Max Baer Jr. is best known for his role as Jethro Bodine on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Premiering in 1962, the show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, reaching the top of the ratings within three weeks, a record-setting rise according to IMDb. It ran for nine successful seasons, producing 274 episodes before ending in 1971.

Born in Oakland, California, in 1937, Baer Jr. was the son of legendary boxer Max Baer. He crafted Jethro’s memorable southern drawl by imitating Andy Griffith and Jonathan Winters. After earning a business degree from Santa Clara University, he moved to Los Angeles and landed the role through an open audition, despite having no formal acting training. Fully embracing the character, he famously said, “They can laugh with or at me. It makes no difference as long as they laugh.”

After “The Beverly Hillbillies” ended, Baer Jr. faced heavy typecasting, which made acting roles harder to find. He successfully reinvented himself behind the scenes, becoming a producer and director. His 1974 film “Macon County Line” became the most profitable independent movie of that year.

In 1991, Baer Jr. purchased the rights to “The Beverly Hillbillies” name from CBS, hoping to develop themed casinos and amusement parks. These plans faced major legal challenges, including a lawsuit in 2014, but he continued to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

Despite personal ups and downs, Baer Jr. remains closely associated with Jethro Bodine. Reflecting on his career, he noted, “My career has benefited greatly from the show,” a statement that sums up his enduring legacy in television history.