The Last Surviving Main Actor from The Beverly Hillbillies

Families who loved old-fashioned country-fried laughter made the Clampett clan from “The Beverly Hillbillies” a staple of their viewing routine throughout the 1960s. However, the infamous rural purge eventually made way for city-based sitcoms that focused more on down-to-earth issues rather than giant jackrabbits.

The sitcom revolved around Jed Clampett, portrayed by Buddy Ebsen, who was known for his role as the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz.” Jed is the folksy and kind-hearted patriarch of his small family. He strikes it rich one day when, while hunting for his family’s dinner, he accidentally strikes oil. This newfound wealth does not mean Jed is ready to let go of his country ways.

The Clampetts settle in Beverly Hills, akin to how the Walshes would do decades later, and move into a newfangled mansion. Despite their new posh surroundings, the Clampetts refuse to conform and remain mesmerized by the luxuries around them. Alongside Jed is Daisy Moses, known as Granny, played by Irene Ryan. Granny prides herself on her somewhat questionable doctoring skills.

Ellie May, Jed’s 20-ish tomboy daughter, is portrayed by Donna Douglas. Ellie May can outwrestle, out-spit, and out-shoot any boy and has a special love for animals. The family is rounded out by Jed’s nephew, Jethro Bodine, played by Max Baer Jr. Jethro is an imaginative would-be ladies’ man who is constantly on the move.

The Clampetts’ country ways often clash with Mr. Drysdale, played by Raymond Bailey, who would do anything to keep the family’s cash in his bank. His underappreciated secretary, Miss Jane Hathaway, played by Nancy Kulp, manages to befriend the family while still serving her boss dutifully.

“The Beverly Hillbillies” came to an end in 1971. Unsurprisingly, much of its then-middle-aged cast has since passed away. But one member of that regular cast is still alive today, and that’s the actor who played Jethro.

Max Baer Jr., the last surviving member of the main cast of “The Beverly Hillbillies,” has had quite a vibrant post-sitcom life, becoming something of an entrepreneur, much like his character Jethro. The son of former heavyweight boxing champion Max Baer, Baer Jr. made several guest appearances on sitcoms before landing the role of Jethro. Though he continued acting for a while, appearing in shows like “Love, American Style” and writing, acting in, and producing films such as “Macon County Line” and “The Wild McCullochs,” Baer retired from show business in 1991.

“Macon County Line,” made for just over $200,000, ended up grossing over $18 million, turning a significant profit. Baer concentrated on producing movies for a time, including the film adaptation of Bobbie Gentry’s eerie song “Ode to Billy Joe.” He aimed to expand his success by making a movie out of Madonna’s hit “Like A Virgin.” When ABC allegedly tried to prevent the song’s writers from selling their rights to Baer in 1984, he sued and won over $2 million in damages.

For decades, Baer has been trying to launch a “Beverly Hillbillies”-themed casino and hotel in Douglas County, Nevada. However, the construction project has been indefinitely delayed due to legal issues.

Baer has never returned to the role of Jethro. When the show’s cast reunited for a TV movie in 1981, he declined to appear. He also didn’t participate when the sitcom, similar to “Bewitched,” was remade into a big-screen adaptation. Nonetheless, it’s evident that the character of the dimwitted hunk still holds a special place in his heart.

Despite the passage of time and the various roles he played after his sitcom success, Max Baer Jr. remains the last living link to the beloved show, “The Beverly Hillbillies.” His life after the sitcom has been filled with business ventures and legal battles, but his legacy as Jethro endures.

Source: Looper