Buddy Ebsen
Christian Ludolph "Buddy" Ebsen, Jr. (April 2, 1908 – July 6, 2003) was an American actor, dancer, singer and comedian. He was known for his roles as Jed Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies and as Barnaby Jones in Barnaby Jones. Ebsen was the oldest voice guest star in television history with his voice role as Chet Elderson in King of the Hill.
Buddy Ebsen | |
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 Ebsen (left) as Barnaby Jones, with Lee Meriwether (1973) | |
| Born | Christian Ludolf Ebsen Jr.[1] April 2, 1908 Belleville, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | July 6, 2003 (aged 95) Torrance, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Rollins College, University of Florida |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1928–1999 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | 7, including Kiki Ebsen |
| Relatives | Vilma Ebsen (sister) |
Ebsen was originally cast to play the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. However, Ray Bolger, who was playing the Tin Man, convinced Ebsen to trade roles for a rehearsal. Ebsen had a very bad allergic reaction to the aluminum dust in the Tin Man's makeup. He had to go to the hospital. He was so sick that Jack Haley replaced him as the Scarecrow.[2]
Ebsen was married to Ruth Cambridge from 1936 until they divorced in 1942. He was later married to Nancy Wolcott from 1944 until they divorced in 1985. Ebsen was last married to Dorothy Knott from 1985 until his death in 2003. Ebsen had 2 children with Cambridge, 5 with Wolcott, and one with Knott.
Ebsen died on July 6, 2003 in the Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, California from respiratory failure caused by pneumonia,[3] aged 95 years old. He was buried at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach, California.
Buddy Ebsen Media
L-R: Christine Moore, Dane Clark, Buddy Ebsen and Jane Burgess in "The Prime Mover", a 1961 episode of The Twilight Zone 
Irene Ryan and Ebsen, 1970 
Polynesian Concept, a catamaran designed and built by Buddy Ebsen
References
- ↑ "Ebsen Viewed Fame As A Long Shot". Orlando Sentinel. 2005-11-09. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved 2013-11-04.
- ↑ Garner, Joe (2013). "The Wizard of Oz: 1939". Now Showing: Unforgettable Moments from the Movies. Andrews McMeel Publishing. pp. 1–9. ISBN 978-1449450090.
- ↑ McLellan, Dennis (July 8, 2003). "Buddy Ebsen, 95; Actor-Dancer Was Jed Clampett of 'Beverly Hillbillies'". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2003/jul/08/local/me-ebsen8. Retrieved 2010-10-06.