Buddy Ebsen

Buddy Ebsen's illustrious career began in the late 1920s as a dancer on the esteemed Broadway stage, where he performed in various chorus lines. He later teamed up with his talented sister Vilma Ebsen to form a vaudeville act, which also made its mark on Broadway. In 1935, the sibling duo ventured to Hollywood, where they were signed to appear in the first of MGM's Eleanor Powell movies, Broadway Melody of 1936. Although Vilma eventually retired from the stage and screen, Buddy continued to shine, starring in two more MGM films alongside Powell. Notable dance partners during this period included the charming Frances Langford in Born to Dance and the beloved Judy Garland in Broadway Melody of 1938. Additionally, he shared the dance floor with the diminutive yet spirited Shirley Temple in Captain January. In 1938, MGM studio chief Louis B. Mayer offered Ebsen an exclusive contract, but he declined, despite Mayer's ominous warning that he would never secure a job in Hollywood again. However, fate intervened, and Ebsen was offered the role of the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. Initially, he agreed to switch roles with Ray Bolger, who was cast as the Tin Man. Unfortunately, Ebsen fell ill due to the aluminum makeup and was ultimately replaced by Jack Haley. Returning to his stage roots, Ebsen made sporadic film appearances before landing a role in the Disney production of Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier in 1955. Following this, he transitioned to straight acting and later achieved widespread fame with his own hit series, The Beverly Hillbillies in 1962 and Barnaby Jones in 1973.