Maximilian Adelbert Baer Jr., born on December 4, 1937, is a multi-talented American icon. Best known for his role as the lovable Jethro Bodine in the 1962 TV series “The Beverly Hillbillies,” Baer Jr. has left an indelible mark in Hollywood. His portrayal of Jethro, the dim-witted cousin of Jed Clampett (played by Buddy Ebsen), won hearts across America, making him a household name. Interestingly, Baer Jr. is the son of the famous boxer Max Baer, a legacy that set high expectations for him. Remarkably, he succeeded in carving out his unique niche in the entertainment industry.

Throughout his three-decade-long career, Baer Jr. demonstrated remarkable versatility in various roles, both in movies and TV shows. Additionally, he proved his mettle as a producer, comedian, and director, showcasing a range of skills that went beyond acting. Despite retiring from acting in 1991 at the age of 54, his entrepreneurial spirit remained undimmed. Baer Jr.’s journey in Hollywood is a testament to his enduring talent and adaptability, making him a revered figure in the entertainment world.

Discover the fascinating life of this iconic actor. Explore his biography, wiki, age, height, notable movies, awards, family background including parents, wife, children, and siblings. Uncover his impressive net worth and find out what he’s up to now. Dive into the world of Max Baer Jr. and be captivated by his extraordinary journey.

Who is Max Baer Jr.?

Max Baer Jr., a multi-talented personality in the American entertainment industry, has made significant contributions as an actor, comedian, director, and producer. He actively worked in the film industry from 1960 to 1991, establishing his own identity separate from his famous boxer father, Max Baer.

Biography/Wiki

Max Baer Jr. Early Life, Parents, Siblings, Education

Maximilian Adalbert Baer Jr., born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, comes from a diverse heritage. His father, Max Baer Sr., a German Jewish descendant, was a celebrated boxer and former world heavyweight champion (1934-1935). His mother, Mary Ellen Sullivan, had Scots-Irish roots. Max Jr. grew up with a younger brother, James Manny Baer, and a sister, Maude Baer. Tragically, James passed away in 2009.

Interestingly, Max Jr.’s uncle, Buddy Baer, also excelled in boxing. Meanwhile, Max Sr. ventured into acting, appearing in various films and TV shows. However, he sadly passed away in 1959 due to a heart attack. In his honor, parks in Livermore and Sacramento bear his name, and the Max Baer Heart Fund continues his legacy.

Furthermore, Max Jr. attended Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento. There, he showcased his athletic skills, excelling in four sports and winning the junior title at the Sacramento Open golf tournament twice. Subsequently, he graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in business administration and a minor in philosophy.

Max Baer Jr. Girlfriend, Wife, Children, Personal Life

Max Baer Jr.’s personal life has seen its fair share of relationships and complexities. He married Joanne Kathleen Hill on July 30, 1966. However, their marriage ended in separation after five years in 1971, and the reason for their separation remains undisclosed. Joanne Hill is an actress with an estimated net worth of around $9 million. They did not have any children together, and neither Max nor Joanne remarried following their separation.

Subsequently, Max Baer Jr. entered into a relationship with actress Victoria Principal. Victoria is a well-known Japanese-American actress famous for her portrayal of Pamela Barnes Ewing in the television series Dallas for nine years. Max and Victoria dated for a period of time, but their relationship took a negative turn when Max Jr. allegedly slapped her. At the time, he denied the accusation, but after 35 years, in 2005, Max admitted to the incident. He claimed that Victoria was behaving inappropriately and that she deserved the slap. Furthermore, Max Baer Jr. expressed no remorse for his actions.

Additionally, Max had a long-term relationship with model Chere Rhodes. Tragically, Chere Rhodes took her own life at the age of 30, and the reasons behind her decision remain unknown. She died from a self-inflicted gunshot. The police discovered a note indicating relationship problems, but Max Baer Jr. has not publicly commented on the matter. Following this relationship, there have been no rumors or reports regarding Max Baer Jr.’s involvement with any other women.

