Max Baer Jr. is best known for playing Jethro Bodine on the classic television series The Beverly Hillbillies. Premiering in 1962, the show became an instant success, reaching the top of the ratings within weeks and running for nine seasons until 1971.
Born in Oakland, California, in 1937, Baer Jr. was the son of heavyweight boxing champion Max Baer. Though raised far from the South, he developed Jethro’s distinctive drawl by studying performers like Andy Griffith.
After earning a business degree from Santa Clara University, Baer Jr. moved to Los Angeles. With no formal acting training, he landed the role of Jethro through an open audition, embracing the character’s exaggerated humor and charm.
Baer Jr. often said he didn’t mind being laughed at, as long as audiences were entertained. His comedic timing and physical presence helped make Jethro one of the show’s most memorable characters.
After the series ended, Baer Jr. struggled with typecasting, a common challenge for actors from highly successful sitcoms. Determined to move forward, he shifted his focus behind the camera.
He found notable success as a producer and director. His 1974 film Macon County Line became the most profitable independent film of that year, proving his ability beyond acting.
In 1991, Baer Jr. purchased the rights to The Beverly Hillbillies name, hoping to develop themed entertainment ventures. Legal disputes followed, including a lawsuit against CBS, but he remained persistent.
Despite personal ups and downs, Max Baer Jr. remains fondly remembered for Jethro Bodine. His career stands as a mix of television fame, reinvention, and lasting cultural impact.