Buddy Ebsen's remarkable journey in the world of entertainment commenced at the tender age of seven, when he embarked on dance lessons at the renowned Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri. This iconic institution played a pivotal role in his early development, as he had the privilege of crossing paths with the charismatic entertainer Jack Haley, who would later become a significant figure in his life.
Haley's influence proved instrumental in Ebsen's transition to the bright lights of Hollywood, where he secured his first professional gig as "Mickey" in seven installments of the popular Spanky and Our Gang series. As a teenager, Ebsen's talents continued to flourish, as he was cast as one of six bellhops in the popular live radio advertisements for Phillip Morris cigarettes.
By the time he reached the age of 18, Ebsen was already sharing the stage with the legendary Mae West, a testament to his rapid ascent in the entertainment industry. During his time under contract with MGM, Ebsen had the unique experience of attending school alongside two of his future colleagues, the incomparable Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.
It was Judy Garland who extended an olive branch to Ebsen, offering him a role in the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, in which he would go on to work closely with her during the production.
