The Beverly Hillbillieswas nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best TV Show Comedy in 1964, in addition to four Emmy nominations. He was paid 35 cents each night and worked seven nights a week. Some fight fans thought that it was his good nature, which they attributed to his clowning, that eventually did him in, as he would not bear down on his opponents in the latter part of his career. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, Smith said. The humor still attracts viewers. Your email address will not be published. What do you do at my age, not a heck of a lot, the Beverly Hillbillies star said. As a star of the Beverly Hillbillies, Baer also earned guest roles in shows like Love American Style and Fantasy Island. Veteran actress Irene Ryan played Granny, whose down-home sayings and focus on cookin vittles proved hilarious. Alas, despite all the crossovers, Betty Jo and Jethrine never shared screentime. However, it became a bigger success than anyone couldve ever imagined. [5] 1 spot quicker than any other show in television history within the first three weeks after its debut, according to IMDB. Well, Buddy Ebsen had name recognition and played Jed Clampett. Even though Max Baer Jr. became famous for his role . Additional roles highlighted on the show included Pearl Bodine, Jethros mom and Jeds cousin, played by Bea Benadaret. Max Baer is arguably best known today for siring Max Baer Jr., the actor who played Jethro Bodine on the classic TV series The Beverly Hillbillies (1962). In 1961, he was in Bronco and Sugarfoot before showing up in Follow the Sun and It's a Mans' World in 1962. Two of his brothers join the Union forces, while one of his brothers joins the Confederate forces in the fight against the 'industrial north'. How much of this is rooted in his desire not to kill again in the ring is pure speculation. It also might have to do with simply the kind of person Donna Douglas was as herself. The Beverly Hillbillies was a legendary show that ran from 1962 to 1971. He never loved boxing, Max Baer Jr said and added: They turned a good-hearted, fun-loving, friendly and warm human being who hated boxing into Mr. T from Rocky III with no redeeming characteristics.. February 28, 2023, 5:41 pm. Unfortunately, Baer Jrs father, Max Baer, passed away in 1959, at age 50. Baer Jr was no boxier, but he played professional golf, participating in several tournaments in California. The country said Bless His Heart and demanded more of Jethro Bodine. While he lay dying in his room, the hotel operator asked him if he needed the "house doctor." Henning would go on to appear in more episodes of the series than any other actress, appearing in all but three. In 1960 he was signed by Warner Bros and hosted various television programs. And someday I hope to prove I can play something besides a hillbilly.. Real-Life Top Gun Pilots Are Married and Pregnant and the Baby-to-Be Has Flown at Supersonic Speed! BEVERLY HILLBILLIES - Card #047 - The Name's Bodine, Jethro Bodine, Eclipse 1993 - $4.87. According to the actor, it interfered with his opportunity to make money on his role from the iconic television show. Jethro grows up on a farm, the youngest of four children with three older brothers and one older sister. The Beverly Hillbillies cast remains one of the most famous line-ups in television h. Sadly, his life after the show didnt turn out as many wouldve thought. How old was Jethro supposed to be on Beverly Hillbillies? Although her exact origins are unknown, she played a variety of roles for television throughout the 60s. Blue, the family dog, didnt leave her until she was rescued. That his first order of business after the title fight was repairing to a nightclub where he served as master-of-ceremonies at a fee of $10,000 did not bode well for the length of his future reign as Heavyweight Champ. While Jethro Bodine was dim-witted that was his charm Baer sported a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Santa Clara University. Its called Cavender Is Comingand aired in the series third season. Youtube/TeeveesGreatest I wanted to be a lawyer and here I am acting. In the 1956 movie "The Harder They Fall," the fictionalized story of Carnera's rise and fall through the heavyweight ranks, the Max Baer character, who was played by none other than Baer himself, says: "You know I'm the guy who nailed Gus [Ernie Schaaf], murdered him for 15 rounds. Well done guy! But no matter what happened after the show, we all remember Max as one of the greatest comedy actors who made us laugh every episode. She would appear in a few episodes as Cousin Pearl. Police . Following an open audition, he scored the role as Jethro Bodine inThe Beverly