we're off to see the Wizard page 6

we're off to see the Wizard page 6 by ric Gustafson


At age 30, Buddy Ebsen was hired to play the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. Ray Bolger was hired to play the Tin Woodsman. Bolger wanted to play the Scarecrow instead. Louis Mayer agreed and the two actors switched roles.
Buddy Ebsen was born in 1908 and started dancing when he was young. His father was a dance teacher and Ebsen even learned ballet. In 1928, Ebsen moved to New York City and became a chorus boy in musicals. Ebsen and his sister Vilma worked as a vaudeville act. MGM brought them to California for a screen test. They were hired for the film ' Broadway Melody of 1936'.
After Oz, Ebsen appeared in movies, musicals and comedies during the 1930's and 1940's. Ebsen joined the service and participated in World War II. After the war, he stayed busy with acting. In 1961, Ebsen became Jed Clampett in a show called The Beverly Hillbillies. The show ran from 1961 to 1971. In 1973, Ebsen starred in a detective series called Barnaby Jones. That show ran from 1973 to 1980. Ebsen retired in 1999.
Buddy Ebsen died in 2003.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz FAQ' by David Hogan


Peace and God's blessings. Happy Holidays. Love Ric