In the world of Hollywood, where co-stars often share a bond through years of working together, the story of Nancy Kulp and Buddy Ebsen from The Beverly Hillbillies stands out not only for their on-screen chemistry but for the long-standing feud that simmered behind the scenes. Despite sharing countless moments as co-stars, their political differences drove a wedge between them that would spill over into their personal lives, with far-reaching consequences.

The Complicated Relationship Between Nancy Kulp and Buddy Ebsen on The Beverly Hillbillies

On screen, Nancy Kulp and Buddy Ebsen played opposite each other in The Beverly Hillbillies, where Kulp portrayed the prim and proper Jane Hathaway, while Ebsen played the gruff but lovable Jed Clampett. The show was immensely popular, and their on-screen partnership became a beloved part of television history. However, what fans didn’t see was the underlying tension between the two actors.

While they worked side by side for years, Kulp and Ebsen were far from the close friends that their characters might suggest. The root of their discord lay in their vastly different political ideologies. Kulp, who was liberal in her views, often found herself in heated debates with the conservative Ebsen. These political differences were not confined to private discussions but were openly expressed on set, creating an atmosphere of constant friction.

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Watch the video to discover the shocking reason why Nancy Kulp and Buddy Ebsen hated each other!

The Political Battle After The Beverly Hillbillies Ended

Years after The Beverly Hillbillies wrapped up, Nancy Kulp decided to enter the world of politics. She moved back to Pennsylvania with the goal of securing a seat in the United States House of Representatives. As an underdog candidate, Kulp faced an uphill battle. But she never anticipated that her old co-star would become a key figure in undermining her political ambitions.

During Kulp’s 1984 campaign, Buddy Ebsen, despite having no personal ties to Pennsylvania, agreed to record a campaign ad for Kulp’s opponent, Bud Shuster. The ad, which aired during the race, was a sharp attack on Kulp’s political views. Ebsen labeled her as “too liberal” and accused her of using her celebrity status to further her campaign. This intervention by Ebsen marked a significant escalation in their feud, one that Kulp was not prepared for.

Buddy Ebsen’s Betrayal and Its Emotional Impact on Nancy Kulp

For Nancy Kulp, Ebsen’s involvement in her political campaign was nothing short of a betrayal. Her anger wasn’t just rooted in their opposing political beliefs but also in the fact that Ebsen went out of his way to assist her opponent—someone with whom he had no personal or professional connection. Ebsen, born in Illinois and raised in Florida, had no ties to Pennsylvania, yet he chose to involve himself in a race that didn’t concern him.

In multiple interviews after her political defeat, Kulp expressed her frustration with Ebsen. She felt that his interference in her campaign was unnecessary and harmful. She stated that he had “no business” getting involved in the race, and while she did not blame him entirely for her loss, she still considered his actions as a personal attack. This episode would go on to mark a turning point in their relationship, deepening the rift between them.

Nancy Kulp’s Shift to Teaching After Her Political Loss

Despite her political aspirations being dashed, Kulp refused to let the setback define her. Rather than returning to the political arena, she shifted her focus back to a different passion—teaching. She moved away from Pennsylvania to clear her mind, visiting friends in California to reset after the crushing defeat.

Upon returning, she found fulfillment in her role as an artist-in-residence at a small liberal arts college in the state, where she taught acting classes. Kulp’s transition from politics to education was a significant shift in her life, and she poured her energy into inspiring future generations. Although her political dreams had ended, her contributions to the arts continued, reflecting a new chapter in her life.

A Long-Delayed Resolution: The Feud Between Kulp and Ebsen

Despite the painful fallout, the two former co-stars would eventually reconcile, though their relationship never quite returned to what it had been during the The Beverly Hillbillies days. Many years after the show ended, Kulp and Ebsen were said to have made peace, but their bond remained distant. They rarely spoke about each other, and they were never seen together at events or reunions. While the animosity had subsided, the scars of their feud lingered.

Nancy Kulp passed away in 1991 after battling cancer, and her story stands as a poignant reminder of the personal conflicts that can arise even between those who shared memorable moments on screen. Her journey—shaped by political ambitions, personal betrayal, and eventual peace—offers a glimpse into the complex lives of Hollywood stars beyond their public personas.

In the end, the feud between Kulp and Ebsen was more than just a disagreement over politics—it was a saga of personal conviction, betrayal, and eventual reconciliation. Though they never became close friends, their shared history remains an important chapter in the legacy of The Beverly Hillbillies.

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Check out the video for a Season 1 marathon of The Beverly Hillbillies, featuring episodes 1-18 in HD with Buddy Ebsen!