Elinor Donahue

Acting

Elinor Donahue

Born April 19, 1937 · Tacoma, Washington, USA (age 89)

Mary Eleanor Donahue (born April 19, 1937), credited as Elinor Donahue, is an American actress, best remembered today for playing the role of Betty Anderson, the eldest child of Robert Young and Jane Wyatt, on the 1950s American sitcom Father Knows Best. Donahue achieved stardom for her role as the elder daughter, Betty, on the television family series Father Knows Best. Her co-stars were Robert …

Known For

Pretty WomanPretty Woman · 1990
Pretty Woman
7.41990
MovieRomanceComedy
Vivian is a carefree, streetwise diamond in the rough when she meets sophisticated billionaire Edward in a chance encounter that turns into a week-long business arrangement. But Vivian's energetic spirit challenges Edward's no-nonsense approach to life, and soon they are teaching each other – and falling in love!
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal EngagementThe Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement · 2004
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
6.72004
MovieComedyDrama
Mia Thermopolis is now a college graduate and on her way to Genovia to take up her duties as princess. Accompanied by her friend Lilly, Mia continues her 'princess lessons', like riding horses side-saddle and archery. But her already complicated life is turned upside down once again when she learns that she is to take the crown as queen earlier than expected, all while she meets a mysteriously charming young man.
Freddy's Dead: The Final NightmareFreddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare · 1991
Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare
5.31991
MovieHorrorThriller
Just when you thought it was safe to sleep, Freddy Krueger returns in this sixth installment of the Nightmare on Elm Street films, as psychologist Maggie Burroughs, tormented by recurring nightmares, meets a patient with the same horrific dreams. Their quest for answers leads to a certain house on Elm Street -- where the nightmares become reality.
Imitation of LifeImitation of Life · 1959
Imitation of Life
7.51959
MovieDramaRomance
In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.
In Name OnlyIn Name Only · 1969
In Name Only
7.01969
MovieComedyRomance
In this romantic comedy, an unwed couple who run a wedding planning business discover, to their horror, that the Justice of the Peace who had officiated their first three weddings was only an actor. Hilarity ensues as they set about trying to get these marrieds married...again.
Dear GodDear God · 1996
Dear God
5.41996
MovieComedy
A judge gives con-man Tom Turner a choice—a jail sentence, or a year of honest work. But when he gets a job in the U.S. Post Office's dead letter office, he starts a Good Samaritan con by answering letters written to God. His seemingly virtuous work inspires his co-workers to do the same, but their good deeds are frowned upon by the postmaster general—and the cops.
My Blue HeavenMy Blue Heaven · 1950
My Blue Heaven
7.51950
MovieDramaMusic
Radio star Kitty Moran, long married to partner Jack, finds she's pregnant, but miscarries. For a change, the couple turn their act into a series on early TV and try to adopt a baby. Finally they acquiring a girl in a somewhat back alley manner.
Just an Overnight GuestJust an Overnight Guest · 1983
Just an Overnight Guest
7.01983
MovieDrama
A family takes in an abused girl and eventually decide to adopt her.

