transitioned to television, with Elinor being one of the few cast members from the radio show to make the crossover.
During her six years with the show, Elinor also made appearances in other notable programs such as “Crossroads” and the “George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.” Her schedule was demanding, leaving her with little time to actually watch the show herself. Elinor once admitted, “By the time we’d get home at night and have our dinner, we’d be getting ready to learn our lines, go to sleep, and do it all over again. So, I never saw the show.”
A Career that Stands the Test of Time
Born in Tacoma in 1937, Elinor’s career took off in her teenage years when she appeared in movies like “Love is Better than Ever” alongside Elizabeth Taylor and “Girls Town.” As a young child actress, she always had an adult on set due to California regulations. Because her father was absent and her mother worked full-time, Elinor’s mother Doris gave up her job to support her daughter’s budding career.
After “Father Knows Best” ended, Elinor continued to make remarkable appearances on various TV shows like “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Dr. Kildare,” “Star Trek,” and “Mork & Mindy.” She even ventured into movies, starring in films such as “Mulligan’s Stew,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Pretty Woman.” With over 70 TV shows and several movies under her belt, Elinor has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the industry.
Life, Love, and Happily Ever After
Elinor’s personal life has also seen its fair share of ups and downs. She got married for the first time at the age of 19, hoping that marriage and motherhood would make her feel like a “grown-up.” Her first husband was Richard Smith, a sound man on “Father Knows Best.” They had a son together, Brian, but sadly divorced after six years.
In 1962, Elinor found love again and married prolific TV producer Harry Ackerman. The couple had three sons and enjoyed a happy marriage for almost 30 years until Harry’s passing in 1991. The following year, Elinor remarried for the third time to contractor Lou Genevrino, who remains her husband to this day. After a successful and fulfilling career, Elinor has chosen to retire from our screens for the past decade.
A Remarkable Career for Someone Who Never Planned It
Remarkably, Elinor admits that she never really thought about being on the screen. Yet, she embraced the opportunities that came her way and carved out a prolific and successful career. Her incredible talent, timeless beauty, and down-to-earth charm continue to captivate audiences of all ages. Please share this remarkable journey with all the ‘Father Knows Best’ fans you know and celebrate the ageless Elinor Donahue, a true TV legend.
