A beloved character in television history, Max Baer Jr. is best known for playing Jethro Bodine on *The Beverly Hillbillies*.
His legendary role on the popular comedy show, which chronicled the Clampett family’s journey from poverty to newfound fortune, is still carried on by him at the age of 84.
In just three weeks after its 1962 premiere, the show shot to the top of the ratings. Before closing in 1971, it ran for 274 episodes across nine seasons.
Millions of people were won over by Baer’s portrayal of Jethro, a charming but dimwitted figure with a memorable “backwoods” charm.
Despite the popularity of the show, Baer struggled with typecasting because Hollywood mostly associated him with Jethro.
Despite this, he was successful behind the camera, producing and directing small films such as the unexpected hit *Macon County Line*.
Later on, Baer looked into business endeavors, creating theme parks and casinos and purchasing the rights to *The Beverly Hillbillies* brand, but these endeavors ran into legal issues.
Baer embodies the timeless appeal of vintage television and continues to be a symbol of humor and tenacity in the face of personal and professional adversity.
His creations never cease to uplift us by bringing back memories and joy that characterized a heyday of entertainment.