Movies

Pretty WomanPretty Woman · 1990
Pretty Woman
7.41990
MovieRomanceComedy
Vivian is a carefree, streetwise diamond in the rough when she meets sophisticated billionaire Edward in a chance encounter that turns into a week-long business arrangement. But Vivian's energetic spirit challenges Edward's no-nonsense approach to life, and soon they are teaching each other – and falling in love!
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal EngagementThe Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement · 2004
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
6.72004
MovieComedyDrama
Mia Thermopolis is now a college graduate and on her way to Genovia to take up her duties as princess. Accompanied by her friend Lilly, Mia continues her 'princess lessons', like riding horses side-saddle and archery. But her already complicated life is turned upside down once again when she learns that she is to take the crown as queen earlier than expected, all while she meets a mysteriously charming young man.
Freddy's Dead: The Final NightmareFreddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare · 1991
Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare
5.31991
MovieHorrorThriller
Just when you thought it was safe to sleep, Freddy Krueger returns in this sixth installment of the Nightmare on Elm Street films, as psychologist Maggie Burroughs, tormented by recurring nightmares, meets a patient with the same horrific dreams. Their quest for answers leads to a certain house on Elm Street -- where the nightmares become reality.
Imitation of LifeImitation of Life · 1959
Imitation of Life
7.51959
MovieDramaRomance
In 1940s New York, a white widow who dreams of being on Broadway has a chance encounter with a black single mother, who becomes her maid.
In Name OnlyIn Name Only · 1969
In Name Only
7.01969
MovieComedyRomance
In this romantic comedy, an unwed couple who run a wedding planning business discover, to their horror, that the Justice of the Peace who had officiated their first three weddings was only an actor. Hilarity ensues as they set about trying to get these marrieds married...again.
Dear GodDear God · 1996
Dear God
5.41996
MovieComedy
A judge gives con-man Tom Turner a choice—a jail sentence, or a year of honest work. But when he gets a job in the U.S. Post Office's dead letter office, he starts a Good Samaritan con by answering letters written to God. His seemingly virtuous work inspires his co-workers to do the same, but their good deeds are frowned upon by the postmaster general—and the cops.
My Blue HeavenMy Blue Heaven · 1950
My Blue Heaven
7.51950
MovieDramaMusic
Radio star Kitty Moran, long married to partner Jack, finds she's pregnant, but miscarries. For a change, the couple turn their act into a series on early TV and try to adopt a baby. Finally they acquiring a girl in a somewhat back alley manner.
Just an Overnight GuestJust an Overnight Guest · 1983
Just an Overnight Guest
7.01983
MovieDrama
A family takes in an abused girl and eventually decide to adopt her.
High School U.S.A.High School U.S.A. · 1983
High School U.S.A.
5.51983
MovieTV MovieRomance
Set in a senior high school class, J.J. pursues the girlfriend of a rival from a higher clique which culminates in a race at the end of the movie between the two rivals in this light comedy.
Doctors' Private LivesDoctors' Private Lives · 1978
Doctors' Private Lives
8.01978
MovieTV MovieDrama
Two heart surgeons clash over personal issues and medical ethics in a big-city hospital.
Dick Clark's Good Old DaysDick Clark's Good Old Days · 1977
Dick Clark's Good Old Days
7.01977
MovieTV MovieMusic
Dick Clark reviews popular music of the '50s and '60s.
Her First RomanceHer First Romance · 1951
Her First Romance
4.01951
MovieDramaRomance
A teenager experiences her first crush while attending a summer camp. Director Seymour Friedman's 1951 film stars Margaret O'Brien, Allen Martin Jr., Sharyn Moffett, Jimmy Hunt, Elinor Donahue, Ann Doran, Lloyd Corrigan, Atthur Space and Maudie Prickett.
Going BerserkGoing Berserk · 1983
Going Berserk
5.11983
MovieComedy
John Bourgignon, a drummer-chauffeur engaged to the daughter of a United States senator, encounters a sleazy film director, the leader of an aerobics cult, and other crazed characters in the days leading up to his wedding.
Tenth Avenue AngelTenth Avenue Angel · 1948
Tenth Avenue Angel
6.51948
MovieDrama
