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Born in Boston, Donna began her career as a child performer: she won an amateur talent contest, sang a jingle for Meadow Gold Ice Cream, appeared on radio shows, guest-starred on The Mickey Mouse Club (1955), and recorded several singles, all before turning 10. In 1963, after a nationwide talent search, she was selected to be the spokesperson for Dr. Pepper, becoming the exclusive "Dr Pepper Girl." For five years, she appeared on billboards, in magazines, on television, and in films as the teenage face of the soft drink. She designed and sewed most of her own costumes for personal appearances, a skill that proved valuable later in her career.
The Dr. Pepper role led to a part in the second Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello beach movie, Muscle Beach Party (1964). Initially cast in a non-speaking role holding a soft drink bottle (Dr. Pepper, naturally), producers later allowed her to perform a song. She sang the Brian Wilson-written "Muscle Bustle" alongside Dick Dale, and the track's popularity earned her featured musical spots in subsequent beach movies. Her brunette looks and strong voice were well received, though her performances were limited due to a Dr. Pepper contract clause prohibiting outfits that revealed her navel.
Donna became a regular on ABC’s Shindig! (1964) and The Milton Berle Show (1966). In 1968, she was offered a lead role in a series titled "Two for Penny," produced by Aaron Spelling and Danny Thomas, but she opted for marriage and retired from performing. Her second husband, Jered Cargman, was a member of the 1960s studio surf band Fantastic Baggys. From 1998 to 2008, Donna and Jered ran ADASA Hawaii, a fashion retailer featuring many of Donna’s own 1960s-inspired designs. She continues to sing and write songs.
