Max Baer Jr., the American actor, and producer, has won the hearts of many with his talent and charm. Fans are curious about his current status and wonder, “Is Max Baer Jr. still alive?” Read on to find out more about Max Baer’s age, bio, net worth, family, and more.
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Max Baer Jr. is famously recognized for his portrayal of the lovable and dim-witted character, Jethro Bodine, in the iconic TV series “The Beverly Hillbillies,” alongside Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett.
In 1991, Max Baer Jr. acquired sublicensing rights, including food and beverage rights, to “The Beverly Hillbillies” from CBS. The cost of obtaining these rights and developing his ideas for the show has been estimated at around US$1 million.
Table of Contents
Profile summary
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Max Adelbert Baer Jr. |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Place | Oakland, California |
| Height | 6′ 5″ (1.96 m) |
| Marital Status | Divorced to Joanne Kathleen Hill |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1937 |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Director, Screenwriter |
| Education | Santa Clara University |
| Children | None |
| Source of Wealth | TV and Film |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
Who is Max Baer Jr.?
Maximilian Adelbert Baer Jr., born on December 4, 1937, is a multi-talented American figure in the entertainment industry. He has garnered fame as an accomplished actor, comedian, director, producer, and screenwriter in both television and film.
Max Baer Jr. is widely recognized for his notable portrayal of the character ‘Jethro Bodine’ in the popular TV series ‘The Beverly Hillbillies.’ As the dim-witted relative of Jed Clampett, played by Buddy Ebsen, his performance left a lasting impression on audiences, making him an enduring part of television history.
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Despite the passing of his co-stars, Max Baer Jr. remains the sole surviving member of the iconic TV show, cherishing the memories of his fellow actors. Alongside his successful acting career, he has also delved into entrepreneurial pursuits. With aspirations to build a real-estate and casino empire, he seeks to pay homage to the show that brought him fame and adoration.
Early life
Max Baer Jr. was born as Maximilian Adalbert Baer Jr. on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, to his parents, the renowned boxing champion Max Baer and his wife Mary Ellen Sullivan. His family background includes German Jewish ancestry from his paternal grandfather and Irish heritage from his mother. Max had a brother named James Manny Baer and a sister named Maude Baer. Additionally, his uncle was both a boxer and an actor, known as Buddy Baer.
During his formative years, Max attended Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, where he showcased his athleticism by excelling in four different sports. Notably, he also secured victory twice in the junior category at the Sacramento Open golf tournament. In 1968, Max, along with Charlie Sifford, clinched the pro-am tournament at the Andy Williams – San Diego Open.
Following his time in high school, Max Baer Jr. served as a medical technician in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Gunter Air Force Base in Alabama. After his military service, he pursued higher education and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Santa Clara University, where he also pursued a minor in philosophy. These academic accomplishments laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Career
Max Baer Jr.’s journey into the world of acting began with a charming start. As a young boy, he landed his first acting role in the play “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” at the Blackpool Pavilion in England in 1949, igniting his passion for the performing arts.
In 1960, Max Baer Jr. took his first steps into the professional acting scene at Warner Bros. Studios. He swiftly became a familiar face on television, making notable appearances on popular shows like “Maverick,” “Surfside 6,” “Hawaiian Eye,” “Cheyenne,” “The Roaring 20’s,” and “77 Sunset Strip,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.
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However, it was in 1962 that Max’s career reached new heights when he secured a pivotal role in the beloved TV series “The Beverly Hillbillies.” The show’s immense success and his portrayal of the endearing character ‘Jethro Bodine’ catapulted him to stardom, cementing his place in the hearts of audiences nationwide.
Is Max Baer still alive?
Yes, Max Baer Jr. is still alive at the age of 85. Despite not being as active in the movie industry as he once was, he remains in good health. There have been occasional false reports about his death, but these have been proven to be unfounded. Max Baer Jr. now leads a quiet life in Los Angeles, California.
Where Is Max Baer Jr Now?
As of now, Max Baer Jr., an 85-year-old entrepreneur, is focused on his ambitious venture to create a Beverly Hillbillies empire. This endeavor includes plans for Jethro’s Beverly Hills Mansion and casinos, drawing inspiration from the beloved TV program. However, he has encountered challenges due to a restaurant chain capitalizing on the show’s novelty, which led to a legal dispute with CBS.
In 2015, Max Baer Jr. made headlines by expressing his intention to sue CBS for settling the dispute without involving him. He believes that this settlement has hindered his ability to fully capitalize on the rights he had acquired, posing obstacles to the success of his envisioned empire.
Max Baer net worth
Max Baer Jr., the multi-talented American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter, has amassed an estimated net worth of $50 million.
