Max Baer Jr. is best known for his portrayal of Jethro Bodine on the iconic television show “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Premiering in 1962, the show quickly became a massive hit, climbing to the top of the ratings within three weeks, a record-setting pace according to IMDb. It enjoyed a successful run for nine seasons, producing 274 episodes before concluding in 1971.

Early Life

Born in Oakland, California, in 1937, Max Baer Jr. is the son of the legendary boxing champion Max Baer. He honed his southern drawl by emulating the accents of Andy Griffith and Jonathan Winters. After earning a business degree from Santa Clara University, Baer Jr. moved to Los Angeles. There, he landed the role of Jethro Bodine through an open audition, despite having no formal acting training. Baer Jr. embraced the character’s dimwitted persona, famously stating, “They can laugh with or at me. It makes no difference as long as they laugh.”