Biography
Elinor Donahue is an American actress, born Mary Eleanor Donahue on 19 April 1937 in Tacoma, Washington. She began performing as a child in radio, vaudeville and film roles, appearing in dancing-chorus parts from the age of five.
She achieved prominence playing Betty Anderson, the eldest daughter, in the television series Father Knows Best (1954–1960). She later appeared as Ellie Walker in 12 episodes of The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1961) and took guest and recurring roles in series including The Odd Couple, Star Trek, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and Friends.
Her film credits include Bridget in Pretty Woman (1990) and Lady Palimore in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). She was also seen in Imitation of Life (1959) and Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991).