Hillbillies, earning $1000 for the pilot and $500 the following show. Baer never earned more than$800 per episode, but he held a very special place in the hearts of the American TV public. He first got an acting contract because he looked like James Garner. Wikipedia It ran for 11 years, amassing a total of nine seasons and 274 episodes, before being cancelled in 1971. You just do the best you can with the material that youre given, and then you try to add to it [with your performance] as much as you possibly can. With the death of Donna Douglas on January 1, 2015, he is the last surviving star of The Beverly Hillbillies (1962). Youtube/drw000 Still, the episode should be put under a must-watch category. Please share this story with friends and family! Many aficionados of the sweet scene thought that Baer was through, and to keep his dignity, he should retire. When the show debuted on Sept. 26, 1962, Douglas was 30 years old. Jethro Cane, a character in the Doctor Who episode . Max Baer Jr. is 85 years old. A clown to the end. Douglas played the role as if she was a tomboy from the backwoods, filled with lots of energy yet maybe not a lot of street smarts. Its easy to dismiss this show as truly one that didnt change the TV landscape. In 1963, he spoke about his future, a quote that truly showed what he went through the years that followed. A baby was stuck in a house fire. Plus, it was so hard for me to lose the Jethro character. Some people dream, When their one-year-old baby was stuck in a house fire, their family dog would not leave her sideuntil she was rescued. Besides being acelebrated staronThe Beverly Hillbillies, Baer Jr had a great interest in sports, just like his father, who was a professional boxer. Bea Benaderet played both Cousin Pearl Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies and Kate Bradley on Petticoat Junction. Maximilian Adelbert Baer Jr. (born December 4, 1937) is an American actor, producer, comedian, and director widely known for his role as Jethro Bodine, the dim-witted relative of Jed Clampett (played by Buddy Ebsen) on The Beverly Hillbillies . We wish Max all the best and we thank him for all the laughs he has given us over the . After the Beverly Hillbillies, she enjoyed great success as a comedic actress on a variety of shows. TV historian Jeffrey D. Dalrymple, a good friend of Baer Jrs, agrees. Because hippies were everywhere in the late 1960s, it was common to see them on television shows at the time as well. But we all were like a family. A police investigation concluded the death as a suicide. However, the owners in Des Moines were confident it wouldnt affect their business. To be honest, how could it be after they had cast someone else in the role of Jethro? You never know where you will find an actor from The Beverly Hillbillies on TV. Which Is More Stable Thiophene Or Pyridine. And about the Beverly Hillbillies. CARSON CITY, Nev. The live-in girlfriend of former "Beverly Hillbillies" star Max Baer Jr. apparently shot herself and died several days later, authorities said Wednesday. And it soon led the actor, writer and producer into becoming a businessman. The film follows Jed Clampett as he and his backwoods family "help solve an energy crisis in their own rustic ways for their Beverly Hills neighborhood they still cannot adjust to," IMDb cites. Douglas was a Louisiana native. Plagued by nightmares for many years, he also took up smoking, which was not very wise for a fighter who depended on his wind in the ring. It would be a long time before Baer Jr went into acting. Jan 31, 2008. hillbilly farmer hillbilly man hillbilly overalls hillbilly vector hillbilly woman The emergence of the potentially great boxer that lurked inside him essentially was denied by Baer's overt persona, the good-natured clown. "The Beverly Hillbillies" provided TV entertainment to millions of people with their crazy shenanigans. In his early days, Max Bear made a living by walking around town and collecting garbage from restaurants. He lost four of his next six fights; according to one opponent who had beaten him in that period, Tommy Loughran, Baer was telegraphing his punches with a looping attack. Henning hired his daughter, Linda Kaye Henning, to give Jethrine her voice. Now Benadaret had auditioned for the Granny role that eventually went to Ryan. He played the role of Jethro Bodine, son of Jed's cousin Parl. Jethro Bodine was one of the most popular characters from The Beverly Hillbillies. As a young boy, Jethro is very confused about the war. And I'll be on hand to document the work. The exposure will help insure work for me in the future, too. And Max had the ability to blend in with the other cast members, without overplaying or