The Real Reason Nancy Kulp Utterly Hated Buddy Ebsen Finally Revealed
Millions of viewers tuned in during the 1960s to watch The Beverly Hillbillies, a classic sitcom known for its humor and beloved characters. The chemistry among the cast was a key part of the show’s success.
However, behind the scenes, tensions simmered—most notably between Nancy Kulp, who played Miss Jane Hathaway, and Buddy Ebsen, the actor behind Jed Clampett.
The feud between Kulp and Ebsen didn’t ignite during the show’s run but emerged years later, fueled by politics. After The Beverly Hillbillies ended, Kulp shifted her focus to education and politics, eventually running as a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 9th congressional district.
Ebsen, a staunch conservative, publicly opposed her candidacy, creating a rift that reshaped their relationship.
During her campaign, Kulp emphasized education, healthcare, and workers’ rights. Her opponent, Republican Bud Shuster, was a well-established figure with strong support in the rural district. Despite their professional history, Ebsen recorded a radio ad criticizing Kulp’s platform, claiming she was too liberal for the position.
This public denouncement deeply hurt Kulp, who considered it a betrayal. She expressed disappointment in interviews, remarking that she had found Ebsen difficult to work with but would never have taken such actions against him.
Ebsen, for his part, defended his stance, insisting that his opposition was driven by political beliefs rather than personal animosity. He felt it was his duty to endorse the candidate who aligned more closely with his values. Nevertheless, the harsh nature of his public statements drew criticism from fans and industry professionals alike. Many believed Ebsen’s actions crossed a line, turning political differences into personal attacks.
Speculation arose that their clashing ideologies and lifestyles contributed to the tension. Kulp was known for her progressive views and independent spirit, while Ebsen’s traditional, conservative outlook often put them at odds.
Nancy Kulp, born in 1921, was more than just a talented actress. Before entering Hollywood, she earned a degree in journalism and served in the Navy during World War II. Kulp’s sharp wit and distinctive persona made her a natural for character roles, and her portrayal of Miss Jane Hathaway earned her widespread recognition, including an Emmy nomination in 1967.
Outside of acting, Kulp was deeply involved in civic life, eventually teaching drama and acting at Juniata College in Pennsylvania. Her desire to make a difference extended beyond Hollywood, driving her to pursue politics.
Buddy Ebsen, born in 1908, was already a seasoned Hollywood veteran by the time The Beverly Hillbillies premiered. His career spanned decades, from musicals to TV dramas, with his portrayal of Jed Clampett cementing his place in television history. After the show, Ebsen found further success as the star of Barnaby Jones.
Ebsen’s off-screen life was equally rich. He was a writer, sailor, and artist who served in the Coast Guard during World War II. Despite his friendly on-screen persona, Ebsen’s strong opinions occasionally led to conflicts, as seen in his feud with Kulp.
Their working relationship on The Beverly Hillbillies seemed professional at first, but their personalities and values increasingly diverged over time. Kulp’s intellectual demeanor and progressive ideals often contrasted with Ebsen’s more traditional approach.
While their characters entertained millions, the personal feud between Nancy Kulp and Buddy Ebsen remains a poignant reminder that the bonds formed on screen don’t always extend to real life.
