The daughter of actor Buddy Ebsen, who lost the role of the Tin Man in 'The Wizard of Oz' to Jack Haley, reveals the horrifying reason behind her father's casting rejection.
"Beverly Hillbillies" star Buddy Ebsen's daughter, Kiki Ebsen, is shedding light on her father's life and legacy in her new one-woman show, "My Buddy: The Other Side of Oz."
Ebsen, who passed away in 2003, was known for his roles in classic films and TV shows such as "Barnaby Jones," "Captain January," and of course, "Beverly Hillbillies."
'Beverly Hillbillies' Star Buddy Ebsen Lost 'The Wizard of Oz' Role for This Horrifying Reason, Daughter Says
However, in a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Kiki Ebsen revealed that her father had been in the running to play the Tin Man in the iconic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz." However, a horrifying reason ultimately led to his casting rejection.
According to Ebsen, her father was initially cast as the Tin Man and even filmed several scenes before MGM decided to replace him with Jack Haley. The reason for this sudden change, she said, was that the silver makeup used on Ebsen caused him to suffer from severe allergic reactions and hallucinations.
'Beverly Hillbillies' Star Buddy Ebsen Lost 'The Wizard of Oz' Role for This Horrifying Reason, Daughter Says
"The silver makeup they used was made with aluminum dust, and my dad had a terrible allergic reaction to it," explained Kiki Ebsen. "His eyes would swell shut, his lips would blister, and he would hallucinate."
The situation became so severe that Ebsen had to be hospitalized, and the production of "The Wizard of Oz" was briefly halted while MGM searched for a replacement Tin Man.
'Beverly Hillbillies' Star Buddy Ebsen Lost 'The Wizard of Oz' Role for This Horrifying Reason, Daughter Says
"It was a heartbreaking experience for my father," said Ebsen. "He had been so excited about playing the Tin Man, and then to have it taken away from him due to a medical condition was devastating."
Despite the disappointment, Ebsen went on to have a successful career in Hollywood, eventually starring in "Beverly Hillbillies" and other beloved TV shows and films.
'Beverly Hillbillies' Star Buddy Ebsen Lost 'The Wizard of Oz' Role for This Horrifying Reason, Daughter Says
"My father never forgot about 'The Wizard of Oz,' but he was able to move on and create a legacy of his own," said Ebsen. "He was a true pioneer in television, and his work will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come."
In her new show, "My Buddy: The Other Side of Oz," Kiki Ebsen shares her father's story and explores the behind-the-scenes details of "The Wizard of Oz" and other classic films that he starred in.
'Beverly Hillbillies' Star Buddy Ebsen Lost 'The Wizard of Oz' Role for This Horrifying Reason, Daughter Says
"I want people to know more about my father than just his role in 'Beverly Hillbillies,'" said Ebsen. "He was a brilliant actor and comedian who made a significant contribution to Hollywood history."
"My Buddy: The Other Side of Oz" is currently being performed in theaters across the United States.
'Beverly Hillbillies' Star Buddy Ebsen Lost 'The Wizard of Oz' Role for This Horrifying Reason, Daughter Says
