Buddy Ebsen began his career as a dancer in the late 1920s in a Broadway chorus. He later formed a vaudeville act with his sister 'Vilma Ebsen' .
His first wife, Ruth, was originally Walter Winchell s secretary/Girl Friday.
In the 1930s, Disney animators filmed him dancing in front of a grid to "choreograph" Mickey Mouses dance steps for the Silly Symphony cartoons.
Attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida shortly before starting his film career.
Had surgery on June 10, 1998 to repair an aortic valve in his heart.
Became a bestselling author at age 93.
Originally cast as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz , Buddy was hospitalized as a result of inhaling aluminum powder used as part of his make-up. One chorus of "Were Off to See the Wizard" in the movie and soundtrack album retain Ebsens original vocals as the Tin Man, recorded before he was forced to leave the production. Because of the prolonged hospitalization, he was replaced by Jack Haley (whose reformulated make-up used pre-mixed aluminium dust), and Ebsens scenes were re-shot using Haley. Footage of Ebsen as the Tin Man still exists, and was included as an extra with the U.S. 50th anniversary video release of The Wizard of Oz .
An outspoken Republican, he helped defeat Nancy Kulp , his co-star in "The Beverly Hillbillies" , in her 1984 Democratic congressional bid in Pennsylvania. Ebsen made radio ads for her opponent accusing Kulp of being "too liberal" and not good for the district. The two did not speak for years after the incident, but eventually settled their differences.
After seeing Ebsen in Breakfast at Tiffanys , the creator of "The Beverly Hillbillies" wanted him to play family patriarch Jed Clampett. At the time, Ebsen was thinking of retiring, but the producers sent him a copy of the script, and he changed his mind.
In 1938, MGM offered him a seven-year contract, starting at $2,000 a week but requiring him to give the studio absolute control over his career. He rejected it. MGM blackballed him and his film career went into eclipse for nearly 20 years, until Walt Disney hired him to play Georgie Russel, Davy Crocketts sidekick, in Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier .
Initially wanted to become a doctor. He took premed courses at Rollins College and the University of Florida, but his mother persuaded him into show business.
Director Norman Foster first recommended Ebsen to Walt Disney to play Davy Crockett, and Disney was "half sold" on the idea. Then Disney saw Fess Parker in the sci-fi film Them! and cast the strapping actor as the famed frontiersman. Ebsen was crestfallen because he knew how big the picture would be. The next day the studio signed Ebsen on as Crocketts weatherbeaten sidekick, Georgie Russel. The part helped to turn his career around and arguably played a part in Ebsens getting the role of the equally grizzled and popular Jed Clampett.
His father owned a dance studio, and when Ebsen was a young boy insisted that he take dance lessons.
One of his last roles was a gag cameo in The Beverly Hillbillies in which Jim Varney played Jed Clampett. Ebsen showed up as Barnaby Jones.
Wrote a half dozen plays, five of which were produced, including a farce called Honest John in 1948 and Champagne General in 1973, a Civil War story. Also a part-time songwriter, he became a newly-published author of a romantic novel at the age of 93, titled Kellys Quest.
Was initiated into DeMolay at the John M. Cheney Chapter in Orlando Florida, in 1926. DeMolay is a Masonic youth organization for young men between 12 and 21. Was inducted into the DeMolay Hall of Fame on June 21, 1996.
Appeared in three musical film extravaganzas starring tap great Eleanor Powell.
Taught Judy Garland the shim-sham shimmy while they were at MGM.
In the last two years of his life, he recorded his first CD in which he sang some of his own songs.
Set up the Ebsen School of Dance in Pacific Palisades, California. When Buddy was young, his father, a physical fitness advocate, taught dance in West Palm Beach, Florida. This is where Buddy and younger sister Vilma Ebsen learned their craft and they appeared in local and school productions.
Had four sisters - Helga, Norma, Vilma Ebsen and Leslie. He was the middle child.
He and sister Vilma Ebsen performed in vaudeville doing variations on the same theme -- with Vilma playing a dancing instructor who teaches the seemingly uncoordinated country doofas Buddy how to dance. A vaudeville showstopper in such shows as "Whoopee!", "Flying Colors" and "The Ziegfeld Follies of 1934", they were known for a time as "The Baby Astaires".
