Buddy Ebsen Biography, Filmography, Pictures
Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett, the lovable millionaire from The Beverly Hillbillies, in his signature hat and country attire.
Buddy Ebsen (April 2, 1908 – July 6, 2003) was an American actor and dancer. He starred in the television series The Beverly Hillbillies and played the title role in the detective series of the 1970s, Barnaby Jones.
He was born in Belleville, Illinois and he moved with his family to Palm Beach County, Florida and later on to Orlando, Florida. His father operated a dance studio in Orlando, where he and his sisters learned to dance. In 1926, he graduated from Orlando High School and attended the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (1926-1927) and then Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida (1927-1928. Due to some financial problems he had to leave college.
In 1928, he went to New York to try his luck as a dancer. With his sister they performed in clubs, being known as “The Baby Astaires”. They appeared on Broadway in Whoopee, Flying Colors and in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1934, as members of the chorus.
In 1935, they signed a two-year contract with MGM. They moved to Hollywood and debuted on film in Broadway Melody of 1936. It was her sisters only film, but he continued to appear in several films, including Captain January, Born to Dance, The Girl of the Golden West and Broadway Melody of 1938.
Buddy Ebsen and The Wizard of Oz – The Role That Almost Was
In 1939, Buddy Ebsen landed what should have been a career-defining role as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. A skilled dancer with a lanky, almost animated quality to his movements, he was a natural choice for the part. But Hollywood can be cruel. The aluminum dust in the silver makeup poisoned him, causing severe shortness of breath and painful muscle cramps.
After just ten days of filming, Ebsen was rushed to the hospital, barely able to breathe. While he recovered, MGM replaced him with Jack Haley, whose version of the Tin Man remains iconic. Ebsen, meanwhile, was left out of the final film entirely, his contributions erased—except for a few surviving audio recordings where his voice can still be heard in the background of some songs.
Despite the setback, Ebsen was not one to dwell on missed opportunities. By 1941, with World War II escalating, he set his sights on something bigger than Hollywood. He applied for a commission in the U.S. Coast Guard, eager to serve his country. With his natural leadership and disciplined work ethic, he was accepted and eventually earned the rank of lieutenant.
He spent the war years stationed in various locations, helping train servicemen and contributing to the war effort. In 1946, after five years of honorable service, he was discharged, ready to return to civilian life. Hollywood, however, had changed during the war. New stars had risen, and the industry was shifting. But Ebsen wasn’t done yet. His career would take surprising turns, proving that even after losing The Wizard of Oz, he was far from finished.
He debuted on television in 1949 in an episode of The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre, which led to several television appearances, including Gruen Guild Playhouse, Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, The Marthe Raye Show, Playhouse 90, Johnny Ringo, an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, two episodes of Bonanza and three episodes of Maverick. He played in the television miniseries Davy Crockett (1954-1955), receiving large television exposure.
He co-starred in the adventure series Northwest Passage in the 1958-1959 season. He also appeared in episodes of Tales of Wells Fargo and Rawhide. Between 1961 and 1962 he had a recurring role on the series Bus Stop.
In 1961, Buddy Ebsen took on the role of Doc Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, playing the kind but jilted older suitor of Audrey Hepburn’s free-spirited Holly Golightly. The film, adapted from Truman Capote’s novella, was a defining moment in Hollywood’s golden era, though Ebsen’s role was small compared to the film’s leads. Still, his performance added a touch of sincerity to the story, and his presence alongside Hepburn, George Peppard, and Patricia Neal only cemented his status as a versatile character actor.
Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett – The Heart of The Beverly Hillbillies
The Beverly Hillbillies: Complete Seasons 1-5 DVD set featuring classic episodes of the beloved sitcom starring Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett. Click Photo to Buy!!!
But it was television, not film, that would make Buddy Ebsen a household name. In 1962, he stepped into the role that would define his career—Jed Clampett, the lovable backwoods millionaire in The Beverly Hillbillies. The series, created by Paul Henning, became an instant hit, drawing in massive audiences who tuned in each week to see Jed, Granny (Irene Ryan), Elly May (Donna Douglas), and Jethro (Max Baer Jr.) navigate the absurdities of Beverly Hills high society. The show ran for an impressive nine seasons, from 1962 to 1971, turning Ebsen into one of television’s most recognizable faces.
