This article will discuss the life and career of Frank ‘Buddy’ Ebsen, who played the Tin Man in the 1960s hit movie Tin Man. You’ll also learn about His career as a detective and how His lungs eventually failed during filming. If you’ve ever wondered what made him quit acting, read on.
His role as the Tin Man
Ebsen’s role in The Wizard of Oz is a controversial one. It almost cost him his life. The actor, who was originally cast as the Scarecrow, had a severe allergic reaction to the aluminum dust that he was required to wear during his makeup. Fortunately, Bolger was able to convince the studio to cast him in the role instead.
The role of the Tin Man has a colorful history. The original actor, Buddy Ebsen, got very sick while filming. He was allergic to the aluminum powder, which was placed on his face and lungs. After being hospitalized, he was unable to continue work on the film. However, one chorus of “We’re Off to See the Wizard” still contains his original vocals.
His career as a detective
In addition to his role as the Tin Man, Buddy Ebsen had two major television series, Barnaby Jones and Beverly Hillbillies. The former was a detective drama and the latter was a hit sitcom that was number one for two consecutive seasons. However, despite his success as a detective, Buddy Ebsen never recovered from his tragic loss in the role of the Tin Man. In his autobiography, he wrote that he had never gotten over losing the role of the Tin Man.
Ebsen began his show business career as a song-and-dance man. In his later years, he went on to write and paint. His love for nature led him to paint seascapes and landscapes. He was also a talented sailor and published an autobiography in his later years.
His lungs failed during filming
While Ebsen was a popular star of musicals, he was forced to leave the Tin Man film due to a bronchial reaction to the aluminum dust he was breathing. The production of Tin Man took nearly four months, and Ebsen was paid $1500 a week at the time. He had already appeared in eight films and danced with Judy Garland in Broadway Melody of 1938. His original role was the Scarecrow, but the casting director changed the movie and he was cast as the Tin Man. Eventually, his lungs failed and he was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The doctors determined that he was exposed to aluminum dust from the makeup.
Aluminum dust was an ingredient in Buddy’s Tin Man costume, and during the filming, the actor breathed the powder into his lungs. This caused an allergic reaction and infection in his lungs. This resulted in two weeks of hospitalization, and another month of recuperation in San Diego. Eventually, the studio had to recast the role and replaced Ebsen with actor Jack Haley. Fortunately, the actor survived the illness and went on to star in other films, such as “The Beverly Hillbillies.” He died in 2003 at age 95, but his wife, Margert Hamilton, died in 1985.
His relationship with Judy Garland
When Ebsen arrived in New York City from his native Florida, he was only twenty-seven years old. Then, he began his professional career as an actor, first working at MGM. Ebsen was also a successful writer and composer, and wrote several books. The most popular of his works was Kelly’s Quest. In 1985, he cancelled his appearance in Son of the Beach because of health problems. He then purchased a 4,398-square-foot house in Palos Verdes Estates, California and lived there until his death.
In the early 1930s, Ebsen met Judy Garland and became her dance partner. Together, they acted in “We’re Off to See the Wizard” and “Captain January.” In 1938, Ebsen was cast as the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz.” Unfortunately, he suffered an allergic reaction to the make-up that was used in the movie. As a result, he had to leave the film, and Garland had to fill in the role.