Buddy Ebsen Biography: Age, Net Worth, Nationality, Ethnicity, Spouse, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Children, Awards, Songs

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Buddy Ebsen, also known as Frank Buddy, was an acclaimed American actor and dancer who enjoyed a long and successful career in the entertainment industry.

He was perhaps best known for his iconic portrayal of Jed Clampett, the patriarch of the Clampett family, in the beloved CBS sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. Ebsen’s endearing and comedic performance as the fish-out-of-water millionaire turned the show into a beloved classic.

Profile

• Full Name: Buddy Ebsen
• Stage Name: Frank Buddy
• Born: April 2, 1908
• Date of Death: July 6, 2003 (age 95 years)
• Birthplace: Belleville, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Singer
• Height: 1.92m
• Parent: Christian Ludolph Ebsen Sr., and Frances Ebsen
• Siblings: Vilma Ebsen, Leslie Ebsen, Helga Ebsen, and Norma Ebsen
• Spouse: Ruth Cambridge (m. 1933–1945), Nancy Wolcott McKeown (m. 1945–1985), and Dorothy Knott (m. 1985–2003)
• Children: Elizabeth Ebsen, Alix Ebsen, Susannah Ebsen, Cathy Ebsen, Bonnie Ebsen, Kiersten Ebsen, and Dustin Ebsen
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $6 million

Early Life And Education

Buddy Ebsen was born on April 2, 1908, in Belleville, Illinois, United States. He was raised by his parents, Christian Ludolph Ebsen, Sr., and Frances Ebsen, along with his four siblings: Vilma Ebsen, Leslie Ebsen, Helga Ebsen, and Norma Ebsen. Ebsen graduated from Orlando High School and identified as of white ethnicity and Christian faith.

Career

Ebsen’s career took a significant leap when he signed a contract with MGM studios in the 1930s. During this time, he appeared in numerous films, including Broadway Melody of 1936, Broadway Melody of 1938, Captain January, and Born to Dance.

One of his most memorable roles was intended to be the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. However, an allergic reaction to the aluminum makeup forced him to step down, and the role was given to Ray Bolger. Ebsen was then cast as the Tin Man, a role that showcased his physical performance and iconic song, If I Only Had a Heart.

His television career skyrocketed with his role as Jed Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies, which aired from 1962 to 1971. Ebsen’s portrayal of the backwoods millionaire made him a beloved television icon. He continued his success with the detective series Barnaby Jones, where he played a seasoned private investigator from 1973 to 1980, further cementing his legacy in TV history.

Awards and Nominations

• Golden Boot Awards
• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• St. Louis Walk of Fame
• TV Land Awards
• Photoplay Awards

Social Media

Buddy Ebsen does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Buddy Ebsen was married three times. His first marriage was to Ruth Cambridge in 1933, and they divorced in 1945. Together, they had two daughters: Elizabeth Ebsen and Alix Ebsen.

In 1945, Ebsen married Nancy Wolcott McKeown, and their marriage lasted until 1985. They had five children: Susannah Ebsen, Cathy Ebsen, Bonnie Ebsen, Kiersten Ebsen, and Dustin Ebsen. Ebsen’s third marriage was to Dorothy Knott in 1985, and they remained married until his passing in 2003.

Filmography

• The Wizard of Oz (1939)
• Broadway Melody of 1938 (1938)
• Born to Dance (1936)
• Captain January (1936)
• Banjo on My Knee (1936)

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 2003, Buddy Ebsen had a net worth of $6 million, accumulated through his long-standing career as an actor, dancer, author, and producer. His contributions to stage, screen, and television solidified his status as a versatile and beloved performer.

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