In the film, Buddy Ebsen played the dreaded Tin Man, who suffers from respiratory distress after he’s covered in makeup containing aluminum powder. He ended up being hospitalized due to the incident. Meanwhile, Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch, was covered in a copper-based green makeup. After the makeup was applied, she was unable to eat and could only drink through a straw.
Virge Blessing
Buddy Ebsen grew up in Florida, where he was a middle child to four siblings. His father was a dance instructor and fitness instructor, and his mother operated a school district swimming pool. His parents divorced in 1925, and he decided to pursue a career in show business. He soon landed a part in the chorus of a Florenz Ziegfeld production called Whoopee. He also teamed up with his sister, Vilma, to become an actor. He was discovered by a newspaper columnist named Walter Winchell, who saw Buddy’s potential and suggested that he audition for the role.
After the film’s release, Ebsen had a recurring role in ABC’s Bus Stop, a sitcom about travelers who pass through Sunrise, Colorado. Director Robert Altman had previously filmed an earlier version of the film starring Virge Blessing, and the show was loosely based on the film. In addition to his role as the Tin Man, Ebsen played a homeless hobo named “Mr. Dave” Browne on “The Andy Griffith Show”. Ebsen also appeared in a Twilight Zone episode titled “The Prime Mover.”
Buddy Ebsen’s career
Ebsen was born on April 2, 1908, in Belleville, Illinois. He was the son of a Danish immigrant who ran a dance studio. He was inspired to pursue a career in medicine by his sister’s illness as a child. Ebsen went on to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville and Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Unfortunately, his family had financial problems, and he dropped out of school at age 20.
Despite the fame he achieved as the Tin Man, Ebsen’s life was often hidden behind the screen. While his career in show business was largely centered on films, he also performed on stage and on television. He made memorable appearances in acclaimed musicals such as “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “Barnaby Jones” and also made a name for himself as a dancer.
After his retirement, Buddy Ebsen was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition, his work was honored with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. Despite his soaring success, Ebsen’s health was failing in later years. On July 6, 2003, he died at the age of 95.
His illness caused by tin man’s makeup
One of the most famous stories of the “Wizard of Oz” is the case of Buddy Ebsen, who became ill after wearing aluminum-based makeup. He became ill after the makeup was applied to his face, resulting in a respiratory infection. When his lungs began to fail, he was hospitalized. He was replaced by actor Jack Haley.
As an actor, Buddy Ebsen played the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. The story of his illness is fascinating. He started his career dancing in the 1936 musical Broadway Melody. His illness was reportedly a result of the makeup, which contained aluminum dust instead of the white clown makeup. Ebsen did not object to a role swap with Bolger, and he described the trauma he experienced in his autobiography, “The Other Side of Oz”.
Ebsen died on July 6, 2003, in Torrance, California. His net worth was estimated at $2 million. Despite his tragic illness, he continued to work and appeared in many movies, including “The Wizard of Oz.” However, after the filming of THE WIZARD OF OZ, Buddy Ebsen concentrated on his career on Broadway. During World War II, he also toured with the USO in a variety of shows. He also appeared in a number of TV shows, including STAGE DOOR CANTEEN (1943). In 1953, Ebsen delved into television, launching his own show. After the series was over, he continued to make guest appearances and films.
His singing style
In the 1939 movie version of the Wizard of Oz, Buddy Ebsen was cast as the Tin Woodman, but the production team switched him to the Scarecrow after he became ill from aluminum dust. As a result, Ebsen was forced to leave the film. He retold the story in a 2005 DVD interview.
MGM brought Ebsen to Hollywood in 1935 and had him dance in films such as “Captain January” (with Shirley Temple) and “Broadway Melody of 1938.” However, the aluminum dust in his makeup caused an allergic reaction that almost killed him, and he was eventually replaced by another actor, Jack Haley.
Despite his ill health, Ebsen’s singing style as Tin Man was admired by audiences and critics alike. During WWII, Ebsen served in the Coast Guard as a lieutenant aboard a weather ship, and was stationed in the frigid waters south of the Aleutian Islands. After being discharged from the Coast Guard, Ebsen pursued his acting career.