For millions of TV viewers, Max Baer Jr. will always be Jethro Bodine, the good-natured goofball from The Beverly Hillbillies. But at 84, the actor has proven there’s far more to his story than just one iconic role.
When the show wrapped in 1971, Baer could have rested on his sitcom fame. Instead, he dove into new creative challenges, working behind the camera as a writer and producer. He even dreamed up The Beverly Hillbillies: The 2nd Generation, a passion project that, while never realized, showcased his dedication to the series that launched his career.
Off-screen, Baer has spent decades giving back, quietly supporting charitable causes and social justice initiatives. It’s a side of him many fans never saw coming—one that proves there’s real depth behind Jethro’s trademark grin.