Flavia's been told that her Aunt Susan's fiancé, Steve, has been on a trip around the world, but in truth he's finished his prison term. Steve wonders how he can make some money and is approached by his old associates. When Flavia discovers the truth about Steve, she loses all faith in her family and in God, and it will take a miracle to restore Flavia's belief and keep Steve out of trouble.
The Happy YearsThe Happy Years · 1950
The Happy Years
7.51950
MovieComedyRomance
Based on a collection of stories with the focus on young John Humperkink "Dink" Stover, a student at the Lawrenceville Prepatory School, in 1896, whose family, in Eastcester, New York, have just about given up on his education because he is an incorrigible student. He gets into one situation after another and incurs the dislike of his classmates, who think he is cowardly but he changes their opinion when he challenges several of them to a fight. When he returns home for the summer, he meets Miss Dolly Travers and increases his 'hatred of women' because she does not accept his schoolboy pranks. Back at school, in the fall, he is more difficult than ever until his philosophy is changed by a teacher.
An Old-Fashioned GirlAn Old-Fashioned Girl · 1949
An Old-Fashioned Girl
6.01949
MovieComedy
A music teacher in 1870s Boston works hard to succeed, while her wealthy distant relatives find their fortunes turning.
Tea for TwoTea for Two · 1950
Tea for Two
6.11950
MovieComedyMusic
In this reworking of "No, No, Nanette," wealthy heiress Nanette Carter bets her uncle $25,000 that she can say "no" to everything for 48 hours. If she wins, she can invest the money in a Broadway show featuring songs written by her beau, and of course, in which she will star. Trouble is, she doesn't realize her uncle's been wiped out by the Stock Market crash.
Singing GunsSinging Guns · 1950
Singing Guns
6.41950
MovieWestern
Notorious stagecoach robber Rhiannon is unintentionally appointed as deputy when he saves the sheriff's life and must wear two hats between his new job that he enjoys and his old occupation that he misses.
Honeymoon LodgeHoneymoon Lodge · 1943
Honeymoon Lodge
6.51943
MovieMusicComedy
Honeymoon Lodge is a musical variation on the old Awful Truth plotline. Divorce-bound Bob and Carol Sterling (David Bruce, June Vincent) make a last-ditch attempt to avoid their legal breakup by restaging their mountain-resort honeymoon. Things get complicated when a rancher named Big Boy (Rod Cameron, in a Ralph Bellamy-style "sap" role) shows up at the resort in ardent pursuit of Carol, while Lorraine Logan (Harriet Hilliard) sets her cap for Bob.
And Now TomorrowAnd Now Tomorrow · 1944
And Now Tomorrow
6.01944
MovieDramaRomance
Emily Blair is rich and deaf. Doctor Vance, who grew up poor in Blairtown, is working on a serum to cure deafness which he tries on Emily. It doesn't work. Her sister is carrying on an affair with her fiance Jeff. Vance tries a new serum which causes Emily to faint... Will it work this time?
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Heart WithinDr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Heart Within · 2001
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Heart Within
7.82001
MovieDramaFamily
When Dr. Mike and Sully travel to Boston for Colleen's graduation from medical school, they find Dr. Mike's mother terminally ill. Sully finds himself a target for assassination by a corrupt politician.
The Unfinished DanceThe Unfinished Dance · 1947
The Unfinished Dance
6.41947
MovieDramaMusic
Meg, a young ballet student, idolizes the school's top ballerina, the shallow Ariane Bouchet. Meg is distressed when she learns visiting prima ballerina Darina rather than Bouchet will play the lead in the school's production of "Swan Lake." So on opening night, Meg arranges an accident which nearly kills Darina and ends her dancing career. As a result, Bouchet becomes a star, while Meg is torn with guilt. This is a remake of the 1937 French film "Ballerina", based on a short story by Paul Morand.
Mulligan's StewMulligan's Stew · 1977
Mulligan's Stew
1977
MovieTV MovieDrama
Pilot TV-Movie for the sitcom Mulligan's Stew. Michael and Jane Mulligan have three children: Mark, Melinda and Jimmy. They find making ends meet difficult, but manageable. Things get tighter moneywise and spacewise when the Mulligans take in their nephews after their parents die in a plane crash.
Love Is Better Than EverLove Is Better Than Ever · 1952
Love Is Better Than Ever
6.61952
MovieRomanceComedy
A dance instructor falls in love with a smart theatre agent; while he returns her affections, it's just not enough to give up his exciting bachelor life.

