Max Baer Jr., best known for his role as Jethro Bodine on the popular TV show “The Beverly Hillbillies,” enjoyed immense success during the show’s 11-year run. Born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, he was the son of legendary boxer Max Baer and Mary Ellen Sullivan.

Baer’s journey into acting was somewhat accidental. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Santa Clara University in 1959, he rode his motorcycle to Los Angeles, where he was discovered on the Warner Bros. lot. He took a chance on acting and signed his first one-year contract, despite having no prior experience in the field.

Max Baer Jr. portrayed the lovable and dim-witted Jethro Bodine with an endearing charm that endeared him to audiences. Although he never earned more than $800 per episode, his role as Jethro left an indelible mark in American television history. After the show’s cancellation in 1971, Baer struggled to break away from his iconic character, facing limited acting opportunities.

However, he found success as a producer and director, with “Macon County Line” becoming a highly profitable independent film. Baer also purchased the rights to “The Beverly Hillbillies” name from CBS in 1991, envisioning a themed casino and theme park project in Nevada, although it faced legal challenges and ultimately didn’t materialize.

Max Baer Jr.’s personal life included a marriage to Joanne Kathleen Hill, which ended in divorce in 1971. He later dated Chere Rhodes, a model, until her tragic death in 2008. Baer Jr.’s resilience and dedication to his craft have left a lasting legacy, making him an enduring figure in the hearts of fans.