You’ve probably wondered who played the Tin Man. There are several options, including Jack Haley, Buddy Ebsen, and Judy Garland. But how do you choose the best one? In this article, you’ll learn which actors starred in this beloved classic. Plus, learn about the film’s many unforgettable characters, including Hickory, the Tin Man’s son, and the Tin Man’s pet dog, Tinkerbell.
Jack Haley
American actor, dancer, radio host, and vaudevillian, John Joseph Haley Jr. was best known for his role as the Tin Man in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Born in 1920, Haley had a varied background ranging from singing, radio, and dancing to acting and vaudevillian. His career peaked in 1939 when he was cast as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz.
Haley’s role in the film was a challenging one, as he had to wear a mask made of aluminum dust. This resulted in an eye infection, which forced him to miss four days of shooting. His condition worsened afterward, and he had to undergo eye surgery. However, the experience of playing Tin Man was worth the pain, as the role became one of his most memorable.
Buddy Ebsen
When he was cast in the film Tin Man, Ebsen was earning around $1500 per week. The actor was a skilled dancer and had already appeared in eight films. He had even starred alongside Judy Garland in Broadway Melody, 1938. Originally, Ebsen was supposed to play the Scarecrow, but after a severe bronchial reaction to the aluminum dust, he was cast as Tin Man instead.
In 1939, Buddy Ebsen was cast as the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz.” However, due to complications resulting from the aluminum makeup, he became ill and had to be replaced by another actor.
Judy Garland
Judy Garland would have turned 100 years old today. In honor of her birthday, Fathom Events is re-releasing the classic “Wizard of Oz” in theaters. The film is among Garland’s most famous and recognizable. It won two Academy Awards for best picture and best cinematography, and also won best special effects.
Garland was known to have suffered from low self-esteem when she was young. She was frequently ill, receiving drugs, and was even given pep pills. During filming, Garland’s body was closely monitored. She was not allowed to gain weight, and she was given pep shots during the day. She also took coffee and chicken soup to suppress her appetite.
Tin Man’s costume had some controversy. Originally, Buddy Ebsen was cast in the role of the Tin Woodman. However, the makeup that he was wearing was made from pure aluminum dust, which caused him to develop a serious allergy. He was later replaced by Jack Haley.
Hickory
The Tin Man is a character in the classic film The Wizard of Oz. He makes his famous journey to the Emerald City with Judy Garland’s Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Lion. It is interesting to note that the Tin Man’s oil can actually belonged to Jack Haley. Haley played the role of Hickory, a friend of Dorothy’s uncle, who transforms into the Tin Man in her dream.
Haley’s character is first mentioned in an early draft of the movie, in which Hickory is trying to create an anti-cyclone machine. This idea was cut from the final version. Haley also appeared in Judy Garland’s Pigskin Parade (1936).
Tin Man’s oil can
A recent auction has produced an interesting piece of film memorabilia – the oil can used by the Tin Man in the 1939 Wizard of Oz. It is one of five oil cans used on the set of the film. It is expected to fetch at least $50,000 when it goes up for auction.
The oil can is currently on display at the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum in Los Angeles. According to Hollywood legend, it is the only surviving piece of the original Tin Man’s costume. It was worn by Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Burt Lahr during the film’s production.
Although it might not be the most iconic film prop, the oil can is a key prop. It allows the Tin Man to move freely in the movie. It also features in the movie’s memorable musical number. The oil can was a gift to Jack Haley, the actor who played the Tin Man in the film. However, historians believe there were only three or five cans used during the filming.