Despite his talent for playing rural characters, it wasn't a great passion of Buddy Ebsen. Television fans will remember the actor as Jed Clampett of The Beverly Hillbillies. It was a role that Clampett embodied and a character that stuck in the memories of viewers everywhere.

However, when Ebsen discussed the character during the show's beginnings, he didn't seem especially thrilled about the role.

"Y'see, I'm a hayseed again," Ebsen said during an interview with The Indianapolis News.

The actor explained that there were a number of downsides to playing a character from the country.

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Buddy Ebsen wasn't interested in joining the cast of The Beverly Hillbillies

"I like to get out of the overalls whenever I can," he said. "And no more buckskins for me, no, sir! In hot weather, you melt in 'em, and in winter, they hang on you like a wet fish. I don't know how the pioneers could stand 'em."

Of course, while Ebsen didn't love rural characters, they certainly adored him. Moreover, Ebsen was a true and honest actor, focusing more on the character instead of the notoriety that came with it. The actor even negotiated a deal with his agent that when presented with a potential role, Ebsen would hear nothing of the salary offered, focusing instead on the role itself.

"We decided that we'd make the part the thing and not the money," he said. "We'd talk about the money later."

Of course, while many saw the lovable man that Ebsen was at his core, the actor maintained that he'd always wanted to play the role of the villain. "There are dirty dog villains and gray villains," he said. "I can do a gray one okay."

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