Did the actress playing Ellie Mae really like animals? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Chocolate Moose · 07-01-2018, 05:32 PM

She seemed so good with them on the show - every time Rusty swam, for example, she so sweetly wrapped him up in a towel.

Do you think she really loved them?

stanwyckfan07 · 10-31-2018, 08:30 PM

Yes, Donna Douglas was a bona fide pet lover and in her last years spent much time volunteering at the animal shelter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

tlc38tlc38 · 10-31-2018, 09:17 PM

She was such a sweet person. You could tell she had a true, kind heart.

Mr. Television · 05-19-2019, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc38tlc38

She was such a sweet person. You could tell she had a true, kind heart.

I agree. So sad when she died. One of the true greats.

PracTz · 05-22-2019, 12:40 PM

No doubt Miss Douglas definitely DID like critters because there's no way the critters themselves wouldn't have let her know it if she didn't like 'em- and the camera would have picked up on it. I don't recall any of them either struggling to get away from her or being hostile to her oncamera!

Duster76 · 05-22-2019, 09:13 PM

It's strange but Donna Douglas seemed to become Ellie Mae in real life. We always read and hear about actors/actresses who hate the TV role they are most identified with (Fred Gwynne, Tina Louise, George Reeves, Ray Walston, Margorie Lord for example), but there are a few who embrace and almost become the character they played. Alan Hale seemed to become the Skipper in real life, Clayton Moore, the Lone Ranger, Betty Lynn, Thelma Lou.

biffbronson · 05-28-2019, 02:24 AM

Her character was based on Linda Kaye Henning, a true animal lover. Many years later, Linda as an adult worked as a docent at the San Diego Zoo.

treky · 06-18-2019, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffbronson

Her character was based on Linda Kaye Henning, a true animal lover. Many years later, Linda as an adult worked as a docent at the San Diego Zoo.

REALLY? I never knew that!

07-01-2018, 05:32 PM	#1
Chocolate Moose Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4,899	Did the actress playing Ellie Mae really like animals? She seemed so good with them on the show - every time Rusty swam, for example, she so sweetly wrapped him up in a towel. Do you think she really loved them?
	__________________ How long a minute is, depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.

10-31-2018, 09:17 PM	#3
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,258	She was such a sweet person. You could tell she had a true, kind heart.
	__________________ Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 In loving memory of my best friend, my Mama.

10-31-2018, 08:30 PM	#2
stanwyckfan07 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 26, 2011 Location: LA Posts: 106	Yes, Donna Douglas was a bona fide pet lover and in her last years spent much time volunteering at the animal shelter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

05-22-2019, 12:40 PM	#5
PracTz Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 14, 2002 Location: United States of America [Happily Living in the 20th Century] Posts: 2,711	No doubt Miss Douglas definitely DID like critters because there's no way the critters themselves wouldn't have let her know it if she didn't like 'em- and the camera would have picked up on it. I don't recall any of them either struggling to get away from her or being hostile to her oncamera!

05-22-2019, 09:13 PM	#6
Duster76 Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 01, 2008 Location: New jersey Posts: 1,654	It's strange but Donna Douglas seemed to become Ellie Mae in real life. We always read and hear about actors/actresses who hate the TV role they are most identified with (Fred Gwynne, Tina Louise, George Reeves, Ray Walston, Margorie Lord for example), but there are a few who embrace and almost become the character they played. Alan Hale seemed to become the Skipper in real life, Clayton Moore, the Lone Ranger, Betty Lynn, Thelma Lou.

05-28-2019, 02:24 AM	#7
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,502	Her character was based on Linda Kaye Henning, a true animal lover. Many years later, Linda as an adult worked as a docent at the San Diego Zoo.