Buddy Ebsen

Christian Ludolph "Buddy" Ebsen, Jr. (April 2, 1908 – July 6, 2003) was an American actor, dancer, singer and comedian. He was known for his roles as Jed Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies and as Barnaby Jones in Barnaby Jones. Ebsen was the oldest voice guest star in television history with his voice role as Chet Elderson in King of the Hill.

Ebsen was originally cast to play the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. However, Ray Bolger, who was playing the Tin Man, convinced Ebsen to trade roles for a rehearsal. Ebsen had a very bad allergic reaction to the aluminum dust in the Tin Man's makeup. He had to go to the hospital. He was so sick that Jack Haley replaced him as the Tin Man.

Personal life
Ebsen was married to Ruth Cambridge from 1936 until they divorced in 1942. He was later married to Nancy Wolcott from 1944 until they divorced in 1985. Ebsen was last married to Dorothy Knott from 1985 until his death in 2003. Ebsen had 2 children with Cambridge, 5 with Wolcott, and one with Knott.

Ebsen died on July 6, 2003 in the Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, California from respiratory failure caused by pneumonia, aged 95 years old. He was buried at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach, California.

References

Other websites

The official Buddy Ebsen Virtual Museum
The official Buddy Ebsen web site
Fan tribute site

Category:1908 births
Category:2003 deaths
Category:Deaths from pneumonia
Category:Deaths from respiratory failure
Category:Disease-related deaths in California
Category:American movie actors
Category:American television actors
Category:American voice actors
Category:American stage actors
Category:American radio actors
Category:American dancers
Category:People from Belleville, Illinois
Category:Comedians from Illinois
Category:Actors from Illinois