Fathered two daughters, Elizabeth Ebsen and Alix Ebsen , with his first wife, Ruth. Had five additional children (Susannah, Cathy, Bonnie Ebsen , Kiersten Kiki Ebsen , and Dustin Ebsen ) with his second wife, Nancy.
He served in the Coast Guard during World War II as the executive officer on the Pocatello, a submarine chaser in the North Pacific.
Owned a 36-acre ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains.
He and his "The Beverly Hillbillies" co-star, Donna Douglas , had a lot in common. Like Buddy, she too is a successful singer (of gospel), is also a character actress, and is also a Republican.
Best remembered by the public for his starring role as Jed Clampett on "The Beverly Hillbillies" or as the lead role on "Barnaby Jones" .
Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 161-163. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.
Son Dustin Ebsen is married to Stan Freberg s daughter Donna.
Almost all of his sisters lived long lives, just like Buddy himself. Helga died in 1994, at the age of 92 and Norma died in 1996, also at the age of 92. His sister, Vilma, died in 2007, just four years after her brothers own death.
His former "Barnaby Jones" co-star, Lee Meriwether , said he reminded her a lot of Ray MacDonnell , with whom she had a wonderful relationship on "All My Children" .
Co-founder of the Beverly Hills Coin Club with a young, unknown actor, Chris Aable.
After he died, his family sent Shirley Temple an invitation to his memorial, but she declined.
His series "Barnaby Jones" was canceled at the end of the eighth season, because Buddy had decided to retire from acting.
His series "The Beverly Hillbillies" was canceled at the end of the ninth season, because of the infamous rural purge that axed all shows in 1971.
He had 15 hobbies over his long life: dancing, playing guitar, coin collecting, swimming, golfing, riding horses, sailing, painting, building sailboats, spending time with his family, politics, gardening, fishing, traveling and singing.
Before he was a successful actor, he was a successful singer and dancer.
At age 12, his family moved to Orlando, Florida, where Ebsen was raised.
Of Danish and Latvian descent.
Remained friends with Lee Meriwether during and after "Barnaby Jones" .
Remained friends with Donna Douglas and Max Baer Jr. during and after "The Beverly Hillbillies" .
Graduated from Orlando High School in Orlando, Florida, in 1926.
While filming "Barnaby Jones" , he was hospitalized with pains in his legs. [2 July 1976].
Future game show host Bob Barker , talk show host Jerry Springer and comedians Vicki Lawrence , Jim Varney , Drew Carey and Graham Elwood , all said Ebsen was their childhood television hero.
When he left Florida to arrive in New York City in 1928, he had $26.75 in his pocket. He and Vilma both formed the act, while attending supper clubs. In Vaudeville, they were known as "The Baby Astaires".
Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1765 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
Acting mentor and friends of Donna Douglas , Max Baer Jr. and Lee Meriwether.
Dropped out of college, to pursue showbiz.
Moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1935.
Didnt start acting until he was age 28.
Buddy Ebsen died on July 6, 2003. Just three months before his death, he celebrated his 95th birthday, on April 2.
Got the nickname Buddy from his aunt, so Christian changed his name to Buddy Ebsen.
On "The Beverly Hillbillies" , his character always wore a tattered hat, a tan coat, blue jeans and a fake mustache, in real-life, he wore none of those, ex. his blue jeans.
Met Fess Parker , when they were both under contract at Disney, where the two began a lifelong friendship, from 1954 until Ebsens own death in 2003. He was 16 years Parkers senior.
Began his contract career at MGM in 1935.
When he turned to acting, he and the rest of his family were financially broke.
Before he was a successful actor, he worked at a soda fountain shop.
After his final guest-starring role on "King of the Hill" , he retired from acting at age 91.
Upon his death, he was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea.
Met Nancy Wolcott, when he was serving as a Coast Guard in World War II. The two would remain married, for 40 years, until their divorce in 1985.
German was his first language.
His second ex-wife, Nancy Wolcott McKeown, died on May 14, 2008, just 1 day before her 90th birthday.
Long lives ran in his family.
Dancing ran in his family.
Was Quinn Martin s first choice for the lead role of "Barnaby Jones" , he accepted it, which was his comeback to television, after a 2 year absence.
