Buddy Ebsen Had a Strange Career After Television

You might know him best as Jed Clampett, but Buddy Ebsen was a jack of all trades in the entertainment industry. Starting In the era of the Great Depression, Ebsen starred In the Academy Award-winning musical film, Broadway Melody which catapulted his career upwards.

His career would span 70+ years and he would make quite the name for himself as a dancer, singer, actor, comedian, and even artist. He never really retired even decades after his most iconic roles on television in the Beverly Hillbillies and Barnaby Jones.

Even at the turn of the century, he still managed to publish 2 novels and make numerous guest-starring cameos.

His sister Vilma Ebsen was also an accomplished actress but she wouldn't pursue the same kind of life-long career that her brother had in show business.

Buddy Ebsen has both a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. He lived a long life full of accomplishments and honor. He was born in 1908 and passed away in 2003.

Find out how he was almost in The Wizard of Oz, but how tragedy almost befell upon Buddy during the production of the iconic film. Find out too how Buddy missed out on playing the title role in the Davy Crockett series.

It's also worth noting how Buddy served his country. Find out what branch of the armed forces Buddy served in and what rank he was promoted to. It's always admirable when someone commits their time and energy to serve their country, especially when they have already found success in their careers.

In the comments section, make sure to let us know which one of Ebsen's TV shows was your favorite - The Beverly Hillbillies or Barnaby Jones. Don't forget to tap that bell icon to turn on notifications when you subscribe.

Buddy Ebsen Had a Strange Career After Television
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[pirpirpir-osms]

Thank you for showing us so much more about Buddy than the Beverly Hillbillies. Great work!

[michaelkrick]

Liked everything he did, Jed Clampett, nobody could have done it better.

[katrinayoung]

I absolutely adored/fawned over the man. His spirit was so beautiful. I miss him dearly.

[levilevi]

Buddy was head extremely gentle and talented man. I have an uncle that always reminded me of him. Now they're both gone.

[lindameece]

What a talented man!!! I had no idea that he wrote or painted!!! Thanks for the information on one of my favorite actors!!!

[jacquetow]

I enjoyed everything he did he always put a smile on my face what a talented man he was such a blessing put into our lives

[gaymichaelis]

Thank you so very much! No, I had no idea Buddy Epson had done all that! Oh, yes, I forgot Barnaby Jones! He was good in that, besides Beverly hillbillies! I sure loved watching your video here, showing him dance with his sister years i’ll go! They were wonderful dancers! And I had heard the story from you of him missing out on the role of the tin man and the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz! Plus I love that you showed couple times here him dancing with, and I didn’t notice it till the end of your video, that he was dancing with Shirley Temple! And I’d like to try and find some of his country music and listen to him! I don’t remember hearing it at all… And I really like country music! Thanks again!!!

[jamesdennis]

How can you not like Mr. Ebsen. Smooth Gentleman.

[richardgrainger]

I like the man as everything he did, and that's a life time! You know it Buddy had something to do it,

[jackgates]

I read his book about winning the famous yacht race with his own boat, Polynesian Concept. An incredible yachtsman too. I suspect the man was touched by genius.

[normansilver]

Ebsen lived in Newport Beach in 1971 and was known for his congeniality and generosity.

[EitherEndofAugust]

"At 92, he published a romance novel." Well, why not? He'd already done everything but land on the moon.

[lindataylor]

I love watching Buddy dance with Shirley Temple and am now enjoying his reruns of Barnaby Jones. Yes, he was a man of many talents!!!

[leondillon]

3:20)I read somewhere that some of his dancing stayed in "The Wizard". The scene, where they was moving away from the camera, to upstage center.

[Classicrocker]

I heard a live radio interview with Buddy and he was funny.intelligent, articulate and told some really interesting stories. It sounds like he never did ever hear of the word “retirement”. An amazing career!!! May he RIP!!

[dawnreed]

I didn't know he could paint so good wow beautiful painting!!

[sassykaren]

Thank you so much for covering Buddy. I watched the Beverly Hillbillies religiously. I didn’t know of all the things that he played in. I’m also surprised that he was in the military. Thank you so very much for your video. I never know what you will come up with next Facts Verse and can’t wait for your next notification.👍

[rmstitanic]

Loved the Beverly Hillbillies. About time they were rerun.

[jackbuckley]

Let's not forget the immortal late 50's TV-series Ebsen was in called "Northwest Passage", a 1/2 hour network-adventure-series set during the French & Indian War, based on the earlier Spencer Tracy movie of the same-name. The show was filmed in color but didn't last beyond a season. He also appeared in a late-60's Disney-musical, which also-featured Walter Brennan & a very-young Kurt Russell; of course, this was while BH still was on the air. I knew about "Oz" but don't think I ever knew he lost-out on
getting to play the role of Davy Crockett. He always seemed perfect in the role of DC's sidekick, though, Georgie Russell.

[weatherman]

Beverly Hillbillies is my one of all time favorite shows.