The golden age of television comedy produced many classics, but few rivaled the cultural impact of The Beverly Hillbillies. Premiering in 1962, the show quickly became a phenomenon, topping ratings within weeks and running for nine seasons. Today, only one core cast member remains—Max Baer Jr., who played the lovable Jethro Bodine. At 85, he stands as the last living link to one of TV’s most iconic eras.
Born in 1937, Baer Jr. was the son of legendary heavyweight boxing champion Max Baer, but he carved out his own path. With no formal acting training, he landed the role of Jethro through natural charm and sharp observation, creating a character audiences adored. While the role made him famous, it also led to heavy typecasting after the series ended in 1971.
Rather than fading from the industry, Baer Jr. reinvented himself behind the camera. He found major success as a producer and director, most notably with Macon County Line, a low-budget film that became one of the most profitable independent movies of its time. His business instincts proved as strong as his on-screen presence.
Later, he worked to preserve the legacy of The Beverly Hillbillies, even acquiring rights to the brand and pursuing ambitious projects inspired by the show, though legal challenges slowed those plans. Throughout personal losses and industry battles, Baer Jr. remained proud of his role and grateful for the career it launched.
Now in his mid-eighties, Max Baer Jr. is more than a television survivor—he’s a caretaker of a shared cultural memory. As the final living Hillbilly, he represents a time when TV brought people together, reminding us that making a nation laugh can be a legacy that lasts a lifetime.