Buddy Ebsen

Buddy Ebsen Profile Photo

Characters played by Buddy Ebsen

Jed "JD" Clampett — The Beverly Hillbillies (1962)

Wealthy oil tycoon from the Ozarks adapting to Beverly Hills high society.

Roy Houston — Matt Houston (1982)

Roy Houston is Matt Houston's uncle, played by Buddy Ebsen during the show's third and final season. His role connects him to Matt's family and places him within the later-season supporting cast, although the available plot summary does not specify his investigative activities or individual storylines.

Doc Golightly — Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Doc is Holly's estranged husband, an elderly man from rural Texas who comes to New York to take her back after she ran away. Paul helps reunite them, but Holly explains that their marriage was annulled and refuses to return with Doc, closing that part of her past.

Joshua Cabe — The Daughters of Joshua Cabe (1972)

An aging Wyoming fur trapper who seeks to protect his land and reconnect with his daughters.

Jed Clampett — The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies (1981)

After dividing his fortune between Elly May and Jethro, Jed has returned to his roots and lives in a backwoods cabin in Bug Tussle. When Jane and C.D. arrive seeking the surviving moonshine, he suggests contacting the two younger members of his family in California for any remaining supply.

Vice President Kermit Madigan — The President's Plane Is Missing (1973)

As acting president after Air Force One crashes with President Haines presumed aboard, Madigan must confront rising tensions with China without having been briefed on current foreign policy. He relies on Haines' cabinet and aides for guidance and struggles to prevent a nuclear war amid conflicting advice and doubts about his competence.

Will Lane — Mail Order Bride (1964)

A retired lawman and friend of Lee Carey's dying father, Will is entrusted with the deed to the Montana ranch and the responsibility of keeping it from Lee until he changes his immature ways. He arranges Lee's marriage to Annie, later misjudges Lee's part in the cattle theft, and ultimately helps him recover the herd. He also rides to Kansas City to court Hannah.

George Russel — Davy Crockett and the River Pirates (1956)

Davy's loyal sidekick and friend, accompanies him on all adventures.

George Russel — Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier (1955)

Davy Crockett's best friend and loyal companion. Fights alongside him in the Creek War and frontier settlements. Captured by Creeks, he is rescued through Davy's tomahawk duel. Later joins the Alamo defense, attempts to secure reinforcements from Goliad, and is killed in the final Mexican assault.

Peter Trot — Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937)

Horse caretaker and friend to Sonny, shares adventures with Sally.

Ted Burke — Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935)

A socially confident man who introduces himself to Irene while participating in the surrounding theatrical social world.

Tolliver — Attack (1956)

Platoon Sergeant under Costa who survives the farmhouse ambush. He initially refuses Woodruff's order to arrest Cooney, but ultimately steps forward to shoot the captain alongside the other surviving GIs.

Career Overview

Buddy Ebsen has 83 screen credits in a career dating back to 1935. Their work spans 5 cinematic universes — most prominently Davy Crockett Collection with 6 titles. Signature works include The Beverly Hillbillies, Barnaby Jones, Matt Houston. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
83
Birth Date
1908-04-02
Birth Place
Belleville, Illinois, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 5 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q1001214), public domain (CC0).