Famous for his role as Jethro Bodine in the iconic TV sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies,” Max Baer Jr. has had an interesting and varied life. Baer, whose parents were boxing great Max Baer and Mary Ellen Sullivan, had a successful acting career that spanned several decades. He also dabbled in producing and directing. Baer was born on December 4, 1937.

Playing the endearing Jethro Bodine in “The Beverly Hillbillies” was Baer’s big break. Despite the show’s massive success, Baer did not make a ton of money at first; the actors only got a little paycheck per episode. After the series ended in 1971, Baer dabbled in filmmaking, which yielded hits like “Ode to Billie Joe” and the unexpected hit “Macon County Line.”

In addition to his work in show business, Baer also started a casino in Las Vegas called the Beverly Hillbillies Gambler, which he sold to other people. From 1966 to 1971, he was married to Joanne Hill; they were childless during that time. Baer’s adoration for his own father and the perceived difficulties of living up to such a parental figure impacted his decision not to become a father.

Baer was unmarried after his divorce and suffered a personal loss in 2008 when his girlfriend Chere Rhodes died suddenly. As he reflected on his family’s past, Baer admitted that their dreams had unexpected turns, saying, “We Baers never wound up exactly the way we hoped we would.”

Max Baer Jr. overcame obstacles to become famous for his eleven-year role as the beloved character Jethro Bodine on “The Beverly Hillbillies.”