In the world of television comedy, few shows have left a lasting impact like The Beverly Hillbillies. The story of the Clampett family, led by the lovable Jed Clampett played by Buddy Ebsen, captivated audiences and became legendary. Today, out of the main cast, there is only one member still with us: Max Baer Jr., the actor who brought us the unforgettable character of Jethro Bodine.
Max Baer Jr.: More Than Just Jethro Bodine
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 heartwarming reason behind it.
From Athlete to Actor
Born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, Max Baer Jr. grew up in the shadow of his father’s boxing legacy. Despite not following in his father’s footsteps, Baer found success as a professional golfer. In fact, in 1968, he even won the pro-am division in a golf tournament with professional golfer Charlie Sifford.
However, Baer saw acting as more of a hobby. He started with small roles in television series like 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, and Hawaiian Eye. But it was his role as Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies that truly launched his career.
A Stroke of Luck
Baer’s audition for The Beverly Hillbillies was a stroke of luck that would change his life forever. An executive at Warner Bros. saw a resemblance to James Garner and decided to take a chance on him. With little acting experience, 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 invaluable.
From the Hillbillies to Comedy Icon
The success of The Beverly Hillbillies was undeniable. The show quickly became a fan favorite and reached 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. Baer’s dedication to the role paid off, and he became celebrated as an American comedy icon. 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.
Life After The Beverly Hillbillies
After The Beverly Hillbillies ended, Baer faced challenges in the industry. Producers saw him solely as Jethro and struggled to envision him in other roles. 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.
The Personal Side of Max Baer Jr.
Baer’s personal life took a different path. He married Joanne Hill in 1966, but their union lasted only until 1971. After their divorce, Baer never remarried or had children. He revealed that his father’s example as a father figure made him hesitant to become a parent. Max Baer Sr. had been a loving and devoted father, and Baer felt he couldn’t live up to that standard.
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.
A Lasting Legacy
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 and exposed him to a wide audience, ensuring his work would always be appreciated.
Celebrating the Cast of The Beverly Hillbillies
As the last surviving cast member of The Beverly Hillbillies, Max Baer Jr. cherishes the memories he shared with his co-stars, especially his dear friend Buddy Ebsen. Their bond, forged during their years on the show, will forever be a part of a series beloved by all.
Let’s celebrate the legacy of Max Baer Jr. and the unforgettable cast of The Beverly Hillbillies by sharing this article with friends and family on Facebook. Together, let’s keep the spirit of Jethro Bodine alive and honor the contributions of this beloved comedy icon.
