Was Nancy Kulp Gay?

During the 1960s, the appearance of an openly LGBTQ+ individual on broadcast media was, to all intents and purposes, an anomaly. Those possessing such an identity frequently found themselves confined to a ‘celluloid closet,' compelling them to keep their true selves silent and out of the public eye. Such was the plight of Nancy Kulp, a lesbian who kept her orientation private, yet she is primarily remembered for her portrayal of Miss Jane Hathaway in virtually every one of the 274 episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies, a television series that aired on CBS from 1962 to 1971. Kulp would eventually make her identity known, articulating it on her own terms, in a 1989 conversation.

Born Nancy Jane Kulp in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on August 28, 1921, to Marjorie and Robert Kulp, her family later relocated to Dade County, Florida. As the sole daughter of a legal professional and an educator, Nancy was a studious child from an early age, harboring ambitions of becoming a journalist. Nancy initiated the pursuit of this ambition when she completed her studies at Florida State University, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1943. While attending FSU, Kulp served as a feature writer for the Miami Beach Tropics, where her duties included composing biographical sketches of famous individuals.

Although she had plans to continue her academic pursuits and obtain a master's degree, Nancy enlisted in WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service) in 1943, offering her assistance to the United States Navy during the Second World War. While her enrollment was spurred by a sense of patriotism and a desire for an 'all-female' working environment, Nancy ultimately concluded that a military career was not her destiny, leading her to depart in 1945 after attaining the rank of junior-grade lieutenant. Following her resignation from WAVES, Kulp secured a role in Miami as a publicity director for a local radio station in 1946.

At the age of thirty, Nancy Kulp exchanged wedding vows with Charles Dacus during an April Fool's Day ceremony on April 1, 1951. Though their marriage proved ephemeral, both individuals separated amicably, and the relationship exerted a lasting influence on Nancy Kulp's life. Nancy claimed that Charles Dacus encouraged Kulp to abandon her public relations profession to embark on an acting career (though she later also credited director George Cukor with this inspiration). Prompted by this encouragement, Nancy journeyed to Hollywood, where she secured a position as a film publicist while awaiting her significant breakthrough.

This pivotal moment materialized merely three weeks later when she was discovered by the celebrated, gay director George Cukor. Later that same year, Nancy Kulp debuted on the silver screen in Cukor's 1951 motion picture, The Model and the Marriage Broker. This particular role, though largely non-speaking and somewhat demeaning, was more substantial than most she would subsequently undertake in films, as it involved portraying a young woman desperately seeking a spouse through a marriage broker. This performance represented Kulp's initial foray into the character type for which she would often be cast: the unmarried woman.

In 1954, Nancy received a casting call for another Cukor production, A Star is Born, led by Judy Garland, although the scene featuring her would later be excised without the director's knowledge or consent. Kulp made numerous minor appearances in several successful films, such as Sabrina (the 1954 movie featuring Audrey Hepburn), The Three Faces of Eve (released in 1957), Strange Bedfellows (1965), and The Parent Trap (1961), where Kulp memorably depicted the assertive troop leader.

While Nancy did feature in cinematic productions, the majority of her performing career unfolded on the small screen. She made multiple guest appearances, predominantly in comedic roles, across various television programs. Her inaugural recurring television part was that of a bird-watcher named Pamela Livingstone on The Bob Cummings Show (from 1955 to 1959). Paul Henning, a writer for The Bob Cummings Show, would later contribute to The Beverly Hillbillies, crafting a role specifically tailored for Kulp. Nancy would gain national recognition as Miss Jane Hathaway, a sharp and self-assured secretary employed by a bank. Miss Jane, as most of the characters addressed her, was also a character that reinforced Kulp's frequent type-casting as a spinster. Kulp earned an Emmy Award nomination in 1967 for her commendable portrayal on the series.

After The Beverly Hillbillies concluded its run, Kulp was granted a regular part on The Brian Keith Show (1973-1974) and made guest appearances on Sanford and Son (1972-1977), The Love Boat (1977-1987), and Fantasy Island (1978-1984). Kulp additionally graced the stage in summer stock and dinner theaters before ultimately securing a role in Paul Osborn's 1982 theatrical presentation of Mornings at Seven.

