Max Baer Jr. is a living icon with a career spanning more than seven decades. The legendary actor first gained recognition in the film industry in the 1960s and kept audiences enthralled well into the 1980s. Even though he came from a well-known family, he paved his own route to prominence by choosing a different professional path than his father. He made a bold move and made a name for himself in a new industry. Max Baer Jr. is mostly known for his portrayal of the character of ‘Jethro Bodine’ in the TV series ‘The Beverly Hillbillies.’
Who Is Max Baer Jr.?
Max Baer Jr. was born on 4th December, 1937 in Oakland, California, and is the son of the boxing champion Max Baer and Mary Ellen Sullivan. His mother’s lineage was Irish, but his paternal grandpa was of German Jewish descent. Maude Baer is his sister, and James Manny Baer is his brother. Buddy Baer, the actor and boxer, was his uncle. Max’s brother, the late James Manny Baer, passed away in 2009.
He was a standout athlete at Sacramento’s Christian Brothers High School. In addition to winning the junior title twice at the Sacramento Open golf tournament, he received commendation letters in four other sports. Afterwards, he and Charlie Sifford won the 1968 Andy Williams – San Diego Open pro-am competition.
Baer was stationed at Gunter Air Force Base in Alabama as a medical technician in the United States Air Force. He served in the military and then graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in philosophy.
Career Of Max Baer Jr.
When Baer made his stage debut in “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” at the Blackpool Pavilion in England in 1949, his acting career officially began. In 1960, he made his professional acting debut at Warner Bros., appearing in a number of television shows, including 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, Surfside 6, Hawaiian Eye, Cheyenne, and The Roaring ’20s. But his career took a huge turn in 1962 when he landed a role in The Beverly Hillbillies.
During this time, Max also appeared in the TV series ‘Love, American Style’ (1969–1974) and ‘Vacation Playhouse’ (1969–1974). In 1967, he appeared as ‘Sgt. Luther Liskell’ in the film ‘A Time for Killing.’
Following “The Beverly Hillbillies,” Max concentrated on developing his directing, producing, and screenwriting skills. His acting career suffered from being typecast, even though he made sporadic guest appearances in a number of TV shows.
He debuted as a writer and producer in the 1974 picture “Macon County Line,” which also included him in the role of “Deputy Reed Morgan.” Max wrote, produced, and directed the motion picture “The Wild McCullochs” in 1975. He played the role of “Culver Robinson” in this movie.
He was the director and producer of the hugely successful 1976 motion picture “Ode to Billy Joe.” After this, he only directed the 1979 movie “Hometown U.S.A.”
Max Baer Jr. thereafter began making investments in the casino and real estate sectors. He wants to create an empire modelled like the iconic TV series “Beverly Hillbillies,” complete with “Jethro’s Beverly Hills Mansion ” and casinos. According to reports, he has an agreement with the channel administrators to obtain the rights to utilise the show’s identities and other facts.
Personal Life Of Max Baer Jr.
In 1966, Max Baer married Joanne Kathleen Hill. In 1971, the couple was divorced.
Max allegedly dated model Chere Rhodes and well-known actor, businesswoman, and writer Victoria Principal in the past. Victoria said in 2005 that during their relationship, Max had abused her. He refuted the allegations, though.
