Buddy Ebsen

Christian Rudolph "Buddy" Ebsen, Jr. (April 2, 1908 – July 6, 2003) was an American dancer, movie, voice, television, radio, and stage actor. 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 Scarecrow.

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 cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea.

Other websites

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