Buddy Ebsen was born 118 years ago

Buddy Ebsen was born 118 years ago April 2

Buddy Ebsen was an all time favorite actor of mine because he played Jed Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies, a staple of my television watching childhood.

He was born April 2, 1908 in Beleville, IL. He was born Christian Ludolf Ebsen and was also known as Frank "Buddy" Ebsen.

He began as a dancer in a Broadway chorus during 1920s.

He later embarked on a vaudeville act with his sister Vilma Ebsen, which also appeared on Broadway.

He was even offered the role of Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz in 1939.

After agreeing to exchange roles with Ray Bolger to the Tin Man he fell ill to constituents of the aluminum makeup and was replaced by Jack Haley.

He also starred in Barnaby Jones around 1973 but this was not a program with any attraction for me personally.

Regardless, I have enjoyed his career and miss that kinder gentler past of which he was a part.

Buddy Ebsen passed July 6, 2003 from pneumonia at age 95.