TV Shows

FriendsFriends · 1994
Friends
8.41994
SeriesComedy
Six young people from New York City, on their own and struggling to survive in the real world, find the companionship, comfort and support they get from each other to be the perfect antidote to the pressures of life.
Murder, She WroteMurder, She Wrote · 1984
Murder, She Wrote
7.51984
SeriesMysteryCrime
An unassuming mystery writer turned sleuth uses her professional insight to help solve real-life homicide cases.
Star TrekStar Trek · 1966
Star Trek
8.01966
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyDrama
Space. The Final Frontier. The U.S.S. Enterprise embarks on a five year mission to explore the galaxy. The Enterprise is under the command of Captain James T. Kirk with First Officer Mr. Spock, from the planet Vulcan. With a determined crew, the Enterprise encounters Klingons, Romulans, time paradoxes, tribbles and genetic supermen led by Khan Noonian Singh. Their mission is to explore strange new worlds, to seek new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no man has gone before.
The Andy Griffith ShowThe Andy Griffith Show · 1960
The Andy Griffith Show
7.61960
SeriesComedyFamily
The Andy Griffith Show is an American sitcom first televised on CBS between October 3, 1960 and April 1, 1968. Andy Griffith portrays the widowed sheriff of the fictional small community of Mayberry, North Carolina. His life is complicated by an inept, but well-meaning deputy, Barney Fife, a spinster aunt and housekeeper, Aunt Bee, and a precocious young son, Opie. Local ne'er-do-wells, bumbling pals, and temperamental girlfriends further complicate his life. Andy Griffith stated in a Today Show interview, with respect to the time period of the show: "Well, though we never said it, and though it was shot in the '60s, it had a feeling of the '30s. It was when we were doing it, of a time gone by." The series never placed lower than seventh in the Nielsen ratings and ended its final season at number one. It has been ranked by TV Guide as the 9th-best show in American television history. Though neither Griffith nor the show won awards during its eight-season run, series co-stars Knotts and Bavier accumulated a combined total of six Emmy Awards. The show, a semi-spin-off from an episode of The Danny Thomas Show titled "Danny Meets Andy Griffith", spawned its own spin-off series, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., a sequel series, Mayberry R.F.D., and a reunion telemovie, Return to Mayberry. The show's enduring popularity has generated a good deal of show-related merchandise. Reruns currently air on TV Land, and the complete series is available on DVD. All eight seasons are also now available by streaming video services such as Netflix.
The Love BoatThe Love Boat · 1977
The Love Boat
6.31977
SeriesDramaComedy
Passengers who search for romantic nights aboard a beautiful ship travelling to tropical or mysterious countries, decide to pass their vacation aboard the "Love Boat", where Gopher, Dr. Bricker, Isaac, Julie, and Captain Stubing try their best to please them, and sometimes help them fall in love. Things are not always so easy, but in the end, love wins.
Cold CaseCold Case · 2003
Cold Case
7.82003
SeriesCrimeDrama
The Philadelphia homicide squad's lone female detective finds her calling when she is assigned cases that have never been solved. Detective Lilly Rush combines her natural instincts with the updated technology available today to bring about justice for all the victims she can.
The Merv Griffin ShowThe Merv Griffin Show · 1962
The Merv Griffin Show
6.61962
Series
Dr. Quinn, Medicine WomanDr. Quinn, Medicine Woman · 1993
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
7.61993
SeriesWesternDrama
Dr. Michaela Quinn journeys to Colorado Springs to be the town's physician after her father's death in 1868.
The VirginianThe Virginian · 1962
The Virginian
6.51962
SeriesWesternDrama
The Shiloh Ranch in Wyoming Territory of the 1890s is owned in sequence by Judge Henry Garth, the Grainger brothers, and Colonel Alan MacKenzie. It is the setting for a variety of stories, many more based on character and relationships than the usual western.
Happy DaysHappy Days · 1974
Happy Days
7.61974
SeriesComedy
In 1950s Milwaukee the Cunningham family must contend with Fonzie, a motorcycle riding Casanova.
Have Gun, Will TravelHave Gun, Will Travel · 1957
Have Gun, Will Travel
7.31957
SeriesWestern
Have Gun – Will Travel is an American Western television series that aired on CBS from 1957 through 1963. It was rated number three or number four in the Nielsen ratings every year of its first four seasons. It was one of the few television shows to spawn a successful radio version. The radio series debuted November 23, 1958. The television show is presently shown on the Encore-Western channel. Have Gun – Will Travel was created by Sam Rolfe and Herb Meadow and produced by Frank Pierson, Don Ingalls, Robert Sparks, and Julian Claman. There were 225 episodes of the TV series, 24 written by Gene Roddenberry. Other contributors included Bruce Geller, Harry Julian Fink, Don Brinkley and Irving Wallace. Andrew McLaglen directed 101 episodes and 19 were directed by series star Richard Boone.