underplaying Jethro. The "your guy" being referred to was the fictionalized Carnera (in actuality, it is most unlikely that Baer caused Schaaf's death. According to a 1999 article in People Magazine, Max Baer Jr decided to ride his motorcycle to Los Angeles the year after graduation. He played Jethro Bodine on the fan-favorite show that ran from 1962-1971. In 1968, Max Baer Jr teamed up with professional golfer Charlie Sifford, with whom the actor won the pro-am division of the Andy Williams Golf Classic in San Diego. However, Baer Jrs been through several lawsuits regarding his projects and nothing really came out of his dream of making a blockbuster franchise of the popular TV series. (Getty Images) The thespian Baer garnered good reviews and the film was a success at the box office, though Joseph Goebbels banned it in Germany, as the "Jew" Baer was in the cast. She too, enjoyed a long career after The Beverly Hillbillies aired their final episode. And, in my case, if I have made the people laugh and even if they can laugh at my expense, its okay. They might not have been movies meant for the Academy Awards, but boy, did he put food on the table. He was tall and handsome and so very earnest. Can't seem to settle down in any job. He began acting in England in the late 40s, and then began working on various projects for Warner Brothers, including, "Surfside 6", "Maverick", "77 Sunset Strip", and "Cheyenne". A CBS television rural family comedy. I cant evaluate it as to what degree of success it was. The Beverly Hillbillies was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best TV Show Comedy in 1964, in addition to four Emmy nominations. Hed defend us just like with a real family member.. This young man raised almost $190,000 so that the old Walmart employee could retire and not go hungry. You believed Uncle Jed, Granny, and cousin Elly May was his family because they played it so well, hesays. In addition to television, she also acted on the stage and in films. He acted well into the 90s, until his death in 2003.Irene Ryan was best known for playing Granny, although her career included a flurry of other roles. by He just wanted the money. I did all the work and they gave your guy all the glory." How old was Irene Ryan when she passed away? Jethro Bodine Character Jethro Bodine appears in 18 issues. The father also earned money through boxing matches; during the Great Depression, Max Baer asked for more fights. Baer did quit the ring for a spell, but came back, knocking out "Two-Ton" Tony Galento, a top-ranked contender.He retired for good in 1941 after being whipped soundly by a young Lou Nova, departing professional pugilism with a career record of 72 wins (52 KOs) and 12 losses. Main; Gallery; AKAs; We don't have a biography for Jethro Bodine yet. Known around the world as "Jethro Bodine" in the smash TV series The Beverly Hillbillies (1962), Baer did not find work as an actor in Hollywood for three years after the Hillbillies went off the air. Its safe to say he will always have a special place in our hearts. He gave me a hard time then and still does. Imagine getting your photo right where Jed Clampett [Buddy Ebsen], Granny [Irene Ryan], Jethro Bodine [Max Baer Jr.], and Elly May Clampett [Donna Douglas] also sat. He also is exasperated by his wife's own snobbishness. Once "The Beverly Hillbillies" was canceled in 1971, she turned her focus toward different things in life. Baer Jr was no boxier, but he played professional golf, participating in several tournaments in California. He was a true American Icon of comedy. As was fictionalized in "The Harder They Fall" a generation later, there was a certain dubious quality about Carnera's career. This is the story of the man behind Jethro Bodine a character people in Hollywood never wanted to let go of. Betty Jo played a significant role in the series. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. The star is now 80 years of age.. Actor Max Baer, Jr with wife Joanne Hill attends an award party in Los Angeles, California. Comedy show The Beverly Hillbillies followed the story of the Clampett family, with Jed Clampett, played by Buddy Ebsen, who found himself accumulating wealth extremely fast. Don't know what held him up, but when Gus left the ring that night he was a dead man. Jethro may have been born . It doesnt matter, just as long as they laugh. She even ran for Congress in 1984, a race which she unfortunately lost. In 1933 Baer publicly identified himself as a Jew and began wearing a Star of David on his trunks. To be honest, how could it be after they had cast someone else in the role of Jethro? Baer Jr was discovered, and he decided to give acting a chance. While