Go Away With … Elinor Donahue

By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Media Services
August 9, 2011

Elinor Donahue enjoyed television success playing Robert Young’s eldest daughter Betty Anderson (also known as “Princess”) in the 1950s series “Father Knows Best.” The actress had a slew of fans that wanted to emulate her beauty, grace and character, but for the most part they let her be.

“It was a different world back then,” says Donahue. “No one jumped out of cars to take photos of us or that sort of thing. I can’t imagine what it’s like for some of these actors today.” Donahue’s acting credits include “The Young and the Restless,” “Cold Case,” “Friends” and “The Princess Diaries 2” and she has also authored the memoir “In the Kitchen with Elinor Donahue,” which includes some of her favorite recipes.

As for campaigning for that next big role, she candidly says, “If something came up that sounded fun, I’d do it. But honestly, at this stage in my life, I’m not one to drive 2-1/2 hours to work, just for work. It would have to be something really good.”

Q. Sometimes when people have traveled all their lives, they grow tired of going to different places. What’s your view?

A. I can see the point of view and there are times when I just want to enjoy being at home. But we really do enjoy the adventure of traveling. We take a nice big trip at least once a year and it’s something I really look forward to.

Q. What are some of your favorite destinations?

A. Well, I have quite a few. I love Italy, but I don’t get there nearly as much as I’d like to. We were in Venice and really loved it there. Tahiti is wonderful. And we also loved New Zealand. There’s something about the beauty of those places that just makes the trip very relaxing and you sit back and go, “Ahhh.” It’s really enjoyable to travel to gorgeous places like that. I’m a big fan of Vancouver and Montreal as well.

Q. What are some of the things you enjoy doing when you’re on the road?

A. Whether I’m in a new city or a place that’s familiar to me, I try to take in the physical beauty; I love taking in all the different fragrances and taking the time to enjoy all the beautiful flowers. There’s something about that that is very comforting to me.

Q. What are some things you do that make your trips stress-free?

A. I’m a really good packer. I travel light. I have a method that is not unique at all and always turns out well. I just stick with one base color and then work around it. It works every time and then I don’t have to take a lot of luggage. There are so many nice wrinkle-free clothes nowadays and luckily for me, women’s clothes are relatively small. Something like a jersey dress folds up and takes practically no room at all. I utilized all the nooks and crannies in my suitcase or carry-on and I pack socks inside the shoes.

Q. During your travels over the years, what changes have you noticed?

A. It seems like America is changing all the time. But for me — as a tourist — it seems like some European cities remain the same. I don’t mean that in a bad way and I actually find that kind of wonderful. Now I’m sure if you asked a Frenchman or another European, they might think that America never changes at all, while their cities change all the time. I think it’s all perspective.

Q. What is your favorite weekend destination?

A. We live in the California desert on a golf course and, to be honest, I love to spend our weekends here. I don’t golf — we just loved the location so much that we moved here regardless of that fact. I enjoy taking walks here or going for a swim. It’s really peaceful and a great way to relax.

© 2011 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.