Personal Glimpse

By Adelle Jameson Tilton

For more than 75 years, Christian Ebsen, Jr. has been known to the world as Buddy. His father, who owned a dance studio, taught him dance, but Buddy's first love was medicine, and after high school he studied pre-med at the University of Florida. After completing his studies, economics forced him to abandon medical school and he turned to a performing career to make his mark in life.

In 1928, he and his sister Vilma moved to New York where they appeared on stage. One of his first roles was in a production by the legendary Broadway producer, Flo Ziegfeld. In 1936 he made his film debut, along with his sister, in "Broadway Melody of 1936." Other film roles came his way, including one of the most famous roles in film history, that of the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz." He began filming for this film classic, but was forced to leave the production because the silver make-up used in the film caused physical problems. According to some sources, however, his characterization was not left on the cutting room floor and the "Anniversary Edition of The Wizard of Oz," actually contains a dance routine with him in the role, rather than the actor most identified with it, Jack Haley. In a weird twist of fate, he lost two chances at appearing in the film, since originally he was signed to play the Scarecrow, but he and Ray Bolger switched parts because of contractual problems.

After many other film roles, he moved on to television, where he created one of the most memorable characters in television history, Jed Clampett in "The Beverly Hillbillies." He also starred in "Barnaby Jones" and appeared in other productions such as Walt Disney's "Davey Crockett."

Along with performing, Ebsen developed another skill he learned as a child, art. At his mother's insistence, Buddy took art lessons at age ten, and now, following more professional art training, he is viewed as one of America's most successful folk artists.

He also developed his skills as a writer, having written an autobiography, "The Other Side of Oz" as well as several plays. Now he has turned his talents to romance fiction, and his new book, "Kelly's Quest" is helping him, at age 92, to make his mark again, this time in the field of literature.

Interview Part I

Interview Part II

Interview Part III

Personal Profile

"Kelly's Quest" Review