Best known for his iconic role as Jethro Bodine on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” Max Baer Jr. is a Hollywood legend who has made an indelible mark in television history. While Jethro Bodine remains his most beloved character, what happened to this talented actor and where did life take him after the series?
The Invasion of Max Baer Jr. into acting, was unconventional, to say the least. Although he had no previous acting experience, he decided to take a chance and try his luck in the industry. With unwavering confidence and a pinch of serendipity, he signed his first one-year acting contract.
His early acting career consisted of small roles and television appearances. He appeared on popular shows of the time, including “77 Sunset Strip,” “Maverick,” and “Hawaiian Eye.” Although these roles were modest, they provided him with valuable experience and insight into the world of Hollywood.
However, until Max Baer Jr. landed the role of Jethro Bodine in “The Beverly Hillbillies”, his career really took off. The role was a game-changer and catapulted him to stardom. Baer Jr. his distinctive portrayal of the lovable but dim-witted Jethro endeared him to audiences across America.
Jethro Bodine, the son of Jed’s cousin Pearl, was portrayed by Max Baer Jr. He was a gullible and borderline stupid character who demonstrated his impressive arithmetic skills using the multiplication formula “five goes to five once, five goes to ten twice.”
When The Beverly Hillbillies first aired in 1962, it was a huge hit. In its first three weeks after its premiere, according to IMDB, it climbed to the No. 1 position faster than any other show in television history.
Television viewers adored the program. It ran for 11 years and amassed a total of 9 seasons and 274 episodes before being canceled in 1971.
In 1964, The Beverly Hillbillies received four Emmy nominations in addition to a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Comedy.
When it came to Max’s persona, he had a goofy grin from ear to ear, a laugh that made everyone else laugh, and most of all convinced everyone that Jethro Bodine was the real deal.
Max listened to Andy Griffith and Jonathan Winters CDs to perfect his country dialect. He was able to do this while maintaining a perpetually goofy look on his face that would no doubt make his admirers laugh.
When he played the rustic bumpkin, Jethro, Max Baer Jr. became a true American comedy legend. Additionally, Max’s major breakthrough was made possible by the show.
Sadly, his life after the show didn’t turn out the way many people would have expected. This is the story of the guy who created Jethro Bodine, a Hollywood icon that no one ever wanted to let go.
On December 4, 1937, Max Baer Jr. was born in Oakland, California. His parents are famous fighters, Max Baer and Mary Ellen Sullivan.
Baer Jr. wouldn’t start playing for very long. He played his first acting role in the stage production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Blackpool Pavilion in England in 1949. Later, it was actually just a combination of serendipity, luck, and amazing self-confidence that landed him the job of a lifetime in the Beverly Hillbillies.
Baer Jr. was raised in Sacramento before moving to Santa Clara for his education. He graduated from Santa Clara University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, but a year later found himself in a parking lot in Los Angeles.
A year after graduation, Max Baer Jr. according to a 1999 People magazine article, decided to ride his Harley to Los Angeles. He ended up on the Warner Bros. lot, where a studio official thought he resembled James Garner.
After being identified, Baer Jr. decided to try acting. He soon signed his first one-year contract despite having no acting experience. Instead, he just figured he might as well go for it.
He has been cast in small roles and cameos on television, appearing on shows such as 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, and Hawaiian Eye.
He decided to stay even though his career wasn’t taking off, and soon after landed the best part of his career: a role in a sitcom about a rural, oil-rich family of bumpkins.
After a public audition, he was cast in The Beverly Hillbillies as Jethro Bodine and earned $1,000 for the pilot episode and $500 for subsequent shows.
As we explore the multi-faceted life of Max Baer Jr. beyond Jethro Bodine, we gain insight into the rich tapestry of experiences, challenges, and achievements that define his legacy. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the enduring power of passion, resilience, and adaptability.
Finally, a portrait of Max Baer Jr. Jethro Bodine in “The Beverly Hillbillies” remains a permanent part of television history. However, his life’s journey extends far beyond the iconic figure and includes a diverse range of achievements and endeavors. At age 84, Max Baer Jr. continues to embrace new opportunities and leave her mark on the world in ways that both entertain and inspire.