Buddy Ebsen was cast as the Tin Man, and had to undergo extensive treatment for an allergic reaction to aluminum powder makeup. He was hospitalized and suffered severe respiratory distress. Similarly, Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch, was covered in copper-based green makeup. After applying the makeup, Hamilton could not eat or drink. A liquid diet was required.
Jed Clampett
Buddy Ebsen began his career as a dancer before being cast in The Wizard of Oz. He was originally cast as the Scarecrow but was changed to play the Tin Man due to his allergy to aluminum dust used in the makeup. He nearly retired from acting before taking on the role of JED CLAMPETT.
Ebsen’s contract with MGM was for two years, with an option for another two. This was considered the norm at the time, but Louis B. Mayer wanted Ebsen to sign a seven-year deal. The deal was eventually canceled, but the actor’s voice can be heard in the movie’s soundtrack.
After Broadway Melody, Ebsen went on to release a country music album. He continued to make music for decades to come. He even recorded a political ad to oppose Nancy Kulip. He has also written several plays.
Buddy Ebsen is also a devoted sailor and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was also a public speaker. During his life, he travelled extensively and was involved in many activities. One of these was his love of coins. In fact, he co-founded the Beverly Hills Coin Club with Chris Aable. In later years, he became a lieutenant in the Coast Guard.
Before joining the cast of “The Wizard of Oz”, Ebsen had worked as a dancer in several movies. He partnered with Shirley Temple, Eleanor Powell, and Judy Garland. In the late 1930s, Ebsen was a model for Mickey Mouse’s animated dance routines.
Jed Clampett’s son
Buddy Ebsen first gained popularity as a dancer. After appearing with Shirley Temple in Captain January, he went on to appear in several musicals. He was then cast in The Wizard of Oz in 1938, originally playing the Scarecrow. Unfortunately, he became seriously ill while filming due to the aluminum dust in his costume. His replacement in the movie was actor Jack Haley.
Despite being an actor, Buddy Ebsen eschewed long-term studio contracts and starred in several short films. He also starred in the Disney TV series “Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier” with Fess Parker. He embraced the coonskin cap craze, and Disney used Ebsen as a model for the first animatronic characters. The Imagineers even replicated his dance moves and incorporated them into their models.
He also appeared in the musical Matt Houston, playing a retired investigator. Ebsen also painted and wrote romantic novels, including Kelly’s Quest (2001) and The Squid. He married three times, having two daughters with his first wife, and six more children with his second wife, Dotti.
In 1965, Ebsen released a country music album. His musical career continued for decades, and he even recorded a political ad against Nancy Kulip.
Jed Clampett’s daughter
Buddy Ebsen was supposed to play the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz, but he had to withdraw from the movie because of an allergy to aluminum dust. He was replaced by Jack Haley, who eventually starred in the movie. However, his recording of the Tin Man’s solo song, “If I Only Had a Heart,” has been included on the deluxe edition of the Wizard of Oz soundtrack. In addition, Ebsen played Georgie Russell in the Disney TV series “Davy Crockett” and starred as detective Barnaby Jones on TV from 1973 to 1980.
Although he starred in numerous films, Ebsen achieved most of his fame as a television actor. His most successful roles included playing the patriarch of the Beverly Hillbillies and as a private detective on “Barnaby Jones.” Ebsen died Sunday in Torrance, Calif., following an illness that had been undiagnosed.
After the success of his Hollywood career, Ebsen was a candidate for a congressional seat in Pennsylvania in 1984. He made a number of radio ads for the candidate, but ultimately lost the race. However, he was able to return to acting in another capacity. In 1962, Ebsen appeared as Jed Clampett in the television series The Beverly Hillbillies, which lasted nine seasons.
When Ebsen was young, he had dreams of becoming a doctor. His father had a dance school in Belleville, Illinois. His father later opened another studio in Orlando. Later, he attended the University of Florida and Rollins College.