She Utterly Hated Buddy Ebsen, Now We Know the Reason Why | HO

Sometimes, stories about Hollywood are filled with drama that never made it to the screen. And when it comes to Nancy Kulp and Buddy Ebsen, well, their story is the kind that makes you lean in a little closer. Before The Beverly Hillbillies threw these two into the same spotlight, their lives were already packed with the kind of experiences that could fill entire books. But here’s the thing: what happened before that iconic show really sets the stage for the tension that simmered between them later on.

Nancy Kulp and Buddy Ebsen captured America’s heart as co-stars in the classic television series “The Beverly Hillbillies,” but behind their warm on-screen relationship lay a bitter, little-known rivalry fueled by deep personal and political differences.

For years, audiences wondered about the palpable tension between the two actors, and now we finally understand the real reasons behind Nancy Kulp’s intense dislike of Buddy Ebsen.

Nancy Kulp, born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was far from the typical Hollywood actress. Her childhood was marked by structure and education, influenced heavily by her parents—her mother, a school principal, and her father, a traveling salesman. Early life saw Nancy relocating to Miami, Florida, where she eventually earned a degree in journalism.

She initially pursued a career as a reporter, interviewing high-profile personalities, including Clark Gable and British royalty. However, her path took an unexpected turn with the outbreak of World War II, when she joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, quickly earning the rank of lieutenant.

In contrast, Buddy Ebsen’s journey to Hollywood was entirely different. Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, Buddy initially pursued dancing, performing with his sister Vilma in vaudeville circuits. Struggling to make ends meet, Buddy finally found success on Broadway, paving the way for Hollywood roles.

He danced alongside Shirley Temple and even worked briefly with Walt Disney to animate Mickey Mouse. Yet, his promising career faced a severe setback when cast as the original Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz.” The aluminum dust makeup nearly cost him his life, forcing him to withdraw and focus instead on naval training roles during World War II.

By the time the 1950s arrived, Nancy and Buddy were each carving out distinct careers in Hollywood. Nancy, after a brief stint in journalism and a short-lived marriage, had landed a job at MGM’s publicity department.

Recognized by directors for her unique, sharp-witted style, Nancy transitioned into acting, securing minor yet memorable roles. Her distinctive looks and sharp personality made her perfect for quirky, scene-stealing characters, from comical maids on “I Love Lucy” to sarcastic waitresses on “Maverick.”

Meanwhile, Buddy had established himself as a reliable character actor, excelling in Westerns and dramatic roles, occasionally portraying villains on shows such as “Gunsmoke.” His laid-back charm and fatherly demeanor soon made him a natural choice for Jed Clampett on “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

Their lives collided dramatically when “The Beverly Hillbillies” premiered in the early 1960s, instantly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Nancy portrayed Jane Hathaway, the sharp-witted, bird-watching secretary, while Buddy became iconic as Jed Clampett, the simple yet wise patriarch of the Clampett family. The show was beloved by millions, with both actors excelling in their roles.

However, behind the scenes, their professional chemistry concealed significant personal friction. Buddy and Nancy’s off-screen tension arose primarily from stark political differences. Ebsen was known for conservative, traditional views, while Kulp openly embraced more liberal, progressive stances. This fundamental ideological divide often created conflict, turning their interactions into a quiet battleground.

Colleagues recalled frequent clashes between Nancy and Buddy, marked by heated debates and strong disagreements. Nancy, fiercely intellectual and outspoken, found Buddy’s conservative perspectives difficult to reconcile with her own progressive values. The tension simmered continuously, although both actors maintained professionalism, ensuring audiences never saw their real discord.

The conflict reached its boiling point long after “The Beverly Hillbillies” ended when Nancy decided to run for political office in 1984, aiming for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Pennsylvania. She faced an uphill battle against Bud Shuster, a popular incumbent.

To her shock, Buddy openly opposed her candidacy, even recording radio advertisements supporting her opponent. Nancy viewed Buddy’s actions as a profound betrayal, especially given their long professional relationship. Feeling blindsided, she publicly expressed her anger and disappointment, highlighting that Buddy had no reason to interfere in her campaign.

Despite campaigning vigorously, Nancy lost the election by a significant margin. Though she did not directly blame Buddy for her defeat, the episode left a lasting bitterness between them.

She moved away from politics, shifting her focus toward teaching acting at Juniata College and occasionally performing in theater productions. The peaceful atmosphere at Juniata allowed Nancy to find solace away from Hollywood’s turbulent spotlight.

In later years, Buddy expressed regret for his involvement in Nancy’s political campaign, acknowledging his actions had deepened their personal rift unnecessarily. Unfortunately, by then, the relationship between them had become irreparably strained, with little to no contact afterward.

Nancy continued teaching until her health declined following a cancer diagnosis in 1990. Her community remembered her fondly, admiring her courage, strength, and unwavering dedication to her students and her craft until her passing in 1991.

Buddy continued acting in various roles, most notably in the detective series “Barnaby Jones.” Though he eventually felt regretful about his feud with Nancy, it was too late to mend their fractured relationship fully. He remained active in various creative pursuits, including writing and sailing, maintaining a presence in Hollywood until his death in 2003.

Looking back, the story of Nancy Kulp and Buddy Ebsen is marked by a clash of personalities and ideologies. Though they delivered memorable performances together onscreen, their off-screen tension remained hidden beneath the surface, a testament to their professionalism.

Today, understanding this sad yet fascinating story offers deeper insight into their relationship, revealing why Nancy Kulp, despite her outward composure, found it so challenging to tolerate Buddy Ebsen.