Here's What Happened to 'The Donna Reed Show' Star Carl Betz, Your Guide to 101 Classic TV Shows of the 1950s, Here's What Happened to the Cast of 'Father Knows Best', Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Out for a Swim! Actress Donna Reed served as the leading lady opposite Stewart in "It's a Wonderful Life" as Mary Hatch and the pair naturally delivered a believable, astonishing performance. But it was also terrible being married. Shutterstock. Free shipping. It loved how she looked, but also loved what she radiated. Donna Joyce Reed, 76, a 20-year resident of Whidbey Island, died July 19, 2005 at Whidbey General Hospital. 7. The Academy Award resulted in more roles and more money, she mused to the New York Daily News in 1958, but never again was I offered such a great part., To gain a sense of the kind of person that she was, Donna refused to accept what was doled out to her and, instead along with then producer husband Tony Owen began looking to create an ideal part for herself, which ultimately resulted in her Classic TV series The Donna Reed Show (streaming on MeTV). See Chef Giada De Laurentiis Beautiful Bikini Photos, subscribe to our Classic TV & Film Podcast, Emma Hemming Shares Sweet Video of Bruce Willis Prior to FTD Diagnosis, Chris ODowd Reflects on Career, New Comedy and Filming Bridesmaids. She was able to play all kinds of parts, he adds, although, like June Allison, she often played the goody-goody girl next door. I dont mean she was the center. Full Real Name. Closer Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. The former Dallas star was in the prime of her career when she was raising her children, but Donna never let her gigs get in the way of spending time with her kids. How many novels, how many stories, how many films, how many Broadway shows have been written about that situation? We were like a new family on the block. Donna Marie Reed, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away with family by her side on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the age of 75. Donna played Mary Hatch, the childhood sweetheart and later wife of George Bailey. Here's What Happened to 'The Donna Reed Show' Star Carl Betz, Exclusive: The Truth About Donna Reed Revealed by Her Daughter, Your Guide to 101 Classic TV Shows of the 1950s, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Out for a Swim! They rent a house that was already furnished in a small town and she has a young teenager daughter and prepubescent son. Donna passed peacefully with her children by her side following a brief illness. Like his sister Mary, Timothy also pursued a career in Hollywood. The actress looked back at the time he's mother ran "The Donna Reed Show" and commented on how her late mother handled it all. And Donna had a wonderful quality about her as an actor. The backstory of this 1946 Christmas classic is World War II, just over and still haunting its cast. $4.99. He worked as a producer for shows like "The Donna Reed Show," "The Traveling Saleswoman," and "The Way Out.". She was born Donna Belle Mullenger on January 27, 1921, in Dennison, Iowa and raised on a farm by her parents Jazel Jane Shives and William Richard Mullenger. I mean she was the heart. Well, they made sure that the character of Donna Stone was intelligent, educated, adored her husband and gladly suffered the eccentricities of her children., While researching being a wife of a pediatrician, Donna told the media, I discovered that being a mother and married to a doctor has more complications than a case of the mumps. Donna Reed, original name Donna Belle Mullenger, (born January 27, 1921, Denison, Iowa, U.S.died January 14, 1986, Beverly Hills, California), American film and television actress who embodied a wholesome engaging girl next door in numerous movies in the 1940s and '50s and later on television. Ruling Planet: Donna Reed had a ruling planet of Uranus and has a ruling planet of Uranus. Im glad that its over. The gorgeous pinup had cherished and saved the letters. She was best known for being a Movie Actress. How does she manage to raise her children, be a doctors wife, be a credit to him in the community and do all the charity work a doctors wife was supposed to do? Small town, Midwestern girl does good. Donna Reed Print Family Tree Donna Belle Mullenger Born 27 January 1921 - Denison, Crawford Co., IA Deceased 14 January 1986 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA,aged 64 years old Buried - Westwood Village Memorial Park Cem., Los Angeles, CA Actress 1 file available Parents William Richard Mullenger 1893-1981 Hazel Jane Shives 1899-1975 Discover what happened on this day. Donna Belle Mullenger. Ex-wife of William J. Tuttle People born under this sign are honest, observant