The TV comedy series The Beverly Hillbillies captured the hearts of audiences, following the hilarious adventures of the Clampett family. While most of the main cast members are no longer with us, there is one individual who still brings back memories of this legendary show. Meet Max Baer Jr., the actor behind the lovable Jethro Bodine.
Max Baer Jr. had an incredible career that began with a stroke of luck. Today, at the age of 84, he is not only known for his acting skills but also for his passion for golf. Baer was married once, but never became a father, and there is a poignant reason why.
Born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, Max Baer Jr. is the son of the famous boxer, Max Baer, and Mary Ellen Sullivan. Despite coming from a family of sports enthusiasts, Baer decided to pursue a different path. He found his passion in golf, playing in various tournaments in California. In fact, he even teamed up with professional golfer Charlie Sifford and won the pro-am division of the Andy Williams Golf Classic in San Diego.
While Baer considered golf to be his true calling, it was his talent as an actor that made him a household name. He made his debut in a stage production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and later landed small roles in popular TV shows like 77 Sunset Strip and Maverick. However, his big break came when he auditioned for The Beverly Hillbillies, and the rest is history.
Baer portrayed the hilarious character of Jethro Bodine, Jed Clampett’s quirky cousin. His silly jokes and infectious laugh made viewers fall in love with him. Despite receiving modest pay, never making more than $800 per episode, Baer’s performance left a lasting impression on audiences. Towards the end of the show, his salary increased to about $4500 per episode.
Reflecting on his role, Baer said, “When you play a role like Jethro, it’s for other people to judge because it’s pretty hard to be subjective or objective about yourself. You just do the best you can with the material that you’re given, and then you try to add to it [with your performance] as much as you possibly can. But in the end, it’s the audience who has the final say.”
The Beverly Hillbillies became a massive success, captivating viewers for 11 years and earning several award nominations. While Baer made numerous appearances on other shows after the series ended, he faced challenges breaking away from the Jethro persona. However, he didn’t let that stop him. Baer ventured into producing and directing, and his movies, including “Ode to Billie Joe” and “Macon County Line,” achieved unexpected success.
Despite finding success in the entertainment industry, Baer’s personal life took a different turn. He married and divorced once and never had children. He explained, “I never had any kids because I don’t think I could have been the father that my father was to me.” Baer’s upbringing played a significant role in his decision.
Today, Max Baer Jr. continues to be remembered as Jethro Bodine, a beloved character in TV history. His legacy lives on, and his talent as an actor and golfer will always be fondly remembered.