In 1984, the patriotic Nancy Kulp, who had long harbored an interest in political affairs, resolved to campaign for a congressional seat in her central Pennsylvania district, having settled in Port Royal. She stood as a Democrat in opposition to Bud Shuster, the Ninth District's incumbent Republican representative. Although she received an endorsement from her friend and fellow entertainment personality Ed Asner, her Hillbillies co-star Buddy Ebsen recorded a radio advertisement alleging that Kulp was 'too liberal for Pennsylvania.' Kulp was incensed by Ebsen, a resident of California, involving himself in her campaign, remarking that she &8220;was speechless at such a betrayal, and something so needless and cruel.&8221;

Nancy Kulp ultimately faced defeat by Shuster and dedicated the subsequent year to instructing film and drama at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. She later relocated back to California to serve on the board of the Screen Actors Guild and actively engage with non-profit organizations, including the Humane Society of the Desert, United Cerebral Palsy, and the Desert Theater League.

During a 1989 interview with author Boze Hadleigh for his book Hollywood Lesbians: From Garbo to Foster, Kulp responded to Hadleigh's 'Big Question' (which she rephrased as the 'Fatal Question,' regarding her sexuality) with Nancy expressing herself in her own distinctive manner:

&8220;Provided you reproduce my reply word for word, and the question, you may utilize it,&8221; she informed Hadleigh. &8220;I would be grateful if you allowed me to formulate the query. There exist multiple approaches. This is how I would pose it: &8216;Do you believe that dissimilar individuals are drawn to one another?&8217; My personal response would be that I am of the alternative inclination&8211;I perceive that those with similar characteristics tend to congregate. This addresses your inquiry.&8221;

At no point throughout the entire conversation did she explicitly identify herself as a lesbian.

Nancy Kulp succumbed to cancer merely two years later, on February 3, 1991, at her residence in Palm Desert, California. While she never overtly embraced a lesbian label, Nancy Kulp was lauded as a pioneering lesbian figure within the acting profession for subtly expressing her identity (albeit covertly) through her creative endeavors.

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Nancy Kulp, renowned for her role in &8220;The Beverly Hillbillies,&8221; does not hold her co-star, Buddy Ebsen, responsible for her electoral loss last autumn &8211; however, she asserts he ought to have refrained from involvement in the congressional contest.

Ebsen, who performed alongside Ms. Kulp during the enduring television show's run in the 1960s and early 1970s, produced a radio advertisement endorsing her political rival, Republican Representative Bud Shuster. Within the commercial, which was broadcast some weeks prior to the election, Ebsen declared, &8220;Nancy, my affection for you is profound, but your political leanings are excessively liberal for my sensibilities.&8221;

Ms. Kulp continues to feel indignation whenever she recalls the advertisement. &8220;How dare he! It was not his concern,&8221; she remarked.

However, she attributed her electoral loss to additional factors, specifically pointing to her deficiency in political shrewdness, an insufficiency of campaign funds, and the strong appeal of President Reagan within Shuster's expansive, predominantly rural district in Pennsylvania.

&8220;I suppose I simply did not engage with the political customs,&8221; Ms. Kulp, then 63, conceded in a phone conversation from Los Angeles. Following the election, she departed her renovated, three-story farmhouse in Port Royal, Pennsylvania, journeying to California to spend time with acquaintances.

Although she amassed $73,143 throughout 1984, Shuster, who was pursuing his seventh term in the House, declared contributions totaling $269,597, as per official campaign finance disclosures. Ms. Kulp documented receiving donations amounting to $29,471 from political action committees, whereas Shuster's reported sum from such entities was $138,817.

Having been engaged for numerous years in both local partisan politics and with the Screen Actors Guild, Ms. Kulp articulated that pursuing public office was a fulfilling endeavor, explaining, &8220;One finally has the opportunity to articulate one's deepest beliefs. It represented a pinnacle moment in my existence.&8221;

Nonetheless, the undertaking instilled in her a sense of powerlessness, convinced that an insurmountable perceptual divide existed between herself and the electorate.

