Max Baer Jr. is best known for his portrayal of Jethro Bodine on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” but his life after the show has taken many turns. Now 84 years old, Baer left a lasting legacy on television. The comedy series, which premiered in 1962, quickly captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Clampett family’s sudden wealth and move to Beverly Hills. Jed Clampett, played by Buddy Ebsen, and his kin, including the famously naive Jethro Bodine, became household names.
Max Baer Jr. brought Jethro to life with his charmingly dim-witted persona, famous for his comedic arithmetic skills. “The Beverly Hillbillies” soared to the top of the ratings, becoming a cultural phenomenon that lasted nine seasons and 274 episodes. Despite the show’s success and multiple award nominations, including a Golden Globe and four Emmy nominations, Baer struggled to move past his iconic role.
Born in Oakland, California, in 1937, Max Baer Jr. is the son of boxing champion Max Baer and Mary Ellen Sullivan. His path to acting was not straightforward. He dabbled in theater, performing in a production of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” in England in 1949. Baer pursued a degree in business management from Santa Clara University, graduating in 1959. However, his passion for acting led him to Los Angeles, where he was eventually discovered and began his acting career with minor roles in TV shows like “77 Sunset Strip,” “Maverick,” and “Hawaiian Eye.”
Baer’s big break came when he landed the role of Jethro Bodine in “The Beverly Hillbillies” after an open audition. Despite earning only $1,000 for the pilot and $500 for subsequent episodes, his performance left a significant impact on American television audiences. Baer’s portrayal of Jethro was both humorous and endearing, making him a beloved character.
Following the end of “The Beverly Hillbillies” in 1971, Baer found it difficult to secure roles that didn’t typecast him as Jethro. He made guest appearances on shows like “Love,” “Fantasy Island,” and “Murder, She Wrote,” but struggled to break away from his hillbilly image. Turning his focus to behind-the-scenes work, Baer produced and directed films such as “Ode to Billie Joe” and “Macon County Line,” the latter becoming the most profitable indie film of 1974.
Baer also pursued ventures outside of acting. He acquired the rights to use “The Beverly Hillbillies” name for various business enterprises, including casinos, amusement parks, and restaurants. His plans included a themed casino and amusement park in Nevada, although these ambitions faced numerous challenges and legal disputes, particularly with CBS over the rights.
Max Baer Jr.’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. He was married once to Joanne Kathleen Hill, with their marriage ending in divorce in 1971. He later had a relationship with model Chere Rhodes, whose tragic death in 2008 was ruled a suicide.
Despite the difficulties and controversies, Baer remains a significant figure in television history. His performance as Jethro Bodine continues to be cherished by fans of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Baer’s dedication to his craft and his ventures in business demonstrate his resilience and versatility. He may have faced numerous challenges in his career, but Max Baer Jr. has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
4o
