Nestled in the serene Santa Monica Mountains on a sprawling 36-acre ranch, Buddy Ebsen lived a life filled with joy, family, and purpose. Surrounded by his seven children, Buddy wasn’t just a father—he was a mentor, a storyteller, and a role model. He spent countless hours riding horses, composing heartfelt songs, and instilling in his kids the importance of perseverance. “He taught us that failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the journey,” recalls his daughter, Kiki Ebsen. “He always encouraged us to believe in ourselves, no matter what.”
A Journey Through Hardship and Triumph
Before he became the beloved Jed Clampett from The Beverly Hillbillies, Buddy Ebsen’s path to fame was anything but smooth. Raised in Orlando, Florida, Buddy trained as a dancer at his father’s dance school. But when the Florida land boom collapsed, leaving his family with nothing, Buddy was forced to drop out of college. With nothing but determination in his pocket, he set off for New York City to chase his dreams as a song-and-dance man.
Life in the Big Apple wasn’t easy. Struggling to make ends meet, Buddy faced countless rejections before finally landing enough work to bring his sister, Vilma, to join him. This reunion marked a turning point in his career. Together, they dazzled audiences on the stage of the legendary Ziegfeld Follies and appeared in MGM films. “Dancing wasn’t just his job—it was his passion,” Kiki shares. “For Dad, every step, every twirl, was a celebration of life.”
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From the Tin Man to Television Gold
Buddy’s big break seemed imminent when he was cast as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. However, fate had other plans. The aluminum dust in the body paint caused a severe reaction, leaving him critically ill. “They said it was an allergy, but it wasn’t—it was toxic poisoning,” Kiki reveals. Despite this setback, Buddy refused to give up. He left MGM and ventured into television, eventually striking gold as Jed Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies at the age of 54. Success followed with Barnaby Jones, where he played a seasoned private investigator on a mission to uncover his son’s killer. Money poured in, but Buddy remained grounded. “Dad taught us that wealth doesn’t define you—it’s how hard you work and the values you hold dear,” Kiki says.
A Heart Full of Love
Love played a significant role in Buddy’s life, even in his later years. At the age of 77, after two previous marriages, Buddy found happiness with his third wife, Dorothy. “Dad was truly content with Dorothy by his side,” Kiki shares with Closer. “They traveled together, shared stories, and cherished the wisdom that comes with living a long and fulfilling life.”
Honoring a Legacy Through Music
In her new cabaret-style jazz show, My Buddy, Kiki pays tribute to her father’s life and legacy. Though they didn’t always see eye-to-eye—Buddy wanted her to pursue jazz vocals, while she chose rock music—Kiki now honors his wishes. She fondly remembers the moments they shared, like bottle-feeding baby mice and gazing at the stars when she felt anxious about a piano recital. “He would tell me, ‘We’re just a speck on a speck in the vast universe. Don’t worry—it’s all going to be okay,’” she says. “Dad had a way of making everything feel manageable, reminding us that life’s challenges are part of the journey.”
Kiki’s heart aches for those moments now, but she carries her father’s wisdom with her every day. “I miss him so much, but I’m grateful for the lessons he taught me,” she adds. “He had a way of putting life into perspective, and I’ll always cherish that.”