Max Baer Movies and TV Shows

Max Baer Jr., part of an acting lineage, commenced his career at age 12 in 1949 with a Blackpool Pavilion production, officially launching in 1960. He showcased his talents across 18 television series and films, captivating audiences in 10 different shows, each with IMDb ratings of 7 or higher, within 1960 to 1962. These included Maverick, Surfside 6, Hawaiian Eye, and 77 Sunset Strip, with multiple episode appearances. His adult debut in Maverick in 1957 also offered the opportunity to work alongside renowned actors like Jack Kelly, James Garner, and Roger Moore.

In 1962, Max landed the character of Jethro Bodine in the immensely popular Beverly Hillbillies, marking his breakthrough. The comedy series, helmed by Paul Henning, had Max deliver an unforgettable portrayal of the dim-witted Jethro across 253 episodes from 1962 to 1971, a first in his career.

Transitioning into production, Max Baer Jr.’s debut was the TV movie, Two for the Money, in 1972, directed by Bernard L. Kowalski. He didn’t stop at producing; he also directed several drama films and independent films, including Macon County Line in 1974, where he also played Deputy Reed Morgan.

Post-Acting Activities

After his appearances in Murder, She Wrote as Johnny Wheeler and state trooper Boone Willoughby in 1989 and 1991 respectively, Max Baer Jr.’s acting career seemed to come to a close.

In 1985, Max Baer Jr. shifted his focus towards the gambling industry. Leveraging his iconic role as Jethro from The Beverly Hillbillies, he obtained sublicensing rights from the show’s creators. Acquiring the rights and developing ideas for this venture reportedly cost nearly US$1 million, according to his business partner. After 14 years of careful observation and planning, Max Baer Jr. introduced sixty-five Beverly Hillbillies slot machines in 1999, placing them in 10 casinos. Over the years, the business faced its fair share of ups and downs, with fluctuations in its success and profitability continuing until 2014.

Max Baer Jr. Net Worth, Awards

Max Baer Jr. has amassed significant wealth throughout his career, which spans almost four decades and includes acting, directing, producing, and business ventures in the hotel and gambling industries. His current estimated net worth is approximately $50-60 million. He has worked as a screenwriter, actor, film producer, and film director, showcasing his versatility and talent across multiple roles.

While Max Baer Jr. may not have received numerous awards, he did receive the TV Land Award for Favorite Fish Out of Water in 2004. This award recognized his portrayal of Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies, a role that remains one of his most memorable contributions to television.

Interesting Trivia on Max Baer Jr.

• Max Baer Jr. was a good friend of Frank Buddy Ebsen, the famous American actor. However, he passed away in 2003. Buddy was Max’s acting mentor too. He also appeared in the episode for Buddy Ebsen in Biography as an interviewee in 2005.
• Max is the surrogate nephew of Buddy Ebsen. In 1962, he revealed his close relationship with Ebsen.
• After the sad demise of Donna Douglas in 2015, Max Baer is the only living regular cast from The Beverly Hillibilles.
• He is the uncle of American actress, model, and exotic dancer Amy Lynn Baxter.
• Max Bear got his breakthrough character quite surprisingly. He drove his roommate for this audition and then himself auditioned for Jethro’s role.
• In Macon County Line, Max did acting, directing, and producing. Later, he told if this movie won’t be successful, he have to sell door to door.
• Max once mentioned that he does 300 to 400 crunches every day.

Body Measurements, Height, Weight, Size

Max Baer Jr., the American actor and entertainer, possesses impressive body measurements. Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and weighing approximately 80 kilograms (176 lbs), he exudes a commanding presence. His striking black hair adds to his charismatic appearance, complemented by his captivating brown eyes. With a shoe size of 8, Max Baer Jr. not only showcases his talent in the entertainment industry but also embodies a well-proportioned physical stature. It is worth noting that Max Baer Jr. identifies as straight in terms of sexual orientation.

Is Max Baer Jr Alive?