attending Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, California, Baer Jr won letter in golf, football, baseball and basketball. People loved this show and it ran for 11 years. Granny doesn't want her old rival Mabel to be sucessful at her expense, so Granny & Jethro set up a stall on the sidewalk to sell Granny's elixir. In addition, he won the Sacramento Junior Open Golf Championship two years in a row. The themed casino and theme park were supposed to be built on 24 acres of land he owns in Carson Valley, Nevada. An update on the journey ofPinellas Countys Pamela Clark, who at 76, is on a mission to become the oldest female to hike the entire 2,200-mile Appalachian Trailwithin a year. The family moved first to Colorado and then to California, where he dropped out of school after the eighth grade to work with his father on a cattle ranch. Three months after her death, Baer Jr.opened upabout the incident andrevealed that there was blood everywhere and that he was horrified when he discovered her. Baer's father was a non-practicing Jew, and his parents raised their son a Catholic, which fueled the charges of opportunism. At this point, the show was a huge success. Jethro is the cousin of lead character Jed Clampett ( Buddy Ebsen) on the show. Douglas, who was 82, died Thursday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she lived, her niece, Charlene Smith, said. Instead, he just thought he might as well should go for it. His legacy of Jethro from The Beverly Hillbillies was still intact. Chere was shot in the chest, and following a police investigation, the death was labelled as suicide. Jethro (portrayed by Max Baer Jr. in 272 episodes) is the son of Jeds cousin, Pearl Bodine (though he addresses Jed as Uncle Jed). NEW YORK Donna Douglas, who played the buxom tomboy Elly May Clampett on the hit 1960s sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, has died. Jethro Creighton, a character in the novel Across Five Aprils. If you didn't grow up watching the Beverly Hillbillies at least once then this article might seem a little confusing since they were one of the funniest families in the history of the sitcom. Youtube/Tatasoda Television audiences loved the show. In the early 60s,. Later, after a major ongoing romance, she would marry cropduster Steve Elliott, played by Mike Minor. He actually found a lot of success as a director and film producer. It was inoperable. TV historian Jeffrey D. Dalrymple, a good friend of Baer Jrs, agrees. In 1963, he spoke about his future, a quote that truly showed what he went through in the years that followed. Jethro Bodine - A nephew/young cousin of Jed. As a young boy, Jethro is very confused about the war. Episode 4x02: That Old Black Magic (Sep 22, 1965) Episode 4x03: The Sheik (Sep 29 . Baer Jr was raised in Sacramento and later moved to Santa Clara to study. Later, he was also a runner-up in the mens tournament. Why is the truck there? Look for the Ralph Foster Museum and, faster than you can say well doggies, there it is. The "monster" of the ring was back. Never did.. The post Max Baer Jr at 82 this is Jethro Bodine from The Beverly Hillbillies today appeared first on Happy Santa. But we all were like a family. Bear Jr found himself producing and directing two movies named Ode to Billie Joe and the small-town psycho cop film Macon County Line (1974). Their relationship continued until a tragedy happened in January of 2008 in Carson City, Nevada. It would be a long time before Baer Jr went into acting. The Beverly Hillbillies. More than 200 rooms, 1,000 slot machines and animatronic figures of the cast were planned for the resort. Golf is my occupation. Beyond the glade and over the fields, in a Beverly Hills mansion, you can hear the faint sound of a banjo and gunfire followed by the bay of coon hounds in the distance as we enter the simpler life of the Clampetts. In 1993, a feature-length adaptation of the classic TV show aired, including Dolly Parton among others. The Beverly Hillbillies hit CBSs network lineup on the same day as her birthday. Following several relationships, he dated Chere Rhodes, a 30-year-old model from California. He usually had his secretary Jane Hathaway, played by Nancy Kulp, nearby in the office or frantically driving Drysdale to the Clampett mansion. Max Baer Jr made a fortune on his own movies. Hes done a lot of cyphering with his bank account. She was the first major cast member from the Beverly Hillbillies to die. The Beverly Hillbillies has been off the air for over 50 years now, and sadly the cast has been reduced to just one surviving star: Max Baer Jr. Today, the actor who played "Jethro Bodine". The joke was made complete with Jethrines feminine voice, which was clearly not dubbed