Buddy Ebsen

Buddy Ebsen c. early 1940s, from James E. Wise, Jr. and Anne Collier Rehill, “Stars in Blue: Movie Actors in America’s Sea Services,” Annapolis, Naval Institute Press, 1997, p. 159/U.S. Coast Guard photo

Birth Name: Christian Ludolf Ebsen, Jr.

Date of Birth: April 2, 1908

Place of Birth: Belleville, Illinois, U.S.

Date of Death: July 6, 2003

Place of Death: Torrance, California, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*father – Danish and/or German
*mother – Latvian, likely Baltic German

Buddy Ebsen was an American singer, dancer, author, and actor. His roles included television’s Davy Crockett (1953), The Beverly Hillbillies, and Barnaby Jones, and the films Broadway Melody of 1936, Captain January, They Met in Argentina, Sing Your Worries Away, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Buddy was the son of Frances/Francis/Franciska (Wendt), a painter, and Christian Ludolf Ebsen, a choreographer. His father was Danish and/or German. His mother was Latvian, likely of Baltic German origin. His sister was actress Vilma Ebsen. When he was ten, his family moved to Palm Beach County, Florida, and then to Orlando. He was married to Dorothy Knott, until his death. Buddy had two children with his former wife Ruth Cambridge; and four children, including singer, songwriter, and keyboard player Kiki Ebsen, with his former wife Nancy Wolcott.

Buddy’s paternal grandfather was named Peter Ebsen.

Buddy’s paternal grandmother was named Catharine.

Buddy’s maternal grandfather was named Alexander Wendt.

Buddy’s maternal grandmother was named Wilhelmine Dellent.

Sources: Buddy Ebsen on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Buddy Ebsen on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Marriage record of Buddy’s parents – https://familysearch.org

Buddy’s parents on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org