Buddy Ebsen Biography

Fast Facts

• Became well known for his role as Jed Clampett on the CBS sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies," garnering a TV Land Award for Favorite "Fish Out of Water" shared with other cast members Irene Ryan, Max Baer Jr․ and Donna Douglas
• Attended the University of Florida and the Rollins College, initially wanting to go into a medical career, but had to drop out at the age of 20 due to financial problems
• He and his sister Vilma Ebsen performed as a duo dance act in supper clubs, known as "The Baby Astaires․"
• Quote: "You take a blank piece of paper and whatever you're thinking, you write it down․ I'm very satisfied if, in my mind, it increased the value of the paper․ That's what writing should do․ It should increase the value of the paper․"
• Was approached by MGM studios and made his film debut in "Broadway Melody of 1936," with his sister Vilma Ebsen
• Was originally casted as Scarecrow in the film "The Wizard of Ox," but swapped roles with Ray Bolger for the Tin Man, but due to an allergic reaction to the tin he was forced to leave the role
• Started dancing at a young age, after his father opened up a dance studio and he insisted on taking dance lessons