and hardworking. We portray the life of a doctor a specialist, whose life is dedicated to all children. Despite having a career spanning over 40 years, the Its a Wonderful Life stars main focus was being the mom of her four kids, Mary Anne, Tony Jr., Timothy and Penny. And while James Stewart is a wonderful actor, as are all of the actors in Its a Wonderful Life, it is my belief that Donna was the heart of the movie. Maternal granddaughter of Charles (1860-1936) and Mary Etta Petty (1866-1947). Her career spanned more than 40 years, with performances in more than 40 films. Instead, she just kept getting supporting roles in Westerns and that sort of thing. At age 17, she left Denison by train for Los Angeles to complete her formal education and to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. Donna Reed's husband was born in Illinois on May 2, 1907, as Anthony I. Owen. Their daughter described Tony Owen as the "principal architect. He sadly passed away on May 15, 1984, at age 77 at the Eisenhower Medical Center, and a memorial service was held for him in Beverly Hills. Dec 20, 2021 10:00 P.M. posters, bumper stickers, Peace Seals, Peace Notes, cards, medallions, etc. After falling in love with Tony, a former agent and producer, the couple tied the knot in 1945. In a strange turn of events, that was the last significant role the Hollywood icon had for a long time. She felt the iconic actress had a consistent quality that was profound, real, and nice. But it was in 1958 that she made her TV series debut in The Donna Reed Show. Whos the richest Movie Actress in the world? Jan 14 1986 - Beverly Hills, California, USA, William Richard Mullenger, Hazel Jane Mullenger (born Shives), Jan 27 1921 - Dension, Crawford , Iowa, United States, William R Mullenger, Hazel Jane Mullenger (born Shives), Mullenger, Mullenger, Mullenger, Mullenger, Jan 14 1986 - Los Angeles Co., California, William Lee Mullenger, Mullenger, Mullenger, Apr 1 1950 - 704 Crescent, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States, Penny Jane Owen, Anthony R Owen, Timothy G Owen, William Richard Mullenger, Hazel Jane Mullenger, t;Private>> Owen, <<Private>> Owen, <<Private>> Owen, <<Private>> Owen, Jan 1986 - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States, Jan 27 1921 - Denison, Iowa, United States, Jan 14 1986 - Beverly Hills, California, United States, June 15 1945 - Los Angeles, California, United States, Aug 30 1974 - Los Angeles, California, USA, Jan 14 1986 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States, Jan 14 1986 - San Diego, California, United States, Jan 15 1986 - SouthWest Central, Texas, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Pennsylvania, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Great Lakes, Ohio, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Hackensack, New Jersey, United States, Jan 15 1986 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, William Julian Tuttle, Anthony Irving Owen, Col. Grover Woodrow Asmus, Keith E Mullenger, Lavone Flynn (born Mullenger), William Lee Mullenger, Owen, Owen, Owen, Owen, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, CA, United States. The economic boom and the Jazz Age were over, and America began the period called the Great Depression. While she certainly got more roles and increased income, she could never reach the level her previous roles had given her. They first met when they were up-and-coming theater actors in 1932, and they remained friends until Fondas death in 1982. Its a Wonderful Life is a perfect film, beautifully written, perfectly cast, perfectly directed, incredible cinematography, but when it was released, it was a not a big hit. Her career spanned more than 40 years with performances in more than 40 films. Unlike some of the other actresses that did family comedy shows, people kind of blurred her and the roles she plays. You know, George and Mary Bailey, Clarence the guardian angel, Georges opportunity to see the true impact hes had on the world and Clarences message to George, No man is a failure who has friends. Jeanine Basinger, film historian and professor and author of The Its a Wonderful Life Book, previously told Closer, In the end, when George is made to realize that his life meant something very important to a great many people, and that without him they would not have had the joy or the success or the security in life, its brought home to him. The Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts: Created to honor her accomplishments and keep her dream alive by recognizing, encouraging, and supporting talented individuals pursuing an education and career in the performing arts. Despite having a career spanning over 40 years, the. She worked extensively in