You may have seen Buddy Ebsen in the Wizard of Oz as the Tin Man. But did you know that he had a long and varied career? Aside from being an actor, he was also a dancer and detective. This article will discuss his life and career, as well as His role in the film.
Ebsen’s career as a detective
After his success as the Detective in the Wizard of Oz, Ebsen continued to work in a variety of fields. He wrote a number of books, including “The Other Side of Oz”, an autobiography, and a book on sailing, “Polynesian Concept.” He also began writing the novel “Sizzling Cold Case,” which was finished by Darlene Quinn after Ebsen’s death.
Ebsen grew up in Florida and moved to New York in 1928. While there, he and his sister, Vilma, performed in the Ziegfeld show “Whoopee.” While dancing, he was spotted by Hollywood scouts, and they signed to MGM. During this time, Ebsen turned his talents from dancing to acting.
After his performance in “The Wizard of Oz,” Ebsen appeared in two more MGM movies. In 1937, he rejected an offer from Louis B. Mayer to make an exclusive contract with the studio. Afterward, Ebsen’s career as an actor reached an all-time low, as he suffered from health problems related to the aluminum dust in his makeup. In the ensuing years, Ebsen would become interested in sailing and taught seamanship to officer candidates in the United States Navy.
Buddy Ebsen grew up in Orlando, Florida, and studied at the University of Florida in Gainesville. However, he dropped out of college due to financial difficulties. During his early twenties, he began singing and dancing in order to support his family.
His career as a dancer
“Buddy Ebsen” spanned seven decades. He was known for his roles in television shows, such as The Beverly Hillbillies, and in movies like Wizard of Oz. He was also known for playing the role of Jed Clampett in the CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. He also appeared in a television drama, Barnaby Jones.
Buddy Ebsen began his career in movies as a dancer. He was earning $1500 per week when production began. By 1939, he had appeared in eight films. He had also appeared in a Broadway musical in 1938, and he was cast as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. However, due to a severe allergic reaction to the aluminum dust used in the film, he was forced to quit.
A year after his debut in “Wizard of Oz,” Ebsen had appeared in other films, including “Captain January” and “Broadway Melody of 1938.” Ebsen teamed up with Shirley Temple in “Yokel Boy” and “Good Night, Ladies.” During World War II, Ebsen enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served on a patrol frigate in the North Pacific. He also performed solo in “Boy and Girl” and “The Girl of the Golden West.”
Buddy Ebsen was born on April 2, 1908. He lived in Belleville, Illinois until he was ten years old. His parents had a dance studio and he started ballet lessons there. In the early 1920s, he moved to Palm Beach and eventually to Orlando. After attending college, he became a professional dancer.
His role as the Tin Man in ‘The Wizard of Oz’
In 1939, Buddy Ebsen was cast in the role of the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz.” However, his first day on set caused him to become ill with a severe allergic reaction to aluminum dust. As a result, he spent several weeks in the hospital and was replaced by Jack Haley. Despite his deteriorating health, one chorus of “We’re Off to See the Wizard” has been preserved in his original vocals.
Initially, Ebsen was cast as the Scarecrow. But he was replaced with the Tin Man because the aluminum makeup had caused him to get sick. It took him three months to recover from the illness, and he ended up having to undergo another round of surgeries.
After “The Wizard of Oz,” Ebsen went on to have multiple roles in the film industry. In addition to the Tin Man, Ebsen starred in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and The Beverly Hillbillies. During this time, he was one of the most beloved actors in the history of the movie industry.
The movie was widely acclaimed and made Judy Garland a national hero. However, it has been considered cursed by some critics, and the Oscar-nominated special effects almost cost the lives of the cast.