&8220;One becomes disheartened by the misrepresentations,&8221; she commented. She elaborated, &8220;My conviction is that a candidate secures election because they are perceived in a particular manner. Ronald Reagan consistently avoided discussing specific policies; instead, he championed patriotism, and the populace adored him for it.&8221;

&8220;My image was that of an ultra-liberal. Should that be the prevailing view &8211; regardless of personal affinity &8211; then electoral victory eludes me.&8221;

The entire ordeal, she stated, has rendered her &8220;undecided&8221; concerning the electoral system and uncertain about any future bids for public office.

Originating from central Pennsylvania, having been born in Harrisburg, Ms. Kulp embarked upon her acting profession in 1952. Her cinematic credits included roles in movies such as &8220;Three Faces of Eve&8221; and &8220;The Parent Trap,&8221; and she was also seen on television's &8220;The Bob Cummings Show&8221; preceding the debut of &8220;The Beverly Hillbillies&8221; in 1961.

Within &8220;The Beverly Hillbillies,&8221; her character served as the secretary to a banker who oversaw the financial affairs of a wealthy mountaineer, a role interpreted by Ebsen. She recounted that she and Ebsen frequently engaged in political discourse on set, though their opinions on various matters seldom aligned.

Ms. Kulp indicated her current consideration of relocating back to the East Coast, potentially for a teaching role. Juniata College, a modest liberal arts institution situated 120 miles east of Pittsburgh, has shown an inclination towards her, possibly for an &8220;artist-in-residence&8221; initiative, as communicated by college spokesperson Robert Howden.

Who Exactly Is… Thespian and Stateswoman Nancy Kulp?

Her Identity: An esteemed character performer who, in time, sought political office and disclosed her personal identity—albeit indirectly.

Her Achievements: Nancy Kulp (1921-1991) captivated baby boomer audiences through her performance in a lighthearted yet highly successful television comedy series, The Beverly Hillbillies. For the duration of its run, from 1962 through 1971, she portrayed the precise and capable Miss Jane Hathaway, who served as secretary to financier Milburn Drysdale. Together, she and Drysdale oversaw the substantial wealth of the Clampett household, a rustic kin group who had moved from Tennessee to Beverly Hills subsequent to their discovery of oil. The humor of the program originated from the stark disparity between the incredibly unsophisticated Clampetts—individuals known for producing illicit liquor, maintaining various &8220;creatures,&8221; and dubbing their swimming facility &8220;the cement pond&8221;—and the refined inhabitants of Southern California among whom they resided. Hathaway, consistently referred to as &8220;Miss Jane&8221; by the Clampett family and their relatives, exhibited an inexplicable fascination with the intellectually challenged Jethro Bodine, who was Jed Clampett's nephew. While critics displayed little fondness for the series, its audience deemed it comical, leading to a prolonged existence in syndicated broadcasts.

A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Kulp pursued journalistic studies during her university years, subsequently enlisting in the WAVES throughout World War II. Subsequent to the conflict, she undertook public relations roles for radio and television broadcasters in Florida, before relocating to Hollywood in the 1950s with the intent of continuing her publicist career. She was prompted to explore a career in acting—certain narratives suggest this encouragement came from her spouse at the time, Charles Dacus, a subject she later declined to speak about; conversely, other sources credit the distinguished director George Cukor. Regardless, she swiftly secured a minor part in a Cukor production, The Model and the Marriage Broker, which featured Jeanne Crain, Scott Brady, and Thelma Ritter. Though it stood as one of the renowned director's less celebrated works, it nevertheless served as the springboard for her professional acting trajectory. She took on supportive characters, frequently without official recognition, in several significant motion pictures—including Shane, Sabrina, and the Judy Garland rendition of A Star Is Born, which Cukor also directed—alongside other films now largely obscure. Furthermore, she contributed to television anthology programs and made appearances as a guest performer. Prior to her involvement with Hillbillies, she held a consistent role on The Bob Cummings Show, where she portrayed Pamela Livingstone, an unmarried bird-enthusiast. (Incidentally, avian observation was also among Miss Jane's recreational pursuits.)