Worked with William Conrad in episodes of both shows: "Barnaby Jones" , which Conrad appeared on the first episode, and another afterwards and "Cannon" .
Was approached by Paul Henning for his first choice as the lead role of Jed Clampett on "The Beverly Hillbillies" .
Was one of the three actors who appeared in every episode of "The Beverly Hillbillies" .
Began his television series "The Beverly Hillbillies" at age 54.
Was a longtime friend of Dick Van Dyke , who hosted his memorial service on 30 August 2003.
On "Barnaby Jones" , he played a private eye detective, on "Matt Houston" , he also played a private eye detective.
Longtime best friend Fess Parker attended his funeral.
Had been an entertainer since the age of 20.
His birthplace, Belleville, Illinois, is located 16 miles East of St. Louis, Missouri.
Before his death, both of his ex- "The Beverly Hillbillies" co-stars, Donna Douglas and Max Baer Jr. , went to visit him in the hospital, during his final days.
Before he was a successful actor, he did everything from being a lifeguard to being a waiter.
Ebsens family moved to Palm Beach, Florida, in 1919, at age 11, to help his mothers aggravated sickness.
Despite being an average student at Orlando High School, he was a member of the swimming team, which he participated all 4 years, who became a Florida State Champion. He also played football his senior year.
Survived by 7 children and 2 nephews.
Was good friends with Eddie Albert , where the two began their lifelong friendship from 1956 until Ebsens own death in 2003. He worked with him on Attack and "The Beverly Hillbillies" .
Celebrated his 84th birthday at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California in 1992. Among the guests were Donna Douglas , Max Baer Jr. , his widow, Dorothy Knott, Leigh Taylor-Young , Barbara Eden , Fess Parker , Ken Kercheval , Patrick Duffy , Jacklyn Zeman , Kin Shriner , Anthony Geary , Lee Horsley , Steve Allen , Pierce Brosnan , Milton Berle , Norm Crosby , Ray Conniff , Terry Moore , Ruth Warrick , Penny Singleton Joseph Cotten , Lew Ayres , Ann Rutherford , Virginia Mayo , Yvonne De Carlo , Jane Powell and Tony Martin.
Had began writing since high school.
Was a Boy Scout.
(April 2001) Published his first novel: "Kellys Quest." He is writing a novel based on his Barnaby Jones character.
Ebsen became embroiled in a contract dispute with MGM that left him idle for long periods.
He was set to make a cameo appearance on "Son of the Beach" , but was forced to cancel it due to failing health.
Attended Michael Landon s funeral in 1991.
Had purchased the 4,398 square ft. house in Palos Verdes Estates, California, in, late 1985, and lived there until his death. The house was sold in 2007.
Was a spokesperson for the United Way in the late 1960s-early 1970s.
Buddy Ebsen died on July 6, 2003. Just 3 weeks after his death, his longtime best friend, comedian Bob Hope , passed away.
Appeared on the front cover of TV Guide 8 times.
Was one of the two actors to appear in every episode of "Barnaby Jones" .
Between "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Barnaby Jones" , he had roles on television for 18 consecutive seasons.
Ebsen had a unique Disney connection. It was Disney that hired him in 1955 for the Davy Crockett series that ended an almost 20 year absence from leading movie roles after he rejected MGMs 1938 contract offer. Disney, however, appears to have always been a "good luck" charm for Ebsen. In his first film, Broadway Melody of 1936, in his first scene he is wearing a Mickey Mouse sweater. Ebsen appeared just a few years later in the followup film, Broadway Melody of 1938. In the second scene in which he appears, he is wearing a Donald Duck sweater/shirt.
When Ebsen was in his early 20s, he traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he participated in a lot of plays: Whoopee, The Male Animal, and Apple of His Eye..
Longtime friends of Ruth Warrick , Michael Landon , James Arness and Cameron Mitchell.
He and his third wife, Dorothy Knott, were stopped by a police officer. Then he stuck his head in the window, looked at Ebsen and said, Georgie Russell! That was the only time that a cop has let either him and his wife off, by not giving them a ticket.
Before he was a successful actor, in the 1930s, he formed a vaudeville act with his sister, Vilma Ebsen , performing throughout the country.
