Elinor Donahue

Elinor Donahue, born Mary Eleanor Donahue on April 19, 1937, is a retired American actress. She gained recognition for her role as Betty Anderson, the eldest child, on the popular 1950s sitcom Father Knows Best. Donahue began her acting career at a young age, appearing in dancing-chorus film roles and working in vaudeville. She had several bit parts in movies as a teenager, including Love Is Better Than Ever (1952) and Three Daring Daughters (1948). Donahue also portrayed Mamie Van Doren's sister in Girls Town (1959). From 1954 to 1960, she achieved stardom as Betty in Father Knows Best. Her co-stars included Robert Young and Jane Wyatt.