The Horrifying Reason Buddy Ebsen Lost the Wizard of Oz Role to Bert Lahr

Buddy Ebsen, known for his role in "The Beverly Hillbillies," was initially cast as the Cowardly Lion in "The Wizard of Oz" but was fired due to a horrifying allergic reaction to the costume.

In a gripping new one-woman show, Kiki Ebsen, the daughter of beloved sitcom star Buddy Ebsen, sheds light on the shocking reason her father lost the iconic role of the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 classic film "The Wizard of Oz."

Buddy Ebsen's casting as the Cowardly Lion was a major coup for MGM, but tragically, the actor suffered a near-fatal allergic reaction to the elaborate lion costume. According to his daughter, Jane Lahr, the costume, made from real lion fur, weighed nearly 100 pounds and was unbearable to wear. "My dad was really tortured by the costume," said Jane. "He couldn't eat. He had to drink his lunch through a straw."

The Horrifying Reason Buddy Ebsen Lost the Wizard of Oz Role to Bert Lahr

Ebsen's ordeal didn't end there. Due to the sweltering 100-degree temperatures on set, Ebsen's lion costume would often make him faint. The heat and discomfort took a toll on his health, leading to an agonizing allergic reaction that forced him to withdraw from the production.

MGM executives were left scrambling to find a replacement and ultimately cast Bert Lahr in the role. Lahr's performance as the Cowardly Lion is considered one of the most iconic in film history, and he received rave reviews for his portrayal. However, Jane Lahr believes that her father would have been equally brilliant. "I think my dad would have been just as good as Bert Lahr," she said. "He had the voice and the talent."

The Horrifying Reason Buddy Ebsen Lost the Wizard of Oz Role to Bert Lahr

Despite the disappointment of losing the role, Buddy Ebsen went on to have a successful career in television and film. He starred in the popular sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies" and appeared in numerous other classic films. However, the experience of losing the Cowardly Lion role always stayed with him.

In a poignant moment, Kiki Ebsen reveals that her father watched "The Wizard of Oz" with her for the first time many years later. As the iconic film played, Buddy Ebsen turned to his daughter and said, "That was pretty good." Kiki Ebsen said that it was the only time she ever saw her father reflect on the role that had eluded him.

The Horrifying Reason Buddy Ebsen Lost the Wizard of Oz Role to Bert Lahr

Through her one-woman show, Kiki Ebsen honors her father's legacy and sheds light on the sacrifices he made in the pursuit of his dreams. Despite the setbacks, Buddy Ebsen's career was filled with moments of joy and triumph, and he left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.