Subsequent to the conclusion of The Beverly Hillbillies, she sustained her career by guest-starring in various television programs; she maintained a recurring part on Sanford and Son for a period, and, akin to numerous veteran performers, she made appearances on The Love Boat and Fantasy Island. Additionally, she graced the Broadway stage in Morning's at Seven during the initial years of the 1980s. Yet, she possessed a profound enthusiasm for political affairs, an interest that originated with Adlai Stevenson's 1952 presidential campaign; consequently, in 1984, she relocated back to central Pennsylvania with the intention of campaigning for a congressional seat. Her candidacy as a Democrat was seen as an uphill battle within a predominantly Republican district, one held by a well-liked incumbent. While she garnered backing from her entertainment industry acquaintance, Ed Asner, her Hillbillies co-star Buddy Ebsen, known for portraying Jed, produced a commercial where he characterized her as &8220;excessively liberal&8221; and voiced his support for her adversary. This action led to a prolonged estrangement between the two, though accounts suggest they eventually reconciled. Ultimately, she was defeated in the election by the sitting representative, Bud Shuster. Subsequently, she imparted acting instruction at a college in Pennsylvania and undertook several theatrical engagements, notably portraying the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet at the 1987 Georgia Shakespeare Festival in Atlanta, before ultimately retiring to the California desert, where she maintained an active schedule through charitable endeavors. In addition to other pursuits, she held a position on the Screen Actors Guild's governing board.

During 1989, she broached the subject of her sexual identity—to some extent—in a conversation with Boze Hadleigh, which was subsequently featured in his volume Hollywood Lesbians. &8220;Provided you replicate both my answer and the inquiry verbatim, its usage is permissible,&8221; she stated. &8220;I would be thankful if you permitted me to phrase the query,&8221; she articulated. &8220;There are several methods. This is how I would pose it: &8216;Do you believe that dissimilar personalities are drawn to each other?&8217; My personal rejoinder would be that I am of the differing kind—I observe that individuals sharing common traits tend to associate. This adequately responds to your query.&8221; It is plausible that Miss Jane herself would have admired the symbolism. Furthermore, she articulated esteem for the openly gay congressman Barney Frank; when Hadleigh inquired whether she would have disclosed her sexuality if she had been in Congress, she responded, &8220;Not of my own accord. However, if my identity were to be publicly revealed, I would not disclaim it.&8221; Hadleigh postponed the book's publication until 1994, a time when all of his interviewees had passed away. Kulp herself succumbed to cancer in 1991 at her residence in Palm Desert, California.

Selected Quotations: 'Once a person reaches their fifties or sixties, it nearly suggests that for the majority of their existence, they were too ashamed to acknowledge or articulate it,' she conveyed to Boze Hadleigh, concerning the prospect of publicly declaring one's identity.

'I believe I have managed to effectively differentiate between my roles as an actress and a politician,' she shared with People magazine during her congressional election bid. 'However, inevitably, someone will always exclaim, ‘Where is Jethro?''

Explore a Collection of Nancy Kulp&8217;s Most Amusing Attire.

Fundamentally, The Beverly Hillbillies centered on the theme of departing one's familiar environment, and the Clampett family were not the sole individuals undergoing these developmental challenges. Devotees of the series are aware that Miss Jane Hathaway, the disdainful bank secretary tasked with monitoring the Clampetts, needed to acquire just as much insight into enjoying life from the rustic family as they, in turn, needed to learn from her regarding integration into refined society.

Our initial encounter with Jane Hathaway occurs within the confines of the bank, where she is diligently recording information for Mr. Drysdale, her employer, who serves as the exceedingly affluent bank manager. She is attired in her characteristic pressed suit, a rather uninspired ensemble that would become her customary wear for the majority of the early seasons. However, it did not require extensive time for the show's writers, costume designers, and the Clampetts themselves to coax Miss Jane away from her rigid suits and neckerchiefs, only to attire her in more comical ensembles that elicited additional amusement specifically because her persona had been established as so conventional. This approach constituted one of several methods by which the program playfully engaged with its viewership.