The Golden GirlsThe Golden Girls · 1985
The Golden Girls
7.61985
SeriesComedy
Four Southern Florida seniors share a house, their dreams, and a whole lot of cheesecake. Bright, promiscuous, clueless and hilarious, these lovely, mismatched ladies form the perfect circle of friends.
CoachCoach · 1989
Coach
6.71989
SeriesComedy
Hayden Fox, the curmudgeonly coach of Minnesota State University's Screaming Eagles football team, tries to navigate his way through the sports world, fatherhood and family life without dropping the ball.
Dr. KildareDr. Kildare · 1961
Dr. Kildare
5.71961
SeriesDrama
The story of a young intern in a large metropolitan hospital trying to learn his profession, deal with the problems of his patients, and win the respect of the senior doctor in his specialty, internal medicine.
EllenEllen · 1994
Ellen
6.11994
SeriesComedy
Ellen works in a Los Angeles bookstore called Buy the Book and hangs around with her friends discussing lovers, work and family.
Father Knows BestFather Knows Best · 1954
Father Knows Best
6.71954
SeriesComedyFamily
Family man Jim Anderson copes with the everyday problems among his wife Margaret and their three children as they experience day-to-day changes.
Police WomanPolice Woman · 1974
Police Woman
6.41974
SeriesCrime
Sergeant “Pepper"” Anderson, an undercover cop for the Criminal Conspiracy Unit of the Los Angeles Police Department, poses undercover from mob girl to prostitute.
HotelHotel · 1982
Hotel
6.81982
SeriesDrama
Hotel is an American prime time drama series which aired on ABC from September 21, 1983 to May 5, 1988 in the timeslot following Dynasty. Based on Arthur Hailey's 1965 novel of the same name, the series was produced by Aaron Spelling and set in the elegant and fictitious St. Gregory Hotel in San Francisco. Establishing shots of the hotel were filmed in front of The Fairmont San Francisco atop the Nob Hill neighborhood. Episodes followed the activities of passing guests, as well as the personal and professional lives of the hotel staff.
One Day at a TimeOne Day at a Time · 1975
One Day at a Time
6.81975
SeriesComedy
The misadventures of a divorced mother, two teenage daughters, and new building superintendent in Indianapolis.
The RookiesThe Rookies · 1972
The Rookies
6.91972
SeriesDramaCrime
The Rookies is an American crime drama series that aired on ABC from 1972 until 1976. It follows the exploits of three rookie police officers working in an unidentified city for the fictitious Southern California Police Department.
Barnaby JonesBarnaby Jones · 1973
Barnaby Jones
7.01973
SeriesCrimeDrama
Barnaby Jones is a television detective series starring Buddy Ebsen and Lee Meriwether as father- and daughter-in-law who run a private detective firm in Los Angeles. The show ran on CBS from January 28, 1973 to April 3, 1980, beginning as a midseason replacement. William Conrad guest starred as Frank Cannon of Cannon on the first episode of Barnaby Jones, "Requiem for a Son" and the two series had a two-part crossover episode in 1975, "The Deadly Conspiracy".
The Odd CoupleThe Odd Couple · 1970
The Odd Couple
7.81970
SeriesComedy
Felix and Oscar are two divorced men. Felix is neat and tidy while Oscar is sloppy and casual. They share a Manhattan apartment, and their different lifestyles inevitably lead to conflicts.
77 Sunset Strip77 Sunset Strip · 1958
77 Sunset Strip
7.21958
SeriesCrimeDrama
Stu Bailey and Jeff Spencer are the wisecracking, womanizing private-detective heroes of this Warner Brothers drama. They work out of an office located at 77 Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, California, right next door to a snazzy restaurant where Kookie works as a valet. The finger-snapping, slang-talking Kookie occasionally helps Stu and Jeff with their cases, and eventually becomes a full-fledged member of the detective agency. Rex Randolph and J.R. Hale also join the firm, and Suzanne is their leggy secretary.
Dennis the MenaceDennis the Menace · 1959
Dennis the Menace
6.61959
SeriesComedyFamily
This 1959-1963 television situation comedy series follows the lives of the Mitchell family, Henry, Alice, and their only child Dennis, an energetic, trouble-prone, mischievous, but well-meaning boy, who often tangles with his peace-and-quiet-loving neighbor George Wilson, a retired salesman, or, later, with George's brother John, a writer. Dennis is basically a good, well-intentioned boy who always tries to help people, but who winds up making situations worse – often at Mr. Wilson's expense.