10 Actors Who Almost Died Because Of Intense Method Acting

1. Buddy Ebsen Finds Out He's Allergic To Tin Man Paint; Ends Up Hospitalised For Weeks - The Wizard Of Oz

Undoubtedly one of the most tragic stories to befall a Hollywood actor (like, ever), Buddy Ebsen found himself cast as the Tin Man in the unmistakable musical masterpiece The Wizard Of Oz, before a bizarre turn of events rendered him unable to assume the role - events that almost lead to his untimely death.

In order to play the Tin Man, it was required of Ebsen to go totally method, in the sense that he had to cover himself in Tin Man paint over the course of shooting; certainly not the most comfortable way to earn a paycheck, but one that presumably allowed him to "feel" more like the character he was supposed to be inhabiting. All was going fine, and then - nine days into filming - disaster struck. Ebsen suddenly experienced an allergic reaction to the aluminium dust that comprised much of the Tin Man's costume.

He was rushed to hospital (where he nearly died), and remained there for two weeks, after which he went home and was required to recuperate for the sum of an entire month. As a result, he was replaced in the movie by Jack Haley, thus losing out on playing one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history because of a freak wardrobe malfunction. Aluminium dust! Who'd have thought it? Which of these near-death experiences were worth it? Not Butler's, right? Have your say down in the comments.