Buddy Ebsen (born Christian Ludolf Ebsen Jr., April 2, 1908 – July 6, 2003), sometimes also credited as Frank "Buddy" Ebsen, was an American actor and dancer.
He is best known for the role of Jed Clampett in the sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971), and for afterwards starring as the title character in the detective drama Barnaby Jones (1973–1980). This led to Ebsen doing an amusing cameo in the 1993 film adaptation of The Beverly Hillbillies… as Barnaby Jones.
Ebsen originally began his film career as a dancer, appearing in films such as Broadway Melody of 1936, and alongside child star Shirley Temple in Captain January (1936). He was also chosen to appear in The Wizard of Oz, originally as the Scarecrow, and before filming began his role was changed to the Tin Man, but he fell seriously ill during filming due to the aluminum dust in his makeup and was forced to drop out.
He spent the remainder of his career in television, but largely retired in the late 1980s; his last role was as Chet Elderson in a third season King of the Hill episode. A lifelong heavy smoker, Ebsen died four years later of respiratory failure at the age of 95.
Films with pages on TV Tropes:
- Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935)
- Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
- The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968)
- The Andersonville Trial (1970)
TV series
- Davy Crockett (1954–1955)
- The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971)
- Barnaby Jones (1973–1980)
- Matt Houston (1984-1985)
