In the world of television comedy, few shows have left such a lasting impact as The Beverly Hillbillies. The story of the Clampett family, led by the lovable Jed Clampett played by Buddy Ebsen, has captivated audiences and become legendary. Today, only one member of the main cast is still with us: Max Baer Jr., the actor who portrayed the unforgettable Jethro Bodine.
The Remarkable Life of Max Baer Jr.
Max Baer Jr. has had a remarkable career, from his unexpected casting in The Beverly Hillbillies to his successful turn as a professional golfer after his acting days. But behind the scenes, there is one aspect of his personal life that sets him apart – he never became a father. And there is a touching reason behind it.
Born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, Max Baer Jr. is the son of boxing legend Max Baer and Mary Ellen Sullivan. Growing up, Baer’s life was influenced by his father’s passion for sports. While he didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps as a boxer, Baer found success as a professional golfer. In fact, he even won the pro-am division in a golf tournament with professional golfer Charlie Sifford in 1968.
From Golf to Acting: Max Baer Jr.’s Journey
Despite his success in golf, Baer saw acting as more of a hobby. His journey in the entertainment industry began with a stage production in England, followed by small 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 truly launched his career.
Baer’s audition for The Beverly Hillbillies was a stroke of luck. With little acting experience, he caught the attention of an executive at Warner Bros. who saw a resemblance to James Garner. Baer signed a one-year contract and embarked on what would become his most iconic role. Though his salary never matched his popularity, Baer’s talent for making people laugh was priceless.
The Unforgettable Jethro Bodine
The success of The Beverly Hillbillies was undeniable, with the show quickly becoming a fan favorite and reaching the No.1 spot in television history just three weeks after its debut. Baer’s portrayal of the naive but lovable Jethro Bodine earned him a special place in the hearts of the American TV public. With each episode, Baer’s main goal was to make people laugh, whether they were laughing with him or at him.
Jethro Bodine became an unforgettable character on the show, with his quirky mannerisms and hilarious quotes. Despite playing the same character for 274 episodes, Baer never grew tired of his role and found it impossible to pick a favorite episode. For him, the fulfillment came from making people laugh and bringing joy to their lives.
Challenges and Personal Triumphs
After The Beverly Hillbillies ended, Baer faced challenges in the industry. Producers struggled to envision him in other roles beyond Jethro. However, he persevered and made guest appearances in various shows. Eventually, Baer expanded his career beyond acting, venturing into producing and directing. His movies, such as Ode to Billie Joe and Macon County Line, enjoyed unexpected success and propelled him into the business world.
While Baer found success in his career, his personal life took a different path. After divorcing his wife Joanne Hill in 1971, Baer never remarried or had children. He revealed that his father’s example as a loving and devoted father made him hesitant to become a parent himself. Max Baer Sr. had set a high standard, and Baer felt he couldn’t live up to it.
A Legacy to Cherish
Through the years, Baer faced personal tragedies as well. His relationship with model Chere Rhodes came to a tragic end when she took her own life in 2008. Despite these challenges, Baer persevered and continued to share his talents with the world.
Looking back on his journey, Baer acknowledges that his family had its share of ups and downs. The Baer legacy saw dreams and aspirations take unexpected turns. Max Baer Sr. wanted to be a prizefighter but became a butcher. Baer himself had hoped to become a lawyer but found success as an actor. The Beverly Hillbillies played a significant role in his career, exposing him to a wide audience and ensuring that his work would always be appreciated.
As the last surviving cast member of The Beverly Hillbillies, Max Baer Jr. cherishes the memories he shared with his co-stars, especially Buddy Ebsen. When news of Ebsen’s failing health reached Baer, he visited him in the hospital alongside their television cousin, Donna Douglas.
A Timeless Legacy
Baer recounts the bittersweet moment when he entered Ebsen’s hospital room and had a heartfelt exchange with his dear friend. It was the last time Baer saw Ebsen alive, etching the memory into his heart as a testament to the cherished times they had on and off-screen. The bond forged during their years on The Beverly Hillbillies will forever be a part of a show beloved by all.
Max Baer Jr. has left an indelible mark on television history as Jethro Bodine, the lovable and simple-minded character from The Beverly Hillbillies. His talent for making people laugh and his commitment to his craft will always be remembered. If you, like many others, enjoyed the show, please share this article with friends and family to celebrate the legacy of Max Baer Jr. and the unforgettable cast of The Beverly Hillbillies on Facebook.