television, notably as Donna Stone, an American middle class mother in the sitcom The Donna Reed Show (19581966), in which she played a more prominent role than many other television mothers of the era and for which she received the 1963 Golden Globe Award for Best TV Star Female. With its large, loud protagonist and her messy family life, ''Maude'' was presented as a realistic contrast to the perfection of such TV mothers as Donna Reed and Harriet Nelson. He didnt trust the government or the military. Observes Geoffrey, It took her literally about a year and a half before she begins to get speaking roles and the public began to realize, This is someone I like watching, and they began growing the Donna Reed brand. L'arbre Even though Tony Jr. preferred to live life out of the spotlight, he thoroughly enjoyed visiting Donna who was also married to her third husband, Grover Asmus, from 1974 to 1986 on the set of her hit TV series The Donna Reed Show. No ones ever asked me that, she says. If there was a choice in a scene, she would choose the dramatic version versus the comedic. My brothers, and Barbara had at least one son, were all of draft age. Im up each day at seven a.m. in order to have one-and-a-half hours for hairdressing and makeup. In the film, she played Alma "Lorene" Burke, girlfriend to Montgomery Clift's character, Private Robert E. Lee "Prew" Prewitt. And Stewart actually blamed the failure of the film on Reed. It wasnt always easy., But whatever the challenges, Donna took them in stride. The greatest overall compatibility with Aquarius is Leo and Sagittarius. But still, Ill miss my other family., As it turns out, Donna was also delighted, it seemed, to be done with acting itself, choosing instead to focus on her real family. Donna Reed was a Aquarius and was born in the G.I. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Associated Press. She was born on a farm near Denison, Iowa, and was the first of five children. But it was a lot of pressure, because she took it seriously and didnt want to just play for laughs. Well have our usual end of the season party. Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning actress Donna Reed stars as happy homemaker Donna Stone on this classic feel-good sitcom. Sister of Private; Private; Private and Private. I think maybe some people just dont realize that there was such a great intelligence there, she exclusively shared. She couldn't handle the idea of her minor children having to grow up with a stepfather. That comes as no surprise because the late TV show host was legendary for keeping to her Midwest roots. After the Chicago native's marriage to Reed failed, he married Mary Ellen Owen. Patty Petersen, now known as Patti Petersen Mirkovich, was born on December 2, 1954 in Glendale, California. The "From Here to Eternity" star explained that it had "always a difficult marriage.". James Stewart maintained a 50-year friendship with actor Henry Fonda. The film won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. Donna Reed was born on the 27th January 1921 in Denison, Iowa USA, and was an actress. Donna Reed (born Donna Belle Mullenger; January 27, 1921 - January 14, 1986) was an American actress. Donna Joy Reed, age 74, of Clovis, California passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022. But I suppose my early life on the farm has been a great asset in this case. Donna Stone (Reed), a former nurse, was the beautiful, even-tempered, and empathetic wife to pediatrician Dr. Alex Stone (Carl Betz), and patient, understanding mother to eldest Mary (Shelley Fabares) and young son Jeff (Paul Petersen). There was a lot of insecurity on the set, because Jimmy Stewart wasnt sure if he wanted to act anymore. People may or may not watch From Here to Eternity, but they are watching this movie. How else could you explain someone like the late Donna Reed costarring in something as iconic as Its a Wonderful Life, and winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a prostitute in From Here to Eternity, but still struggling for good parts? It also works toward supporting a performing arts center, full film archive, a museum, and professional studio facilities dedicated to developing new artists. Closer Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. At the end of the war, more than 300 letters from soldiers were found in a shoebox in her garage. Based in Denison, Iowa, the Donna Reed Foundation operates to recognize, encourage, and support talent through national, state, and local scholarships, conduct workshops taught by outstanding industry professionals from across the country, and promote stage plays, concerts, and other cultural activities throughout the year. The decade was one of learning and exploration. A doctor cant