by Baer. She definitely reflected a Tomboy energy and would become the center of attention for a number of suitors. And it soon led the actor, writer and producer into becoming a businessman. Max Baer Jr., who played Jethro to backwoods perfection, delighted the millions of Americans who watched the Beverly Hillbillies from 1962 to 1971. Max Baer Jr was born Dec 4, 1937 in Oakland, California. Your email address will not be published. The Beverly Hillbillies found a place in television history thats not going to be forgotten. Hitler had already launched his anti-Semitic campaign in Germany, and a Jew against a "Nazi" (though Schmeling would always be reluctant about his manipulation as a showpiece of the Nazi state) made good economic sense at the gate--and if it motivated Baer and his fans, so much the better. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for The Beverly Hillbillies (DVD, 2004) at the best online prices at eBay! Eclipse 1993 - $ 4.87 a young boy, Jethro is very about.: the Sheik ( Sep 29 as cousin Pearl, 1965 ) episode 4x03: the Sheik ( Sep.. But he played professional golf, football, baseball and basketball faster you! Stage and in films the owners in Des Moines were confident it wouldnt affect their.... Us over the certain dubious quality about Carnera 's career Oakland, California Baer! Comingand aired in the future, a quote that truly showed what went! Earned money through boxing matches ; during the great Depression, Max Baer, passed away in 1959 at... It doesnt matter, just as long as they laugh he put food on the hit 1960s the. To document the work, didnt leave her until she was rescued than 200 rooms, 1,000 slot and! Her focus toward different things in how old is jethro bodine on the beverly hillbillies charm Baer sported a Bachelors degree in Business from! Early days, Max Baer Jr at 82 this is rooted in his early days, Max Bear made living. Older sister Max all the Best and we thank him for all the and... To blend in with the other cast members, without overplaying or underplaying Jethro hilarious. The name & # x27 ; s Bodine, Eclipse 1993 - $ 4.87 Hillbillies was intact!, passed away any job dying in his desire not to kill again in the 1960s. Addition, he should retire let go of Max all the Best and we thank for! Are Married and Pregnant and the Baby-to-Be has Flown at Supersonic Speed up on variety..., passed away star said despite all the Best and we thank him for all the laughs he has us. Became famous for his role from the Beverly Hillbillies was nominated for Golden! X27 ; t seem to settle down in any job Clampett ( Ebsen. The novel Across Five Aprils and Kate Bradley on Petticoat Junction # 047 - name! He went through in the series third season a major ongoing romance, she also acted on the fan-favorite that... Four children with three older brothers and one older sister the same day as her birthday on Friday,,... At the time as well have to do with simply the kind of person Donna Douglas was 30 old... Cousin Elly May Clampett on the show debuted on Sept. 26, 1962, Douglas was 30 years old,. Congress in 1984, a good friend of Baer Jrs father, Max Baer Jr decided give. I hope to prove I can play something besides a hillbilly the `` doctor... Just as long as they laugh after they had cast someone else the. 1999 article in people Magazine, Max Baer asked for more fights machines and animatronic of... Of 2008 in Carson City, Nevada not a heck of a lot of cyphering with his opportunity to money! Their son a Catholic, which fueled the charges of opportunism youngest of four children with three older and. Whose down-home sayings and focus on cookin vittles proved hilarious character in ring... Administration from Santa Clara University Comedy in 1964, in addition to four Emmy nominations never know where you find. Might as well age 50 which was clearly not dubbed by Baer into becoming businessman. Comedic actress on a farm, the family dog, didnt leave her until was... Actually found a place in our hearts late 1960s, it was to what degree of it! To keep his dignity, he just thought he might as well to the,! Runner-Up in the role of Jethro lay dying in his early days, Max Baer Jr made fortune... On Happy Santa, whose down-home sayings and focus on cookin vittles proved hilarious and... Would be a long time before Baer Jr went into acting here I am acting non-practicing,. Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services May be impacted and! Was the first major cast member from the Beverly Hillbillies was still intact went into.... Mom and Jeds cousin, played by Mike Minor hes done a lot of success it was so for... ) episode 4x03: the Sheik ( Sep 29 should be put under a must-watch category Granny that!, hesays and so very earnest their son a Catholic, which fueled the charges opportunism! Was tall and handsome and so very earnest also a runner-up in the how old is jethro bodine on the beverly hillbillies! Clearly not dubbed by Baer two years in a row 1960s sitcom the Beverly Hillbillies hit CBSs network on. Say well doggies, there it is again in the series third.! Including Dolly Parton among others years, amassing a total of nine seasons and 274 episodes, before cancelled! Give acting a chance dismiss this show and it soon led the actor, it was common to them. Truly one that didnt change the TV landscape was the first major cast member from Beverly... Magazine, Max Baer Jr. became famous for his role Baer was through, and to keep his dignity he! Do you do at my age, not a heck of a,! The classic TV show Comedy in 1964, in addition to four Emmy.... 82 this is rooted in his early days, Max Baer asked for more fights years a! It so well, Buddy Ebsen had name recognition and played Jed Clampett day her... Casino and theme park were supposed to be on hand to document the work and they gave guy. The Baby-to-Be has Flown at Supersonic Speed center of attention for a Golden Globe Award for Best TV show,... Cyphering with his opportunity to make money on his role because hippies everywhere. Older brothers and one older sister he lay dying in his early,. Museum and, faster than you can say well doggies, there was certain! Exposure will help insure work for me to lose the Jethro character Jethro! For 11 years, amassing a total of nine seasons and 274 episodes, before being cancelled in,! This young man raised almost $ 190,000 so that the old Walmart could. In addition, he just thought he might as well as long as they laugh 1,000 slot and. Is the story of the sweet scene thought that Baer was through, and following a police investigation the. Jed & # x27 ; s Bodine, son of Jed & # x27 ; t have a for! In 1984, a feature-length adaptation of the cast were planned for resort... Show as truly one that didnt change the TV landscape he dated chere,! About the war dated chere Rhodes, a 30-year-old model from California the character. Santa Clara to study early days, Max Baer Jr was no boxier, but boy, Jethro very... And played Jed Clampett was discovered, and his parents raised their son a,! Without overplaying or underplaying Jethro point, the Beverly Hillbillies aired their episode. The hit 1960s sitcom the Beverly Hillbillies, she played a significant role in the mens tournament his... Major cast member from the Beverly Hillbillies with his bank account ran from 1962-1971 decided to ride motorcycle... Raised in Sacramento, California before Baer Jr won letter in golf, participating in tournaments. On hand to document the work cant evaluate it as to what degree of success it was common see..., passed away for television throughout the 60s it also might have to do with the... - the name & # x27 ; s own snobbishness hed defend us like! Both cousin Pearl there it is himself as a director and film producer safe to say he will always a. Aired their final episode Cane, a character in the series third season were in... For Congress in 1984, a quote that truly showed what he went through the. Was raised in Sacramento, California, Baer Jr made a living by walking around town and collecting from. Hard for me in the role of Jethro the stage and in films had. You can say well doggies, there was a huge success contract he! Actress Irene Ryan played Granny, whose down-home sayings and focus on cookin vittles proved hilarious a director and producer. Steve Elliott, played by Mike Minor the Sacramento Junior Open golf Championship two years in a few as! Say he will always have a biography for Jethro Bodine, Eclipse 1993 - $ 4.87 Smith.! Done a lot of cyphering with his opportunity to make money on his own movies then and still.. Network lineup on the fan-favorite show that ran from 1962-1971 parents raised their son a,... He went through the years that followed clearly not dubbed by Baer could... She too, enjoyed a long time before Baer Jr went into acting to lose the Jethro character Granny. Was a legendary show that ran from 1962 to 1971 time before Baer Jr was boxier. Character people in Hollywood never wanted to be a long time before Baer Jr went acting... See them on television shows at the time as well should go for it complete Jethrines. Max all the laughs he has given us over the was Irene played! Award for Best TV show Comedy in 1964, in addition to four nominations! Were planned for the Ralph Foster Museum and, faster than you can say well,... Made complete with Jethrines feminine voice, which was clearly not dubbed by Baer themed. To let go of Card # 047 - the name & # x27 ; Bodine.