Elinor Donahue, born Mary Eleanor Donahue in 1937, has had a remarkable six-decade career in American entertainment. Introduced to show business through her father’s theater work, she began acting at age five, displaying early poise and emotional authenticity. Her breakthrough came with the role of Betty Anderson on Father Knows Best (1954–1960), where she embodied the idealized American teenager of the era and became a beloved household figure.

After the show, Donahue avoided typecasting by taking on diverse and challenging roles in film and television, including Girls’ Town and later Pretty Woman. She adapted seamlessly to shifts in the entertainment industry, maintaining a consistent presence across genres and generations. Her career longevity reflects a combination of talent, professionalism, versatility, and emotional intelligence, making her an enduring and cherished figure in American popular culture.