Was the producers first choice for the lead role of Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier , but lost the role to fellow actor Fess Parker. Ebsen played Parkers sidekick in the series.
Behind Mickey Rooney and Bob Hope , Ebsen was the third actor ever to have an extended acting career, longer than anybody else in the business.
In 1962, Ebsen was one of the actors to have joined the ranks of other sitcom male lead stars, such as John Forsythe , Andy Griffith , Danny Thomas , Alan Young , Robert Young , Fred MacMurray and Ernest Borgnine (whose sitcom "McHales Navy" , debuted just 2 weeks after Ebsens) to star in his own popular sitcom, "The Beverly Hillbillies" .
Began writing songs in high school.
Said in an interview that his favorite show was "The Beverly Hillbillies" .
Began his second show "Barnaby Jones" at age 64.
Ebsen had exchanged guitar lessons, with Fess Parker , who took dancing lessons.
His good friend Ruth Warrick , and his former "Barnaby Jones" co-star, Lee Meriwether , both starred in the long-running daytime soap opera, "All My Children" , from 1996 to 1998.
According to his "The Beverly Hillbillies" co-star, Donna Douglas , she said in an interview, that she reminded Ebsen of her late father. She also said in the same interview, most of her scenes, on that show were with Ebsen.
Had a photographic memory. According to his "Barnaby Jones" co-star, Lee Meriwether , she said in an interview, Ebsen had a wonderful memory and would put his lines down immediately.
On both of his shows, "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Barnaby Jones" , his characters danced in a few episodes, in real-life, Ebsen was also a dancer.
Had many times sailed with James Arness.
Had taught his "The Beverly Hillbillies" co-star, Max Baer Jr. , how to sail, when sailing wasnt his cup of tea.
He was known to be a very busy actor.
Had known Max Baer Jr. s family, when Max was just a little boy. Years later, all grown up, Baer Jr. would co-star opposite Ebsen in "The Beverly Hillbillies" .
His daughter, Bonnie Ebsen, had guest-starred on "Barnaby Jones" .
Had commuted from his Newport Beach house to Los Angeles, every weekend for 8 1/2 seasons, while starring in "Barnaby Jones" .
He was most widely known to be a social butterfly.
Had often fallen asleep in his car and fallen asleep standing up, on the set of "Barnaby Jones" .
Friends with: Irene Ryan , Fess Parker , Dick Van Dyke , Raymond Bailey , Paul Henning , Bea Benaderet , Danny Thomas , Eddie Albert , Angie Dickinson , Ruth Warrick , Bob Hope , Frank Sinatra , Sammy Davis Jr. , Dean Martin , Fred MacMurray , Cameron Mitchell , James Arness , Ken Curtis , Dennis Weaver , Ron Howard , Lorne Greene , Dan Blocker , Michael Landon , Shirley Temple , Joseph Cotten , Quinn Martin , Karl Malden , William Conrad , William Shatner , Max Baer , Jane Wyman , Yvonne De Carlo , Ann Rutherford , Steve Allen , John Carter , Ray Conniff , Virginia Mayo , Jane Powell , Tony Martin , Mickey Rooney and Clint Eastwood.
Bore a slight resemblance and sounded like Peter Graves.
He was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness at Torrance Medical Memorial Center. [26 June 2003].
Met Max Baer Jr. s father (Max Baer ), in the 1930s, at one of Baers boxing match, before and after Max Jr.s birth. They were friends until Baer Sr.s death in 1959, and Ebsen became a surrogate father to Baer Jr., afterwards. At nearly 25, he co-starred opposite Ebsen, on "The Beverly Hillbillies" , as Ebsens dimwitted nephew.
[Commenting on having written a romance novel at age 93]: "There are a,lot of mes. ",You get more negative reactions than positive reactions as you go,through life, and the big lesson is nobody counts you out but,yourself. . . I never have, I never will.
[Who thought in 1973 for a while about the Barnaby Jones character he,portrayed]: "Besides being older, he approaches problems more calmly.
Every clipping pictures. She squirreled it all away.
They had poise. They never felt out of place.
[In 1994]: The big lesson is you get more negative reactions than,positive reactions as you go through life, and the big lesson is nobody,counts you out but yourself. . . . I never have, I never will.
