If you’re a fan of the Wizard of Oz, Buddy Ebsen is one of the most recognizable faces from the film. Born Frank “Buddy” Ebsen, the actor enjoyed an extensive and prolific career spanning nearly seven decades. Most famous for his role as Jed Clampett in the CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, he also played Barnaby Jones in the television drama Barnaby Jones.
‘Tin Man’ character
The Tin Man is a fictional character who appears in the Land of Oz. He is also known as Nick Chopper or the Tin Woodman. The character was created by L. Frank Baum, who also wrote the book. In the story, he helps the Emerald City residents escape the evil Scarecrow.
Jack Haley portrayed the Tin Man in the classic 1939 film. He was not the first choice for the role. In fact, Buddy Ebsen was originally cast to play the Scarecrow but was convinced to switch roles. However, Ebsen developed health problems as a result of wearing the Tin Man’s make-up. The aluminum powder in the makeup caused him to suffer from lung disease. Eventually, he resigned the role.
The Tin Man’s adventures do not stop in Oz, though. During the production, he meets Nimmie Amee, who is married to Chopfyt. He also meets Polychrome and his sisters, and eventually returns to his father and sisters in Emerald City. After his return, he recounts his adventures in Ozma to his brothers and sisters.
Dancer
As a child, you may have been entertained by the story of Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Buddy Ebsen, born Frank “Buddy” Ebsen, was an actor with a career spanning over seven decades. Most notably, he played Jed Clampett in the CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. He was also well known for his role as Barnaby Jones in the TV drama Barnaby Jones.
After his debut in the Wizard of Oz, Ebsen was nominated for three Academy Awards and won for Best Dance Direction in that film. Helga and Norma, who were his sisters, stayed active until their deaths. Buddy remained close to them throughout his life, teaching them ballet, tap, and other dance moves.
Actor
During filming for the 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz, Ebsen experienced lung problems that led to the actor’s abrupt departure. He suffered from shortness of breath and cramping, and was hospitalized for two weeks. The producers decided to replace Ebsen, but not before making the makeup change to a safer aluminum paste. Although the reason for Ebsen’s departure was never revealed, the actor’s voice can still be heard in the soundtrack to the film.
When Buddy Ebsen was originally cast as the Tin Man in the 1939 film version of The Wizard of Oz, he developed an allergic reaction to the aluminum powder used in the make-up. The incident forced Ebsen to quit the filming, and his character had to be replaced by Jack Haley. However, some of his scenes remained in the film.
NBC television series
Buddy Ebsen began his career as a dancer before he was cast as the Tin Man in the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz.” The actor had previously appeared in films with Shirley Temple, and later starred in “Captain January.” When he was offered the role of Tin Man, however, his first reaction was to an allergic reaction to the makeup used. As a result, he was forced to drop out of the production. Since then, Ebsen continued to suffer from respiratory problems.
His other film roles include the title role in Barnaby Jones (1973-80). He also appeared as Barnaby Jones in the 1993 film version of The Beverly Hillbillies. He also has a long history in television, appearing as Davy Crockett’s sidekick George Russell in the Disney miniseries Davy Crockett (1954-55).
Allergic reaction to makeup
Buddy Ebsen’s allergic reaction to Wizard of Oz makeup made him unable to continue with filming. The makeup for the film contained aluminum dust, which can be harmful if you have allergies. Buddy had to be hospitalized after an allergic reaction to the makeup.
The aluminum dust in the makeup caused an allergic reaction and an infection in his lungs. He was forced to leave the filming and was hospitalized for two weeks. He was eventually replaced by Jack Haley, who was not allergic to aluminum dust. Instead of using powder makeup, the studio switched to aluminum paste.
Buddy Ebsen started his career as a dancer and appeared in the movie Captain January with Shirley Temple. In 1939, he was cast as the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. Due to an allergic reaction to the makeup, his role was changed from Scarecrow to Tin Man. As a result, Buddy Ebsen developed severe respiratory and muscle cramps. In the years after the film’s release, Ebsen began a new career as an actor.