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Buddy Ebsen began as dancer in the late 20s in a Broadway Chorus. He later formed a Vaudeville act with his sister Vilma, which also appeared on Broadway. In 1935 he and his sister came to Hollywood, where they were signed for the first of MGM's Eleanor Powell movies, Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935). His sister retired from stage and screen shortly after this, while Buddy Ebsen starred in two further MGM movies with Eleanor Powell. His dancing partners were 'Frances Langford' in Born to Dance (1936) and 'Judy Garland' in Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937) -- they were a little bit taller than Shirley Temple, with whom he danced in Captain January (1936). MGM head Louis B. Mayer offered him an exclusive contract in 1938, but Ebsen turned it down. In spite of Mayer's warning that he would never get a job in Hollywood again, he was offered the role of the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (1939). Ebsen agreed to change roles with Ray Bolger, who was cast as the Tin Woodman. Ebsen then became ill from the make-up, however, so the role went to Jack Haley. Ebsen returned to stage, making only a few pictures before he got a role in the Disney production of Davy Crockett. After this, he became a straight actor, who later won more fame in the TV series "The Beverly Hillibillies" and "Barnaby Jones". |
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