Elinor Donahue is beloved as Ellie on The Andy Griffith Show

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Mayberry fans loved Ellie

Elinor Donahue is an American actress best known for her role as Ellie Walker on "The Andy Griffith Show." She appeared in the first season of the show from 1960 to 1961. Ellie Walker was a pharmacist who became the love interest of Sheriff Andy Taylor, played by Andy Griffith. her absense was not explained and the show went on without her.

Early Life and Career

Donahue was born Mary Ellen Donahue on April 19, 1937, in Tacoma, Washington. She began her acting career as a child, appearing in vaudeville and radio before moving to television and film. Donahue gained early fame with her role as Betty Anderson on the popular 1950s sitcom "Father Knows Best," which aired from 1954 to 1960.

Role on "The Andy Griffith Show"

On "The Andy Griffith Show," Donahue's character, Ellie Walker, was introduced as the new pharmacist in the fictional town of Mayberry. Ellie was portrayed as intelligent, independent, and capable, often participating in the town's activities and helping Sheriff Andy Taylor solve various problems.

Her character was intended to be a love interest for Andy, and they did date. Their on-screen chemistry was well-received by audiences but Donahue allegedlty said she did not believe Ellie and Andy had chemistry which is a reason given for her leaving the show after only one season.

Ellie and Andy

There were also reports that suggested that she felt her role was not being developed as she had hoped, and there were also discussions about the show evolving to focus more on the father-son relationship between Andy and Opie (played by Ron Howard).

Ironically other women that Andy dated including Helen Crump (Aneta Corsaut) whom he married all spent time with Opie. None of the relatiosnhips interfered with the father/son dynamic. ElanoreOne of Donahue's most memorable episodes was The Christmas Story where she sang Away in A Manger with Andy.

In later interviews Donahue said she felt she was not doing the role of Ellie justice and that she had just finished Father Knows Best. She had a three-year contract on The Andy Griffith Show but was let out of it after only appearing in 12 episodes.

Later Career

After leaving "The Andy Griffith Show," Elinor Donahue continued to have a successful career in television and film. She appeared in various popular TV shows, including "The Odd Couple," "Different Strokes," "Days of Our Lives," and "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

She also had roles in movies such as "Pretty Woman" and "Girls Town." She also portrayed Lady Palimore in The Princess Diaries II Royal Wedding in 2004. She played Judge Marie Anderson on The Young and the Restless and that same year she won the TV Land Legend Award for her role as Ellie.

Donahue's Personal Life

Donahue has been married three times and has four children. She married Richard Smith in 1955 and they divoced in 1961. In 1962 she married Harry Ackerman whodied in 1991. She married Lou Genevrino ​in 1992.

She has remained active in the entertainment industry over the decades and continues to be remembered fondly for her contributions to classic television.

A Lasting Legacy

Elinor Donahue's role as Ellie Walker, although brief, left a lasting impression on fans of "The Andy Griffith Show." Her character's blend of professionalism and warmth added depth to the series. Fans enjoyed her cheistry with Andy, Barney Fife, (Don Knotts) and Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier). Her departure marked a notable change in the show's dynamics and Andy moved right along. Despite her short tenure, Donahue is remembered as an integral part of the show's early success.