Meet Max Baer Jr., famously known as Jethro Bodine from the hit comedy show, The Beverly Hillbillies. Today, at the age of 84, Max Baer Jr. has left a lasting impression on the hearts of many. But what happened to this legendary actor after the show ended?
The Beverly Hillbillies followed the hilarious adventures of the Clampett family, headed by Jed Clampett (played by Buddy Ebsen), who struck it rich overnight. With their newfound wealth, the family decided to move to the glamorous city of Beverly Hills. However, despite their opulent surroundings, they proudly maintained their hillbilly way of life.
Among the colorful characters in the show, one stood out – Jethro Bodine, played by Max Baer Jr. Jethro was Jed’s cousin Pearl’s son, an endearingly naive and somewhat dim-witted man. His famous “five gozinta five one times, five gozinta ten two times” multiplication routine showcased his unique math skills.
The Beverly Hillbillies became an instant sensation when it premiered in 1962. In fact, it quickly climbed to the No. 1 spot, faster than any other show in television history. Audiences fell in love with the show, which ran for an impressive 11 years, spanning nine seasons and 274 episodes before its cancellation in 1971.
The show received critical acclaim, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for Best TV Show Comedy in 1964, along with four Emmy nominations. Max Baer Jr.’s portrayal of Jethro Bodine brought joy to viewers everywhere. His infectious grin, laughter, and silly expressions made audiences believe in the authenticity of the character.
To perfect his backwoods accent, Max Baer Jr. listened to records by Andy Griffith and Jonathan Winters. Coupled with his perpetually foolish expression, he had fans consistently laughing along with his character.
Max Baer Jr. truly became an iconic figure of American comedy through his portrayal of the country bumpkin, Jethro. The show not only gave him his big break but also endeared him to audiences around the world.
However, life after The Beverly Hillbillies didn’t turn out as expected for Max Baer Jr. Hollywood never seemed willing to let go of the lovable Jethro Bodine, making it hard for Max to transition to other roles. Nevertheless, his contribution to the world of comedy will forever be remembered.
