Max Baer Jr. (born December 4, 1937) is an American actor, director, and producer who, despite being the son of legendary World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Max Baer, carved out his own iconic legacy as the lovably dimwitted Jethro Bodine on the classic sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies.
From 1962 to 1971, Baer played the handsome, muscle-bound, and comically naive nephew of Jed Clampett. As the “sixth-grade graduate” Jethro, who was always looking for a new career as a “brain surgeon” or “double-naught spy,” his portrayal became one of the most popular and memorable characters in 1960s television. He is the last surviving main cast member of the beloved series.
After The Beverly Hillbillies ended, Max Baer Jr. found himself heavily typecast. He found his greatest post-show success behind the camera, writing, producing, and directing the gritty B-movie drive-in hit, Macon County Line (1974). He also directed the film The Wild McCulloughs (1975) and produced the popular drama Ode to Billy Joe (1976), proving his talents extended far beyond comedy.
