Elinor Donahue, best known for her iconic role in the beloved American TV sitcom “Father Knows Best,” has had a remarkable career that extends far beyond the show’s end. At 86 years old, this Washington-born actress continues to shine on and off the screen.
In “Father Knows Best,” Elinor played Betty ‘Princess’ Anderson, the elder daughter of the middle-class Anderson family. The show, which started on the radio in 1949 and later transitioned to television, depicted an idyllic, all-American life in the Midwest. It quickly became a hit and ranked as one of the top ten most watched American TV shows.
During her six years with the show, Elinor also made appearances in other popular shows like “Crossroads” and the “George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.” Her schedule was so hectic that she never had the chance to watch her own show. In an interview with Closer, she admitted, “I never saw the show. 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 to get up and do it again.”
Elinor’s acting career began in her teenage years when she appeared in movies like “Love is Better than Ever,” alongside Elizabeth Taylor, and “Girls Town.” As a child actress, she always had to have an adult on set with her, as her father was absent and her mother worked full-time to support the family.
After “Father Knows Best,” Elinor continued to make a name for herself in the industry. She appeared in popular shows like “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Dr. Kildare,” “Star Trek,” and “Mork & Mindy.” In addition to her extensive television work, she also starred in movies such as “Winter Wonderland” and “Pretty Woman.”
Elinor’s personal life has also been eventful. She got married for the first time at the young age of 19, hoping that marriage and motherhood would make her feel more grown up. Her first husband was Richard Smith, a sound man on “Father Knows Best.” They had a son named Brian but eventually divorced after six years.
In 1962, Elinor married TV producer Harry Ackerman, who was 20 years older than her. They had three sons together and enjoyed a happy marriage until Harry’s passing in 1991. The following year, she married contractor Lou Genevrino, her current husband.
Although Elinor has been retired from our screens for the past decade, her impact on the entertainment industry remains. As someone who never anticipated being in front of the camera, her success and prolific career are truly remarkable.
For all the “Father Knows Best” fans out there, share this inspiring story of Elinor Donahue, a true screen legend who continues to captivate audiences with her talent and charm.
