The Iconic Jethro Bodine from "The Beverly Hillbillies": An Update on Max Baer Jr.

 

The Iconic Jethro Bodine from "The Beverly Hillbillies": An Update on Max Baer Jr.

Who could ever forget the legendary character Jethro Bodine from the popular TV show "The Beverly Hillbillies"? Portrayed by Max Baer Jr., this character remains a vivid memory for many fans. Let's take a moment to revisit the actor's life and his journey post "The Beverly Hillbillies".

Born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, Max Baer Jr., today, is an 84-year-old veteran of the American television industry. Despite his deep roots in the boxing world, being the son of boxing great Max Baer, he chose to tread a different path.

Before the limelight found him, Baer Jr. was a graduate with a Bachelor of Business Management degree from Santa Clara University. His initial years in Los Angeles were filled with minor roles in various television series like 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, and Hawaiian Eye.

However, it was the iconic role of Jethro Bodine in "The Beverly Hillbillies" that catapulted Baer Jr. to stardom. As Jethro, Baer Jr. charmed the audience with his naive and borderline dimwitted character, famous for his unique multiplication skills.

"The Beverly Hillbillies," which first aired in 1962, shot up to the top of the TV ratings within just three weeks of its debut. The show continued to entertain audiences for 11 years, spanning nine seasons and 274 episodes, and even secured four Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination for Best TV Comedy in 1964.

Baer Jr.'s authentic performance and chuckle-inducing character brought Jethro Bodine to life. His perfect portrayal of the character left many viewers convinced that Jethro Bodine was more than just fiction.

Despite the success, Baer Jr.'s career faced a rough patch post the end of "The Beverly Hillbillies" in 1971. He was typecast as Jethro, making it difficult for him to find diverse roles. However, instead of succumbing to the industry's pressures, he chose to tread his path, venturing into producing and directing. His directorial ventures, Ode to Billie Joe and Macon County Line, were moderate successes and helped keep his career afloat.

Baer Jr. also made a strategic decision to purchase the rights to "The Beverly Hillbillies" from CBS in 1991, intending to use the show's premise for casinos, amusement parks, restaurants, and even a cosmetics line. However, due to various disputes, these projects never materialized.

In his personal life, Baer Jr. faced his share of ups and downs. His first marriage to Joanne Kathleen Hill in 1966 ended in divorce five years later. A few years later, he met and fell in love with California model Chere Rhodes. Tragically, their relationship ended abruptly when Chere took her life in 2008.

Despite his struggles, Baer Jr. never lost his passion for acting. He once said, "We Baers never turned out the way we had intended... I intended to be a lawyer, and now I’m an actor. My career has benefited greatly from the show."

No matter what transpired before or after "The Beverly Hillbillies", Max Baer Jr. will always be remembered as the terrific actor who made us smile through every episode of the show. Indeed, he continues to hold a special place in our hearts.