The Political Disparity That Divided 'Beverly Hillbillies' TV Co-Stars Buddy Ebsen and Nancy Kulp

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On The Beverly Hillbillies (CBS, 1962-1971), actress Nancy Kulp (who died of cancer at 69 in 1991), portrayed man-hungry bank secretary Jane Hathaway. On that same series, actor Buddy Ebsen (who died of complications from pneumonia at 95 in 2003) played hillbillie-turned-millionair Jed Clampett. Behind the scenes, however, Kulp and Ebsen were at opposite ends of the political spectrum, and did not get along. Years after The Beverly Hillbillies was canceled, their opposing beliefs would become a detriment to Kulp career-changing move into politics.

A Closer Look at Kulp's Career

Beyond her weekly Emmy-nominated portrayal of Jane Hathaway on The Beverly Hillbillies, Nancy Kulp made several TV appearances including recuring roles on sitcoms like Our Miss Brooks, The Bob Cummings Show, and Sanford & Son. She also made small screen guest spots The Life of Riley, The Red Skelton Show, Petticoat Junction (which, along with Green Acres, was a sister show The Bever Hillbillies), Quantum Leap, and Scarecrow and Mrs. King, among many others.

Kulp also appeared on the big screen, in films such as The Marrying Kind, Sabrina, God Is My Partner, The Parent Trap, and more. Kulp further performed on stage in Broadway production like Mornings at Seven.

Before acting, Kulp was a much-decorated Lieutenant, Junior Grade, in the United States Naval Reserve.

In the later years of her life, Kulp she taught acting and retired to a farm in Connecticut and, later, Palm Springs, where she died passed away.

A Closer Look at Ebsen's Career

Buddy Ebsen commenced his career as a dancer in the late 1920s in a Broadway chorus. He later formed a vaudeville act with his sister Vilma Ebsen, which they later brought to Broadway, and then Hollywood.

The talented siblings soon signed with MGM and appeared in several Eleanor Powell films including Broadway Melody of 1936.

Shortly after, Vilma retired, and Buddy went on to make two more films with Powell. He then went on to dance on screen with Frances Langford, Judy Garland, and Shirley Temple.

In 1938, MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer offered Ebsen an exclusive contract, but he rejected it, against Mayer's warning.

Ebsen was then cast as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, only to change parts with Ray Bolger, who was initially cast as the Tin Man.

Ebsen soon became ill from the aluminum Tin Man make-up, and was replaced by Jack Haley. He returned to the stage, made a few movies, and was then cast in Walt Disney's Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier (1955).

Six years later, Ebsen was cast in his benchmark role of Jed Clampett, followed by another signature part as Barnaby Jones in the popular TV detective series of the same name (CBS, 1972-1980).

The Dividing Issue

Years after The Beverly Hillbillies was canceled, Buddy Ebsen and Nancy Kulp continued their political feud amid her failed run for Congress in Pennsylvania.

As an opponent of the Republican incumbent Bud Shuster in a Republican-dominated district, Kulp was the decided underdog. To her utter surprise, Ebsen contacted the Shuster campaign and volunteered to make a radio campaign ad in which he labeled Kulp as "too liberal."

Subsequently, Kulp lost, garnered 59,449 votes—a mere 33.6% of the ballots cast in the election—to Shuster's 117,203 votes and 66.4%.

Kulp never talked to Ebsen again, and only interacted with him for interviews related to The Beverly Hillbillies.

In his final years, Ebsen expressed remorse for running the radio ad against Kulp, with him he ultimately reconciled if only shortly prior to her demise.