Presented hereunder, we have revisited our most cherished episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies to showcase an exhibition of Miss Jane Hathaway's most extravagant and eccentric attire spanning nine seasons. Superbly portrayed by Nancy Kulp, Miss Jane continues to be recognized as one of the series' truly unforgettable personalities, and what follows is a compilation of significant instances illustrating how her attire contributed to solidifying her enduring impact.

1. The Artistic Miss Jane Hathaway

Merely seven installments had aired before Nancy Kulp was observed donning a more whimsical ensemble; this artistic appearance is regarded as her character's initial transformative triumph.

2. Nancy Kulp, or Perhaps Groucho Marx?

During subsequent seasons, the extravagance of Nancy Kulp's costumes was notably amplified, culminating in what was arguably the peak of comedic effect.

3. A Mountaineer Prior to the First Season&8217;s Conclusion.

Toward the close of the inaugural season, audiences were afforded their initial glimpse of Nancy Kulp arrayed in rustic attire, even participating in a dance alongside the entire Clampett household! What a display of uninhibitedness! This served to condition viewers to anticipate unconventional behavior from the usually meticulous Miss Jane.

4. Do You Recall Miss Jane Impersonating Uncle Sam?

The chromatic episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies consistently deliver in terms of sartorial choices, particularly this patriotic red, white, and blue ensemble, which was arguably more flamboyant than any other suit she wore throughout the entire run of the series.

5. Miss Jane: The Pageant Monarch.

Numerous storylines depicted Elly and Jane vying for the affections of a potential partner; however, this particular beauty pageant, presented in the third season, marked the inaugural occasion where that thematic device was transformed into a swimwear contest!

6. Never Imagine Miss Jane Would Eschew a Denim Ensemble!

Require evidence that Miss Jane Hathaway possessed sartorial foresight? Observe this denim outfit she wore precisely at the dawn of the 1970s. She considered it appropriate beachwear, and the addition of the bucket hat undeniably completes the aesthetic, wouldn't you concur?

7. Elegant Nancy!

On numerous occasions, as we shall presently discuss, Nancy Kulp made strikingly beautiful appearances on The Beverly Hillbillies; however, this specific evening gown paired with an eccentric hairstyle conjured vivid recollections of Carol Burnett and Friends!

8. Miss Jane&8217;s Inaugural Evening Ensemble.

Let us pause to truly acknowledge Nancy Kulp's complete mastery of silk fabrics, pearl adornments, and understated refinement. Revel in the initial instance of her appearance in a truly magnificent evening ensemble during the premiere season.

9. That Is Not to Suggest She Was Incapable of Exaggeration&8230;

Considering the voluminous wig, the theatrical adornments, and all the pendulous accoutrements, Miss Jane appeared nearly as ill at ease in this attire as Elly May did when wearing a formal gown!

10. Dignified, Even in Sleepwear.

The final image provides ample evidence that Miss Jane actually favors suit-like sleepwear, as she is seen in these tidy blue pajamas, a stark departure from Granny's nightgowns; however, this preference is soon disrupted when the script places her character in a predicament, trapped within a sleeping bag from which Granny endeavors to liberate her in this scene. This serves as yet another instance of the considerable slapstick comedy generated simply by altering Jane Hathaway's customary apparel!

Source Materials

• Nancy Kulp: Life in the Celluloid Closet, The Queer Historia, 29 August 2019, https://cborsodi173.wixsite.com/thequeerhistorian/post/nancy-kulp-life-in-the-celluloid-closet
• Former 'Beverly Hillbilly' Says She Didn't Play The Political 'Game″, AP News, 19 February 1985, by Jeff Barker https://apnews.com/fb66015b2cf68cc9d9cc86d589354f48
• Who the F Is … Actress and Politician Nancy Kulp?, Pride, 3 April 2015, by Trudy Ring https://www.pride.com/who-f/2015/04/03/who-f-…-actress-and-politician-nancy-kulp
• 10 times Miss Jane Hathaway let loose and ditched her pressed suit on The Beverly Hillbillies, MeTV, 28 August 2018, by MeTV Staff https://www.metv.com/lists/10-times-miss-jane-hathaway-let-loose-and-ditched-her-pressed-suit-on-the-beverly-hillbillies