Buddy Ebsen believed classic TV viewers needed a father figure
The Beverly Hillbillies was one of those series that critics loved to hate, but fans flocked to it. Most TV critics at the time thought the series was too dumb for television. But according to Beverly Hillbillies star Buddy Ebsen, who played Jed Clampett, that was far from the truth.
According to a 1966 interview with Democrat and Chronicle, many bad reviews of the series were published by critics and other outlets. One read: "The worst trash that ever insulted the public intelligence."
However, if you had asked Ebsen, his answer would have been much different.
As the steady head of the Clampett household, he believed the series' success stemmed from the country's love and respect for the Clampett family, as if they were their own. Plus, he said, he made a great TV dad people could relate to.
"The whole world is looking for a father figure, and old Jed Clampett is just that," Ebsen said. "Our success is the same as that of Bonanza and 'Papa' Cartwright has the same sort of appeal. Their families love and respect them."
According to the interview, off screen, Ebsen exuded the same strong-mindedness, love, and devotion as his on-screen character, making them one and the same. He said people needed a father figure at the time, and he saw the value in providing that to the thousands of fans who tuned in each week.
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"Today, there are more people looking for a daddy than ever before," Ebsen said. "Jed Clampett is a good father, not just for the characters on the show, but for a lot of people who watch regularly. He fulfills a need."
When producer Paul Henning first reached out to Ebsen about the part, Ebsen said he was hesitant. He wasn't sure that a show about a group of "hillbillies" in a fancy city like Beverly Hills would be the right one for people to connect with.
He said he would only take the role if his character had some control and a part that could resonate with fans.
"The scripts had everybody but Jed getting the laughs," Ebsen said. "It was the kind of character that could get lost in the action. But I decided to go ahead with the part on faith—if it was clear that Jed had control of the millions of dollars at all times."
Ebsen's foresight was a major reason for the series' success. He realized television could feature multiple types of fathers, not just those like the bumbling Dagwood Bumstead.
"I don't think they're going to tamper with success," Ebsen said. "We've never been out of the top 10 and, with a little luck, maybe we can stay up there for a few more years—no matter what critics say."