A decade after The Beverly Hillbillies left the airwaves, nostalgia for the show remained strong. In 1981, Ebsen reprised his role in the made-for-TV movie Return of the Beverly Hillbillies, bringing Jed Clampett back for one more adventure. Though some of the original cast had passed away or declined to return, Ebsen’s presence gave the film a sense of continuity. By then, he had moved on to another successful TV role—playing private detective Barnaby Jones—but no matter how many roles he took on, to millions of fans, he would always be Jed Clampett.
Buddy Ebsen’s Second Act – Solving Crimes in Barnaby Jones
Barnaby Jones: Complete Series DVD set featuring Buddy Ebsen as the sharp-witted private investigator in the classic crime drama. Click Photo to Buy on Amazon!
In 1973, Buddy Ebsen made a triumphant return to television, this time trading in Jed Clampett’s overalls for a detective’s sharp suit. He took on the title role in Barnaby Jones, a crime drama created by Quinn Martin. It was a stark departure from his previous comedic roles, proving Ebsen’s versatility as an actor. As the silver-haired private investigator, he brought a quiet confidence and folksy charm to the part, making the show stand out in the crowded detective genre of the 1970s.
Unlike the rough-and-tumble gumshoes of the era, Barnaby Jones was more methodical, relying on experience and intellect rather than brute force. Ebsen’s chemistry with Lee Meriwether, who played his daughter-in-law and investigative partner Betty Jones, added depth to the series. The show’s unique fatherly dynamic and intelligent storytelling kept audiences hooked for an impressive eight and a half seasons, from 1973 to 1980.
During its run, Barnaby Jones featured an array of guest stars, including future Hollywood icons like Mark Hamill, Nick Nolte, and Kim Basinger, all of whom got early career boosts from appearing alongside Buddy Ebsen. Even after the series ended, the character wasn’t quite done—Ebsen reprised the role one last time in a 1993 episode of Diagnosis: Murder, sharing the screen with Dick Van Dyke. By then, he had spent decades as one of television’s most enduring and beloved actors, proving that whether playing a hillbilly, a detective, or even a cowboy in his early years, Buddy Ebsen always left a lasting impression.
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He was the narrator of the documentary series Disney Family Album in the 1980s and of the series Reading Rainbow (1985).
He had a cameo appearance in the film version of The Beverly Hillbillies (1993) as Barnaby Jones, which was his final movie role. In 1999, he voiced one episode of King of the Hill.
He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and also on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
In 1936, he married Ruth Cambridge and had two daughters. They divorced in 1942. In 1944, he married Nancy Wolcott and had five children. They divorced in 1985, ending a 41-year marriage. He married his third wife, Dorothy Knott in the same year.
Beyond his illustrious acting career, Buddy Ebsen was a man of diverse talents and passions. He channeled his creativity into folk art, producing works that often mirrored his television personas. In August 2000, his paintings were showcased at a Beverly Hills art gallery, reflecting his unique artistic vision.
Buddy Ebsen was also an avid coin collector. In 1987, he co-founded the Beverly Hills Coin Club with actor Chris Aable. His personal collection was notable, featuring rare items such as a complete gold type set and a set of Panama-Pacific commemorative coins in their original copper frame. One of his prized possessions was a gem proof 1879 Coiled Hair Stella, a $4 gold piece renowned among numismatists. Ebsen's collection garnered significant attention, fetching over $7.6 million at a West Coast auction in 1987. During the auction, he delighted attendees by performing impromptu dance moves after particularly successful bids, showcasing his enduring showmanship.
These endeavors highlight Ebsen's multifaceted nature, illustrating that his artistic expression and enthusiasm extended well beyond the screen.?
Remembering Buddy Ebsen – A Hollywood Legacy That Endures
Buddy Ebsen lived a remarkable 95 years, leaving behind a legacy that spanned television, film, art, and even numismatics. From his early days as a dancer alongside Shirley Temple to his near-miss as the Tin Man, his unforgettable turn as Jed Clampett, and his later success as Barnaby Jones, he remained a fixture in American entertainment for decades. Even off-screen, his talents extended into folk art and rare coin collecting, proving he was more than just a Hollywood icon.
On July 6, 2003, Ebsen passed away from pneumonia, closing the final chapter of a life well-lived. His contributions to entertainment, his artistic pursuits, and his passion for collecting ensured his name would not be forgotten. Whether remembered as the wise and folksy patriarch of The Beverly Hillbillies, the sharp-witted detective of Barnaby Jones, or even as the nearly immortal Tin Man, Buddy Ebsen left an indelible mark on pop culture—one that continues to endure.
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.