Max Baer Jr. is an American actor, producer, comedian, and director, best known for his portrayal of Jethro Bodine on the classic television sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, Baer is the son of boxing champion Max Baer and Mary Ellen Sullivan.
Despite the fame he gained from his television role, Baer’s career took a unique path, marked by a mix of challenges and success. He eventually became a successful director and producer, working behind the scenes in Hollywood.
Baer is also known for his ventures outside acting, including his interest in the gambling industry and his unsuccessful attempt to create a “Beverly Hillbillies”-themed hotel and casino.
Max Baer Jr. Bio/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Max Adelbert Baer Jr. |
| Born | December 4, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, USA |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Director, Screenwriter |
| Famous Role | Jethro Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies |
| Parents | Max Baer (Father), Mary Ellen Sullivan (Mother) |
| Height | 6′ 4″ (1.93 m) |
| Spouse | Joanne Kathleen Hill (married 1966–1971, divorced) |
| Children | No children |
| Notable Works | Macon County Line, The Wild McCullochs, Ode to Billy Joe |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
| Education | Santa Clara University (Bachelor’s in Business, minor in Philosophy) |
| Trivia | Son of boxer Max Baer, involved in the development of “Jethro’s” casino |
| Death of Partner | Girlfriend Chere Rhodes died from suicide in 2008 |
| Legacy | Last surviving regular cast member of The Beverly Hillbillies |
Who is Max Baer Jr.?
Max Baer Jr. was born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, to former boxing champion Max Baer and his wife, Mary Ellen Sullivan. He is of mixed German Jewish and Irish descent. Baer’s upbringing was influenced by his boxing heritage, as his paternal grandfather and uncle were also involved in the sport.
Baer had a successful athletic career in his youth, excelling in multiple sports and winning the junior title at the Sacramento Open golf tournament. After completing his education at Santa Clara University with a degree in business administration, Baer served as a medical technician in the U.S. Air Force. His journey into acting was just the beginning of his diversified career in Hollywood.
Max Baer Jr. Early Life and Background
Max Baer Jr. was born into a family with a strong boxing background, as his father, Max Baer Sr., was a former heavyweight champion. Raised in Oakland, California, Baer’s early years were shaped by his family’s sporting legacy. He attended Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, where he was an accomplished athlete, winning multiple awards in various sports.
Baer’s academic pursuits led him to Santa Clara University, where he earned a business degree and a minor in philosophy. His time in the U.S. Air Force as a medical technician also helped shape his character. Baer’s diverse background in sports and education laid the foundation for his later successes in entertainment.
Max Baer Jr. Amazing Career
Baer’s acting career began in the early 1960s with television guest roles on popular shows such as “Maverick,” “Hawaiian Eye,” and “77 Sunset Strip.” However, it was his portrayal of Jethro Bodine on “The Beverly Hillbillies” that launched him to stardom.
The show, which aired from 1962 to 1971, became a cultural phenomenon. After the series ended, Baer struggled to find work in Hollywood due to typecasting. He shifted his focus to behind-the-scenes work and enjoyed success as a director and producer. His 1974 film “Macon County Line” became a massive box-office hit, earning over $35 million on a budget of just $100,000. Baer continued to direct and produce, making a significant impact on Hollywood.
Max Baer Jr. Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 6′ 4″ (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| Build | Muscular, Athletic |
| Hair Color | Brown (graying with age) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Distinct Features | Tall stature, broad shoulders |
| Age (as of 2025) | 87 years old |
Max Baer Jr. Relationship Status
Max Baer Jr. married Joanne Hill in 1966, but their relationship ended in divorce in 1971. After the divorce, Baer was involved in a relationship with model Chere Rhodes, who tragically passed away in 2008. Rhodes, who was 40 years his junior, died by suicide at Baer’s home in Lake Tahoe, leaving Baer devastated.
The circumstances surrounding Rhodes’ death highlighted the personal challenges Baer faced off-screen. Throughout his life, Baer has remained somewhat private about his relationships, but his connection with Rhodes was one of the most public aspects of his personal life in the later years of his career.
Max Baer Jr. Net Worth
Max Baer Jr. has a net worth of approximately $50 million, accumulated through his successful career as an actor, producer, and director. While his role as Jethro Bodine on “The Beverly Hillbillies” brought him widespread fame, it was his work behind the camera that contributed to his significant wealth.
Baer’s 1974 film “Macon County Line” was a massive financial success, earning over $35 million at the box office despite a modest production budget. Baer also made money through his other ventures, including his failed attempt to create a “Beverly Hillbillies”-themed casino. His diversified career, both in front of and behind the camera, has ensured his financial success.
Max Baer Jr. Plans and Goals
Max Baer Jr.’s goals have evolved throughout his career, reflecting his desire to break free from the typecasting he faced after “The Beverly Hillbillies.” While he initially sought to expand his acting career, he soon realized that directing and producing offered more opportunities for creative expression and financial success.
Baer’s goal to make a name for himself outside of television led to the production of films like “Macon County Line” and “Ode to Billy Joe.” Although he has retired from full-time acting, Baer occasionally makes guest appearances and continues to focus on personal ventures, such as his interest in the casino industry and his properties in Lake Tahoe.
Max Baer Jr. on Social Media
| Platform | Details |
| Not active or publicly known for using Instagram | |
| No official verified account | |
| No official verified page | |
| YouTube | No official verified account |
| Other Social Media | Known to keep a low profile on social media |
| Public Presence | Minimal, prefers private life over social media engagement |
Fun Facts about Max Baer Jr.
- Max Baer Jr. is the son of former heavyweight boxing champion Max Baer.
- He attended Santa Clara University, where he earned a business degree and was part of the college boxing team.
- Baer was the last surviving regular cast member of “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
- He produced and directed the hit film “Macon County Line,” which became the highest-grossing film per dollar invested at the time.
- Baer once attempted to create a “Beverly Hillbillies”-themed casino called “Jethro’s.”
- He was a skilled athlete in his youth and twice won the junior title at the Sacramento Open golf tournament.
- Despite being typecast, Baer enjoyed considerable success behind the camera as a producer and director.
Max Baer Jr. Video and Images
Frequently Asked Questions about Max Baer Jr.
1. What is Max Baer Jr.’s most famous role?
Max Baer Jr. is most famous for his role as Jethro Bodine on the television sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
2. What other ventures has Max Baer Jr. been involved in?
In addition to acting, Baer has worked as a director, producer, and screenwriter. He is also known for his unsuccessful attempt to create a “Beverly Hillbillies”-themed casino.
3. Is Max Baer Jr. still acting?
Max Baer Jr. has retired from full-time acting but occasionally makes guest appearances and participates in television retrospectives.
4. What is Max Baer Jr.’s net worth?
Max Baer Jr. has an estimated net worth of $50 million, largely accumulated from his successful career in television and film.
5. What happened to Max Baer Jr.’s wife?
Baer was married to Joanne Hill from 1966 to 1971. He later had a relationship with Chere Rhodes, who tragically passed away in 2008.
Conclusion of Max Baer Jr.
Max Baer Jr.’s career has spanned decades, with his most iconic role as Jethro Bodine on “The Beverly Hillbillies” remaining a defining aspect of his legacy. Despite struggles with typecasting, Baer found success behind the camera, producing and directing financially successful films. His diverse talents and ventures outside acting, including his interest in the gambling industry, further cement his place in Hollywood history. While Baer has remained largely private in recent years, his contributions to television and film continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
