At the heart of the show is the unforgettable Clampett family.
The calm and wise patriarch Jed Clampett, played by Buddy Ebsen, serves as the moral center of the family. Jed may suddenly become rich, but he remains humble, generous, and deeply rooted in his country values.
Then there is Granny Clampett, portrayed by Irene Ryan. Despite her nickname, Granny is actually Jed’s mother-in-law, not his mother. She is fiery, stubborn, and constantly practicing her homemade mountain remedies and medicines — often to the confusion of their wealthy neighbors.
Elly May Clampett, played by Donna Douglas, quickly became one of television’s most beloved characters. Beautiful yet innocent, she prefers animals over fancy parties. Throughout the series, she often fills the mansion with raccoons, monkeys, and other creatures she adopts as pets.
Finally, there is Jethro Bodine, portrayed by Max Baer Jr.. Jethro is confident that he is destined for greatness, even though he struggles with even the simplest tasks. His wild ambitions and hilarious misunderstandings produce many of the show’s most memorable moments.