Buddy Ebsen began as dancer in the late 20s in a
Broadway Chorus, later formed with his sister
Vilma an Vaudeville act, 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 there
'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 a
exclusive contract in 1938, but Ebsen turned with
offer down. In spite of Meyer's warning, that he
will never get a job in Hollywood again, he was
offered the role of the scarecrow in Wizard of Oz,
The (1939), but Ebsen agreed to change roles
with Ray Bolger, who was planned to be the Tin
Woodman. Ebsen become ill of this make up, so
the role went to 'Jack Healy (I)'. Ebsen returned
to stage, making only a few pictures before he get
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".