The beloved TV comedy, The Beverly Hillbillies, captivated audiences with its hilarious portrayal of the Clampett family. Starring the talented Buddy Ebsen as millionaire Jed Clampett, the show became a legend in its own right. Today, only one member of the main cast is still alive – Max Baer Jr., who played the lovable character, Jethro Bodine.
At 84 years old, Max Baer Jr. has had a remarkable career. After his acting days, he pursued his passion for golf and became a professional golfer. Although he achieved success in his professional life, Baer never had children. There is a sad reason behind this – he simply never wanted to become a father.
Before diving into his personal life, let’s explore Baer’s early years and career. Born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, Baer is the son of boxing legend Max Baer and Mary Ellen Sullivan. Despite his father’s fame in the boxing world, Baer chose a different path.
Baer had a passion for sports, just like his father. However, instead of pursuing boxing, he became a professional golfer. In 1968, Baer teamed up with professional golfer Charlie Sifford and together, they won the pro-am division of the Andy Williams Golf Classic in San Diego. Although Baer considered golf his occupation, he discovered he had a natural talent for acting.
Baer’s acting journey started with a role in a stage production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears in 1949. It was a happy coincidence, mixed with a bit of luck and self-confidence, that led him to the role of a lifetime in The Beverly Hillbillies.
Raised in Sacramento and later moving to Santa Clara, California, Baer earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Santa Clara University in 1959. However, destiny had other plans for him. In 1960, Baer found himself at the Warner Bros. lot in Los Angeles after riding his motorcycle there. Mistaken for James Garner, an executive discovered him and offered him a chance at acting. Baer, knowing nothing about the craft, took a leap of faith and signed a one-year contract.
Baer’s acting career started with small parts and guest roles in television series like 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, and Hawaiian Eye. However, it was his role as Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies that made him a household name. Although he never earned more than $800 per episode, Baer’s performance garnered a special place in the hearts of American TV viewers. Towards the end of the show, he and his co-stars earned around $4500 per episode.
Reflecting on his role, Baer said, “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.” Baer’s portrayal of Jethro Bodine, the lovable and dim-witted character with a knack for math, was adored by audiences.
The Beverly Hillbillies became an instant hit when it premiered in 1962, quickly rising to the No. 1 spot on television. The show ran for 11 years, with nine seasons and 274 episodes, before ending in 1971. Max Baer Jr.’s character, Jethro, had a profound impact on viewers. His contagious laughter and signature dumbfounded expression brought Jethro Bodine to life.
Despite the series’ success, Baer faced challenges in his acting career after The Beverly Hillbillies ended. Producers often typecast him as Jethro rather than seeing him as Max Baer Jr. himself. However, he managed to secure guest appearances on shows like Love, Fantasy Island, and Murder, She Wrote.
Rather than settle for small roles, Baer took charge of his career and transitioned into producing and directing. He produced and directed two movies, “Ode to Billie Joe” and “Macon County Line,” the latter of which became an unexpected blockbuster, earning him a significant fortune.
In 1991, Baer also purchased the rights to The Beverly Hillbillies name from CBS, further solidifying his legacy as Jethro Bodine. Additionally, he ventured into the casino business, opening the Beverly Hillbillies Gambler Casino in Las Vegas. Although he eventually sold it to new owners, Baer’s entrepreneurial endeavors showcased his ability to adapt and prosper.
While Baer had success in his professional life, his personal life took a different turn. After marrying Joanne Hill in 1966, the couple divorced in 1971. Baer never remarried or had children. The reason, as he explained, was his admiration for his own father. He felt he couldn’t live up to the example set by his loving and dedicated father.
Life has not been without tragedy for Baer. In 2008, he lost his girlfriend, Chere Rhodes, in a tragic incident in Carson City, Nevada. Despite the hardships he has faced, Baer has remained resilient and continued to embrace life with a positive outlook.
Max Baer Jr. will forever be remembered as Jethro Bodine, the character that brought laughter and joy to millions of people. His journey from a motorcycle-riding hopeful to a beloved actor, producer, and director is truly remarkable. The Beverly Hillbillies may have ended, but Baer’s legacy lives on. Share this article with your friends and family who also enjoyed the show!
