Jethro Bodine from The Beverly Hillbillies is Max Baer Jr.’s most well-known role. But what became of this legend after the series? Today, at 84 years old, Max Baer Jr. continues to capture our hearts. Let’s delve into the tale of this Hollywood icon that no one ever wanted to let go of.
The Comedy and Success of The Beverly Hillbillies
The comedy program, The Beverly Hillbillies, centered around the Clampett family, particularly Jed Clampett, played by Buddy Ebsen, who found himself quickly amassing wealth. Jed decided to move the family to Beverly Hills, California, while continuing to live their hillbilly lifestyle. And that’s where Max Baer Jr.’s character, Jethro Bodine, came into the picture.
The Man Behind the Silly Grin
Max Baer Jr. brought Jethro Bodine to life with his silly grin, infectious laugh, and convincing portrayal of a country bumpkin. He practiced his rural accent by listening to Andy Griffith and Jonathan Winters records and perfected the perpetually stupid expression on his face that made fans laugh.
Jethro Bodine became a true American comedy legend, and Max Baer Jr.’s major breakthrough was made possible by the show. However, life didn’t unfold as many expected for him after the series came to an end.
The Journey of Max Baer Jr.
Born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, Max Baer Jr. had renowned boxer Max Baer and Mary Ellen Sullivan as his parents. Despite his career not taking off immediately, Baer Jr. made the decision to keep going. Soon after, he landed the role that would define his career: Jethro Bodine, a lovable character in a sitcom about an oil-rich country bumpkin family.
During the show, Baer Jr. earned $1000 for the pilot episode and $500 for each subsequent episode. He immersed himself in the role, leaving the judgment of his performance to the audience.
Max Baer Jr. Today: A Life Outside Entertainment
Max Baer Jr. has since stepped away from the entertainment industry. For the past few years, the 85-year-old has been leading a quiet life in Tahoe. Not much is known about his activities or his state of health, but one thing is for sure—he is doing remarkably well for an 85-year-old!
In a recent interview on the YouTube page for Las Vegas Real Estate, Baer Jr. was interviewed in his Tahoe home. Judging from the images, Max still maintains good physical and mental health.
Remembering Max Baer Jr.
No matter what happened before or after the show, Max Baer Jr. will forever hold a special place in our hearts. As the great actor who brought Jethro Bodine to life, he made us laugh in pretty much every single episode of The Beverly Hillbillies. Let’s cherish the memories of this comedy legend and share his story with our friends and family!
