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, captivated audiences and became legendary. Today, only one member of the main cast is still with us: Max Baer Jr., the actor who portrayed the unforgettable Jethro Bodine.
Max Baer Jr. has had a remarkable career, from 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.
The Journey of Max Baer Jr.
Born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, Max Baer Jr. grew up in the shadow of his father, boxing legend Max Baer. While Max Baer Jr. did not follow in his father’s footsteps as a boxer, he found success in the world of professional golf. In fact, he even won the pro-am division in a golf tournament with professional golfer Charlie Sifford in 1968.
Despite his success in golf, Baer saw acting as more of a hobby. His journey in the entertainment industry began with 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.
From Hobby to Iconic Role
Baer’s audition for The Beverly Hillbillies was a stroke of luck. He caught the attention of an executive at Warner Bros. who saw a resemblance to James Garner. With little acting experience, Baer signed a one-year contract and embarked on what would become his most iconic role. Though his early episodes earned him $1,000 and later episodes $500, Baer’s talent for making people laugh was priceless.
The success of The Beverly Hillbillies was undeniable. It 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, even though his salary never matched his popularity. With each episode, Baer’s main goal was to make people laugh, whether they were laughing with him or at him.
The Unforgettable Jethro Bodine
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.
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.
A Personal Decision
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 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.
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.
Cherishing Memories
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.
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.
A Lasting Legacy
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 your friends and family on Facebook to celebrate the enduring legacy of Max Baer Jr. and the unforgettable cast of The Beverly Hillbillies!