close the door the moment he leaves his office. the outer planets, Neptune and Pluto, were not yet discovered, since the telescope had not yet been invented. rootsweb: Click Here For the show, the Hollywood couple reviewed hosts of suggestions before they settled on an idea that came to define the television celebrity's career - "The Donna Reed Show." She was quite happy when it came out. The director on the set didnt have to waste time teaching them what to to do. Who cant relate to a mother and the fear of losing a kid to war? Music from The Adams Family, American Bansdtand, Ben Casey, Bewitched, Bonanza, The Brady Bunch, The Lawrence Welk Show, The Danny Thomas Show, The Donna Reed Show, Father Knows Best, Get Smart, Happy Days, etc. The From Here to Eternity alum was married to her first spouse, William Tuttle, for two years from 1943 to 1945, but they held off from having any children. And real.. I was fascinated with the process, the proud son gushed to the outlet. Donna was employed in TUSD for many years and. It took work for her to get the role she had been waiting for. It might get labeled sentimental, whatever, but it doesnt actually go away, and this film has that, and because it comes wrapped in a lot of great humor, with some really great people playing in every single role, it connects.. After all, we have a storyline that should have a wide appeal. contient des milliers de photos et GeneaStars. It may not sound ground-breaking, but it was. It took time to develop an interplay between us that smacked of realness. If there were a choice in a scene, she would choose the dramatic version versus the comedic", Actress Donna Reed smiles as she attends an event in Los Angeles, California. The star explained that she eventually had to ask herself if that was how she wanted to spend the rest of her life. Donna Reed as Mary Hatch in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", which premiered on December 20, 1946, and her husband Tony Owen at an event in Los Angeles, California | Photos: CBS & Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. Both were born and raised in Illinois. | Photo: Getty Images, In the interview, the 63-year-old actress said that she came to see her mother was someone who was "finally in control of her career.". After graduating high school, Reed moved to the coast and attended Los Angeles City College. Visiting Hours: Thursday, May 5, 2016 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Baker-Swan Funeral Home,Wellsville. After being married from 1945 to 1971, the actress opened up about her marriage to the former agent in an interview with The Morning Call. You would, of course, imagine after a performance like that in a great film that holds up so well, it would make a difference. Celebrate the life (1921-1986) and enduring legacy of the Oscar-winning actress Donna Reed, who was born 100 years ago in Denison, Iowa. Eva Perez Suarez - Eva Mendes' Mother the Star Calls 'Coolest of the Cools', Redmond Gerard's Siblings are Talented in Their Own Ways, Doris Day Died without Right People near Her She Lived Alone for 39 Years in her $7M Home & Worked Out Every Day, Robert Reed Was a Doting Father He Refused Visitors except for His Daughter & Friend before His Death, Ron Howard Was Most Concerned about His Kids' Values Inside His Decision to Protect Them, Marlo Thomas's Husband of 41 Years Already Had 5 Kids So She Decided Not to Try to Become a Mother. After 26 years of marriage, Reed and Owen divorced in 1971. George is undergoing many hardships in his life and soon finds himself dead broke/owing money and in legal trouble. The doting daughter praised the star for her work in acting, especially her role on The Donna Reed Show. Her first marriage, to William Tuttle in 1943, ended in divorce a year later. Some of her forebears were Canadian-born. The Foundation was formed in 1987 by members of Donna Reeds hometown community of Denison, her husband, Grover Asmus, actresses Shelley Fabares and Norma Connolly, and numerous friends, associates, and family members. American actors James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the film 'It's a Wonderful Life', 1946. She was best known for being a Movie Actress. Donna Reed (January 27, 1921 - January 14, 1986) was an American film and television actress and producer. I dont like to mention this, but Capra and Jimmy Stewart had this whole success together before the war with Mr. Smith Goes to Washingtonand all of that, says Mary Anne, Reeds daughter. Her career spanned more than 40 years, with performances in more than 40 films. On Aug. 21, 1946, she married Dale Paul Reed on . The set was about six blocks but looked much larger on camera shots. He thought it was too