Best known for his portrayal of Jethro Bodine on the iconic television series “The Beverly Hillbillies,” Max Baer Jr. has carved out a permanent place in American comedy. His signature humor and memorable lines like “five go into five once, five go into ten twice” continue to resonate with fans and mark him as a beloved figure in entertainment history.
Launched in 1962, this legendary sitcom ran for nine seasons and chronicled the crazy antics of the Clampett family as they moved from a rural upbringing to Beverly Hills while staying true to their hillbilly heritage.
With their goofy but endearing ways, they created quite a stir as they adjusted to their new lives among the wealthy elite. Audiences continue to be drawn to “The Beverly Hillbillies” for its unique blend of humor and honest charm.
Unintentional actor Max Baer Jr. established himself as one of the most popular comedy actors in the country. His journey began in 1959 when he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Santa Clara University.
He decided to go on a motorcycle trip that took him to an LA parking lot. A studio executive noticed his good looks and charisma, thought he looked like James Garner and encouraged him to join the company.
Thus began Max’s acting career, which culminated in his immortalization as Jethro Bodine, the mathematically gifted son of Jed and cousin Pearl, in the hit comedy The Beverly Hillbillies.
Max’s career took a sharp turn when he auditioned for the role of Jethro Bodine. His early credits included cameos in films and television series, including Hawaiian Eye, Maverick ,and 77 Sunset Strip.
Despite the few opportunities, Max persevered and threw himself into every position he took.
When asked about his experience playing Jethro Bodine, Max admitted that it was difficult to be objective about himself. He left it up to the audience to judge whether they liked his performance or not, content to show what he could do with the material provided.
Max Baer Jr., enjoyed the goodwill and admiration of both his teammates and fans. Although he was only paid $800 per episode, his sincere desire to make others laugh was never driven by money.
Whether they laughed at him or with him, he did not mind entertaining his audience; as long as they laughed at his performance, he was satisfied.
The sitcom’s Elly May Clampett, played by Donna Douglas, has spoken highly of her character’s relevance. Acknowledging his skills and his gentle nature, she pointed out that he consistently maintained cordial relations with each member of the group.
After The Beverly Hillbillies closed, Max had trouble finding work because he was always associated with Jethro. Still, he persevered enough to focus on directing and producing films, which helped him make the critically acclaimed Macon County Line in 1974.
He was able to invest in businesses using various aspects of the show, including casinos, theme parks, restaurants, and cosmetics, because of the huge profits from this film. But a series of legal battles with CBS prevented him from fully achieving his goals.
In 1996, Max married Joanne Kathleen, but their union lasted only five years. However, tragedy struck in 2008 when his 30-year-old lover, Chere Rhodes, allegedly shot herself in the chest. Since then, he has been linked to a number of romantic relationships.
Max has brought us joy and entertainment for many years and we cherish the many hours of laughter he shared. Max’s lively personality, full of insightful anecdotes and funny incidents, always lifted our spirits. We send him our warmest regards as he embarks on new adventures in life.
Max Baer Jr., the beloved actor best known for his portrayal of Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies, has woven himself into the fabric of classic American comedy. His charm and wit, encapsulated in iconic lines like “five go into five once, five go into ten twice”, continue to resonate with audiences.
His journey began unexpectedly after a chance meeting in a parking lot in Los Angeles when he went from a business management graduate to a famous Hollywood figure. His career skyrocketed when he took on the role of Jethro Bodine and showcased his talent and comedic talent throughout the show’s nine seasons.
Devotion to Max Baer Jr. his dedication to his craft and his enduring commitment to making audiences laugh were evident throughout his career, even when he was mostly associated with his beloved character. Despite this connection, he ventured into directing and producing, contributing to the success of the critically acclaimed “Macon County Line.”
However, his journey was not without obstacles, he faced legal disputes that hindered his professional aspirations. In addition to the glitz of Hollywood, Max experienced personal setbacks, various chapters of his life were marked by relationships and tragic losses.
Yet his contributions to entertainment and his ability to bring joy to countless lives remain a lasting legacy. Max’s bubbly personality full of anecdotes and humor was a source of delight for many. We wish him continued happiness and success from the bottom of our hearts as he steps forward into new adventures.