The Unfortunate Life & Death of Buddy Ebsen (Jed Clampett from The Beverly Hillbillies)

Rare, quite rare indeed, are the actors that are both adequately skilled and lucky enough to appear in both hit films and television programs throughout a career spanning some seven decades. From dancing on the movie screen during the Great Depression to voicing a character on King of the hill at the end of the 20th century, Buddy Ebsen built a staggeringly successful career that few could compete with.

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In the middle of his lengthy career in the entertainment industry, Ebsen starred in two wildly successful television series, The Beverly Hillbillies and Barnaby Jones which impressively stayed on the air for nine and eight seasons, respectively. This second-wind of his career is what most audiences today probably associate him with, but you'll find that he was a lot more versatile of an actor than those series suggest.

In this video, we're going to be celebrating this immensely talented artist by taking a candid look at the ups and downs of his life and career. While he experienced a lot of successes throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he also had to deal with quite a bit of struggle and adversity.

The Unfortunate Life & Death of Buddy Ebsen (Jed Clampett from The Beverly Hillbillies)

[DiogoAmorim]

Everytime I come here I learn new stuff. Thank you for your job!

[carymahony]

I loved his characters. He is missed. Unique & talented!!!

[richardgermer]

In 1979 I ran into him in Las Vegas while attending a show. He was seated in regular seating watching like everyone else. The place was empty of the other guests as our significant others were in bathroom. He was extremely nice and rather shy. We had simple conversation about the show that we had seen. I did ask for his picture or autograph. He said that he wanted my name and address. About a month later I received the nicest hand written letter thanking me for our chat and autographed picture of him. The picture was him in character from Disney Davy Crockett. I had told him being from Texas that I really enjoyed that movie.

[Bickey]

I grew up watching Barnaby Jones. I still watch it when I wake up in the middle of the night (weeknights on Metv)

[warrenkimble]

Awesome shows you be showing keep up the good work 👍👍

[jons.]

I read an interview he was in many years ago where he said that one way he stayed healthy in his later years was to incorporate a bit of dance to his activities. Also regarding The Wizard of Oz he believed that some of the legs shots in the dance numbers for the Tin Man were his that they left in the movie.

[notmyrealname]

A very versatile and underrated entertainer.

[jamesknight]

Great to see, hear, and had the power to lift people out of their daily woes for 30 minutes a week

[rrsaga]

He was an painter/ artist himself but how I envy the fact he got to see the Florida I miss..

[dr.charlenecrump]

My favorite role of Buddy Ebsen was “Beverly Hillbillies “

[steveandjudyb]

Hey dude I don't know who you are but bravo bravo I appreciate you Buddy Ebsen was a great actor I used to watch him in both of those shows he was a real talent no this is absolute respect I appreciate you thank you for all your videos thank you for doing this we cannot forget history there was people before us there's going to be people after us thank you sir or ma'am.

[danemilyana]

Lived to a very old age… how is it sad

[heartsaliveart]

If he would have been able to continue as the Tin Man, I would have said that and the Beverly Hillbillies we're his best roles.

[raymondeaton]

Buddy Ebsen was one of a kind. Still loved today.

[curtismathews]

I can't help but love both characters, Jed Clampett and Barnaby Jones.

[noblehouse]

Yes and on top of all of this he had to fight damage from inhaling aluminum powder that was put on his skin so he could play the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz.
He could not be the character very long and was hospitalized for lung damage. He suffered the resp of his life with this.

He had a great career, but lasting 7 decades with that problem and medical care for this not even an thought of treatment in existence

[marvineblackburn]

I loved Buddy! He was a wonderful actor! RIP

[tomlovejoy]

Not an unfortunate man great actor for many decades! 👍

[Elainerulesutube]

Loved him in the Davy Crockett movies.

[poet]

I loved him in Barnaby Jones, I own the complete dvd collection I laughed every time he asked for milk at a bar