frivolous, but Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter) and others talked him into it., She continues, So, there was this insecurity on the set and mom was really not that well known. from other family-focused shows of the era. Suddenly everything clicked and the result was The Donna Reed Show, which cast her as Donna Stone, wife to pediatrician Dr. Alex Stone and mother to their children Mary (Shelley Fabares) and Jeff (Paul Petersen). Whether or not Donna was that warm in her personal life, doesnt matter. Reed played the role of Mary Hatch, who would go on to become Georges wife. In fact, Donnas son Tony Jr. remembers how his mom always showed up for their family. I think it made a huge impact in her career., Reflects Geoffrey, Another film comes to mind with the same kind of history, which is The Wizard of Oz. She was all over the fan magazines, she was getting enormous publicity from MGM., All of this, he emphasizes, was happening during World War II, which was important to note due to the fact that at the time films had to be almost female-centric since many of the male actors, unless they were too old or disabled, were away at war. The strengths of this sign are being independent, original, while the weaknesses can be running from emotional expression, temperamental and uncompromising. She was able to play all kinds of parts, although, like June Allison, she often played the goody-goody girl next door, but no matter what she played, she was able to project a warmth that was very appealing. The Donna Reed Show . Not long ago my younger son Timothyhe's 12 nowcame in to me with his homework assignment. In reality she was speaking to American families and I think she took that role quite seriously., Points out Geoffrey, Readers of this are going to be amazed, but back in the 1950s doctors were not wealthy, especially small town family doctors. When is Donna Reeds birthday? I saw my parents every day, and we ate dinner at night around the table, he shared with The Daily Nonpareil in June 2007. Looking for the right concept took two years, she noted to The Journal News. They just got by and doctors worked 18 hours a day in hospitals, in their offices and making house calls, which gave the plots a million ways to go. ", Actress Donna Reed and Tony Owen attend Helen Hayes Party on June 25,1956 in Los Angeles,CA. We are all related! Harry Flynn, the family's spokesman, revealed that Reed's third and last husband was by her side when she died. all of which include the trademark logo the Sunflower with the statement: War is Not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things. Another Mother for Peace does not take positions on issues other than Peace. Theres not a ton of information out there about Penny Jane, but the Chicago Tribune reported she was adopted into the famous family. Reed was born Donna Belle Mullenger on January 21, 1921, in small-town Denison, Iowa. The actress, who starred in "It's a Wonderful Life "and "From Here to Eternity," was looking for a role that differed from the "goody, goody girl roles" she had been pigeonholed into early in her career. If there was a choice in a scene, she would choose the dramatic version versus the comedic. He blamed her, because she wasnt as well known. He thought it was too frivolous, but Lionel Barrymore and others talked him into it. As an ex-Iowa farm girl who has helped keep a family together for seven generations, I can really appreciate her, Donna related to the Poughkeepsie Journal. Her countless movies include for example The Courtship of Andy Hardy, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and From Here to Eternity. The late Donna Reed was once married to Tony Reed, and together they had four children. But Donna's life and legacy went far beyond her roles on both the big and the small screens. She had this to say to the Allentown, Pennsylvania publication: Getting divorced was terrible. She died 1986 in Beverly Hills, California. He didnt change and neither did I. TV had lots of family sitcoms in the late 50s and 60s, but 'The Donna Reed Show' (1958) broke new ground: the show centered around the Mom. She is well known for her role as Mary Hatch Bailey in Frank Capra's 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life. Sorry, too. But I think this movie makes an icon of her. They first met when they were up-and-coming theater actors in 1932, and they remained friends until Fonda's death in 1982. Once more details are available, we will update this section. Relationship with Timothy Michael Dowling (Sosa/Ahnentafel #1), Relationship with William Julian Tuttle (spouse), Relationship with Anthony I. Owen (spouse), Relationship with Grover W. Asmus (spouse), Browse using this individual as Sosa/Ahnentafel #1, , born 13April1912 - Jacksonville, Duval Co., FL, deceased 27July2007 - Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles Co., CA aged 95years old, , born 2May1907 - Illinois, deceased 12May1984 - Riverside, CA aged 77years old, , born 2January1926 - New Jersey, deceased 11October2003 - Palm Desert, Riverside Co., CA aged 77years old, buried - Sect V, Row G, Site 306, U.S. MIlitary Academy, West Point, NY, Sources: Dowling Family Tree - Tim Dowling - rootsweb, 2001-2015 - - electronic - I62201, Marriage (with William Julian Tuttle) - Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, Marriage (with Anthony I. Owen) - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA, Divorce (with Anthony I. Owen) - Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, Marriage (with Grover W. Asmus) - Los Angeles Co., CA, Death - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA, Burial - Westwood Village Memorial Park Cem., Los Angeles, CA, List of all individuals in the family tree, {{ 'gw_downgraded_access_back_to_max'|translate }}, Born 27January1921 - Denison, Crawford Co., IA, Deceased 14January1986 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA, She was able to project it into the camera, which is a talent in and of itself. However, they called it quits in 1971. This curated image gallery will showcase some of the sexiest donna reed bikini pictures that will. Later in Reed's career she replaced Barbara Bel Geddes as Miss Ellie Ewing in the 198485 season of the television melodrama, Dallas, and sued the production company for breach of contract when she was abruptly fired upon Bel Geddes' decision to return to the show. From 1943 to 1945, Reed was married to make up artist William Tuttle. Generation also known as The Greatest Generation. In 1941, she had her first film roles in the features The Get-Away, Shadow of the Thin Man, and Babes on Broadway. The couple stayed together for 25 years before separating. She participated in Los Angeles City College plays while pursuing a career in film acting. For a lot of families, its tradition to watch this movie each holiday season, but did you know it actually flopped in theatres upon its release? She grew up on a farm in Iowa and used her farm knowledge to her advantage. To me, Mom was Donna Owen, schlepping the kids around., Because Tony Jr. was so accustomed to the normal life Donna strived to give her kids, he used to dislike when his family was photographed while out and about. But no matter what she played, she was able to project a warmth that was very appealing. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Donna Reeds birth sign is Aquarius and she had a ruling planet of Uranus. It annoyed the hell out of us, he revealed. Donna is survived by a daughter, Ami L. Gelbaugh and husband Daniel, sons, Jeffery A. Reed and wife Epi, William M. Reed and wife Amy, a brother, William C. Dunn and wife Jean,. Donna Reed net worth is. She is well known for her portrayal of Mary Hatch Bailey in Frank Capra's fantasy holiday film It's a Wonderful Life (1946). She was the oldest of five children. Finally, in 1968, I heard the siren call of McCarthy. Donna Reed's Daughter Mary Anne Owen Opens up about Her Famous Mom in a Candid Interview By Joe Akins Mar 19, 2020 03:30 P.M. Donna Reed's daughter pulled the lid off her late mother's life in a no hold barred interview that featured the late icon. A year later she added, We knew it would take a while to build an audience. Linked to: Timothy Michael Dowling, 11th cousin, {{ mediasCtrl.getTitle(media, true) }} Per IMDb, hes best known for his roles in Ill Take You There, Never Forget the Brave and The London Firm, among many more. Wife of Anthony I. Owen and Grover Woodrow Asmus While most of us will be remembering mothers on May 10 this year, entertainers who worked as child actors in television sitcoms may also have special memories of their 'TV mom.'. See GMA Host Lara Spencers Bikini Photos, Having Fun at the Beach! Donna Belle Mullenger is part of G.I. Who Will Replace Mark on 'Live With Kelly' If He Returns to Acting? But she still didnt understand why there was so much insecurity and then Jimmy Stewart couldnt understand why the movie didnt do well, but thats why they never did another movie together. In our series, the wife doesnt always have the last word.. She took a chance, says Geoffrey, and she allowed herself to break the mold to get out of being typecast. Pixabay. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! You get to a point where you say to yourself, Is this how Im going to spend the rest of my life?, Donna did step in front of the cameras one more time, assuming Barbara Bel Geddes role as Miss Ellie Ewing on Dallas, Bel Geddes leaving because of reported health (some say contractual) issues.