• American actress famous for her role as Miss Jane Hathaway in the TV series “The Beverly Hillbillies” (1962-1971) and Wilhelmina Peterson in the western film “The Night of the Grizzly” (1966)
• Obtained bachelor's degree in journalism from Florida State University and master's degree in English and French from the University of Miami
• Served in the US Naval Reserve during WWII and received several awards and honors
• Secured numerous minor roles in the ‘50s before her breakthrough role as Jane Hathaway in “The Beverly Hillbillies” (1962-1971)
• Was a Democratic nominee for the US House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s 9th congressional district, and later worked as an artist-in-residence at Juniata College and taught acting



Who was Nancy Kulp?

Nancy Kulp was an American actress, who became famous for her role of Miss Jane Hathaway in the TV series “The Beverly Hillbillies” (1962-1971), and as Wilhelmina Peterson in the western film “The Night of the Grizzly” (1966), among numerous other roles which she secured during her career.

Nancy Kulp Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education

Nancy Jane Kulp was born on the 28th August 1921 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA, the daughter of Marjorie C. and her husband, Robert Tilden Kulp. She was the only child of a school teacher mother and a traveling salesman father. She spent her childhood in her hometown, but later the family moved to Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA. For her education, after high school, Nancy enrolled at Florida State University, which at the time was Florida State College for Women, from which she obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

She furthered her education at the University of Miami, where she studied for a master’s degree in English and French. However, Nancy left her studies during the Second World War, and joined the US Naval Reserve. She reached the rank of a Lieutenant, junior grade, and for her service received several awards and honors, such as the American Campaign Medal. She was honorably discharged in 1946 .

Career Beginnings

Nancy’s acting career started in the early ’50s, when she moved to Hollywood.

Nancy Kulp

She secured a couple of minor roles in such films as “The Model and the Marriage Broker” (1951), then “The Marrying Kind” (1952), and “Steel Town”, also in 1952. She continued with minor roles throughout the ‘50s, with one noteworthy role of Pamela Livingstone in the TV comedy series “The Bob Cummings Show” (1955-1959).

Rise to Prominence

, Nancy’s name became more popular in the early ‘60s, and it was in 1962 that she secured her career role, as Jane Hathaway in the TV series “The Beverly Hillbillies” (1962-1971). Nancy starred in 246 episodes next to Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, Max Baer Jr. and Donna Douglas.

The particular role made her a national star. She wasn’t otherwise very active while in the show, but still had a few roles worth mentioning, including the part of Wilhelmina Peterson in the film “The Night of the Grizzly” (1966), and was also the voice of Frou-Frou in the animated film “Aristocats” in 1970. After the “Beverly Hillbillies” ended, Nancy continued with television roles, first as Mrs Gruber in the TV series “The Brian Keith Show” (1973-1974), and then as May Hopkins in the TV series “Sanford and Son” (1975-1976). Nancy reprised the role of Jane Hathaway in the television film “The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies” in 1981, and except for a short hiatus between 1983 and 1986, remained active until her death.

She had a few guest roles in the ‘80s, in such projects as the TV series “Simon & Simon” (1986), and “Scarecrow and Mrs King” (1986), while her last on-screen role was in an episode of the “ABC Afterschool Specials” in 1989.

Political Career and Acting Teacher

During her hiatus from acting, Nancy ran as a Democratic nominee for the US House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s 9th congressional district. She lost the election to her Republican opponent Bud Shuster, with just 33.6% of votes; she blamed her co-star Buddy Ebsen whol in a radio campaign for Buddy Shuster, described Nancy as too liberal.

Before her on screen return, Nancy was working at the privateliberal arts  Juniata College in Huntington, Pennsylvania, as an artist-in-residence, and later taught acting.

Nancy Kulp Net Worth

Do you know how rich Nancy Kulp was at the time of her death? Nancy appeared in over 90 films and TV titles during her career, all of which steadily increased her wealth. So, sources have estimated that Nancy’s wealth was as high as $1.3 million.

Cancer Diagnosis and Death

It was in 1990 that Nancy was diagnosed with cancer, which left her unable to continue her career. She started the chemotherapy, however, there was no stopping the spread of the disease, and she sadly passed away on the 3rd February 1991; she was 69 years old. She was interred at Westminster Presbyterian Cemetery in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, USA.

Nancy Kulp Personal Life, Marriage, Husband, Divorce

When it comes to Nancy’s personal life, she liked to keep it that way, private. However, a few details have surfaced, and we are happy to share them with you.

Nancy married Charles M. Dacus in 1951, a few weeks before she launched her acting career. They didn’t have children and divorced in 1961. Thereafter, Nancy remained single until her death.

Was Nancy a Lesbian?

Nancy was secretive, and her single-life sparked rumors about her sexuality; she remained silent for years, but two years before her death, came out as lesbian, but never stated whether she was, or had been in a relationship with another woman or not.

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As a Freelance Writer at Biography Pedia, I oversee the full writing process, from in-depth research to the development of compelling narratives, ensuring accuracy and excellence in our output. Our goal is to produce insightful profiles that deeply explore the lives of prominent figures in business, entertainment, and other fields. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, we spotlight the significant journeys and achievements of individuals who captivate and inspire our readers.

9 Comments

  1. GEORGE H CONRAD Reply

    She taught at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania / not Huntington.

  2. mark hoskins Reply

    That was a very interesting life Nancy had .I loved watching her in the Beverly hillbillies she was very funny.

    • That’s so very cold and heartless, you are a person of very little class, and probably homely too , time to get out of your mom’s basement.

  3. Marc L Watts Reply

    The incredible Nancy Kulp of “The Beverly Hillbillies” and later, “Sanford and Son” was a perfect example of a human being taking the lemons that life dealt her and turning it into lemonade. The role of Jane Hathaway was tailor-made to Nancy and her appearance, and who else in Hollywood had the “right” look and intelligence to pull off the part? That’s right- nobody. So all you haters out there who don’t have the intelligence, ability, or class to see beyond Nancy’s esthetics to appreciate the incredibly beautiful woman she actually was can all just go to Hell. You will all be there soon enough anyway.

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