Almost Retired
Although Buddy Ebsen had a successful acting, writing, and music career after “The Beverly Hillbillies” was canceled in the early 1970s, he was considering retirement before the hit show even went on air. He was actually thinking about quitting show business just before the series went into pre-production.
It’s clear that he had a change of heart, and the first episode, named “The Beverly Hillbillies: The Clampetts Strike Oil,” premiered in 1962. The crew finished work on the pilot in December 1961, and there was no stopping after that.
Granny Moses
It's almost impossible to imagine Granny as anyone other than Irene Ryan, but initially, producers were considering experienced actress and voice sensation Bea Benaderet for the role. Astonishingly, they felt that Bea Benaderet was too large and busty to pass convincingly as roadkill-eating Granny Moses.
The seasoned actress didn’t hold a grudge and apparently even recommended Irene Ryan, who was booked instantly after her wonderful screen test. Her audition can be seen as a bonus feature on the DVD extras.
Made to Be a Hillbilly
Lovers of 60’s movies are already familiar with Buddy Ebsen from the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” In the film from 1961, he plays a character very similar to Jed Clampett. Due to his work in the film, Buddy Ebsen was offered the starring role in “The Beverly Hillbillies” one year later.
Ebsen played such a great hic that this time, we didn’t even mind the typecasting. Who else could so wonderfully portray the miner turned millionaire that won over our hearts?
My Levi’s
America just goes nuts for a beautiful blonde in a pair of jeans (also apparent from the successful show “The Dukes of Hazzard”.) At the end of “The Beverly Hillbillies” first season, legendary jean makers Levi-Strauss acknowledged that the gorgeous Elly May was good for business.
In an interview, A brand executive said, “Donna Douglas had done more for the sale of blue jeans in one year than cowboys had done in a hundred.”
Just the Right Name
The show was originally supposed to be called “The Hillbillies of Beverly Hills,” but stringing the whole thing together as “The Beverly Hillbillies” just works a whole lot better. The only place the initial name appears is in the pilot episode. By episode two, the title was changed for the better.
We hope whoever came up with the new title at least got a raise or a promotion! They are definitely a part of the show’s success and should be recognized for their contribution to the history of television.