All About “The Beverly Hillbillies” Star Buddy Ebsen’s 7 Children

Buddy Ebsen, the beloved actor renowned for his iconic role as Jed Clampett in the classic television series *The Beverly Hillbillies*, had a profound impact on the lives of his seven children, fostering both their personal and professional growth. Ebsen’s family, which included six daughters and one son, were raised in relative seclusion, away from the often tumultuous glare of Hollywood.

Ebsen, who also starred in *Barnaby Jones*, began his career as a dancer and performer in New York City during the 1930s. His first marriage was to Ruth Cambridge in 1933, with whom he had two daughters, Elizabeth and Alix. Following their divorce, Ebsen served in the Coast Guard during the Second World War, where he met his second wife, Nancy Wolcott. They married in 1945 and welcomed five more children: Susannah, Catherine, Bonnie, Kiersten, and Dustin. The family eventually saw Ebsen remarry for a third time in 1985, to Dorothy Knotts.

Throughout his varied career, Ebsen worked diligently to shield his family from the fame that surrounded him. Raising his children on a sprawling ranch in Southern California, he sought to instill a sense of normalcy in their lives. Kiki Ebsen, one of his daughters, explained, “When we first started watching our father on television, we thought that’s what dads did.” She added that their upbringing was distinctly unglamorous, contrary to the glitzy lifestyle often associated with Hollywood.

The 1960s and 1970s saw Ebsen rise to prominence, yet he maintained a commitment to his family’s privacy. The Ebsens lived for a time on Balboa Island and then in the Santa Monica Mountains, where Kiki noted, “We didn’t grow up at Hollywood parties. Our childhood was very normal.” Despite his promising career, Ebsen was often away filming, which further distanced his children from the world of celebrity.

With a passion for horses and ranch life, Ebsen influenced his daughters to pursue equestrian careers. His eldest daughter, Cathy Ebsen, described the special bond they shared over horses, stating, “My sisters Bonnie, Kiki and I were just crazy about horses.” Kiki went on to establish an equine therapy nonprofit, The Healing Equine Ranch, on the family property, while Bonnie founded T.H.E. Ranch in Arizona, focusing on therapy and horsemanship. Cathy’s career was likewise centred around horses, leading to her role as a renowned show horsewoman and executive director of Rancho Del Sueno.

Notably, two of Ebsen’s children ventured into the entertainment industry, inspired by their father’s illustrious career. Bonnie Ebsen gained recognition as an actress, appearing in several television shows and films, including her father’s *Barnaby Jones*. Later in life, she shifted her focus to writing and founded an equine therapy ranch. Ebsen’s only son, Dustin, took a different path, establishing himself as an editor and engineer behind the scenes in Hollywood, working on projects including *Seinfeld* and *Cheers*.

In a loving tribute to their father, Kiki and Dustin collaborated to create a one-woman show called *To Dad With Love: A Tribute to Buddy Ebsen*. The production delves into Ebsen’s life story and legacy, showcasing his impact on their lives through personal anecdotes and cherished memories. Kiki also developed a cabaret-style concert, *My Buddy, The Other Side of Oz*, honouring Ebsen’s contributions to entertainment.

Cathy Ebsen, inspired by her father’s commitment to community and service, co-founded the Arson Watch organisation, which focuses on wildfire prevention in California. The organisation is still active today, continuing its vital work in supporting local emergency services. Moreover, she initiated her own theatre company, showcasing her father’s influence in both her creative pursuits and civic engagement.

Buddy Ebsen’s legacy is not only defined by his performances on screen but also by the indelible mark he left on his children, guiding them towards their passions while striving to maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives. His influence resonates through their varied pursuits, crafting a narrative that underscores the significance of family, love, and shared aspirations.