What is Max Baer Jr.'s Net Worth?
Max Baer Jr. is an American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter who boasts a net worth of $50 million. Baer Jr. gained widespread recognition for his role as Jethro Bodine on the beloved sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies." Despite the role's popularity, it pigeonholed him into similar roles, compelling him to switch gears towards directing and producing. His directorial debut, the 1974 film "Macon County Line," set a record for the highest grossing movie per dollar invested until "The Blair Witch Project" in 1999. He also directed, produced, and starred in "The Wild McCullochs" and "Ode to Billy Joe." Later on, Baer ventured into the gambling industry and made attempts to develop a "Beverly Hillbillies"-themed hotel and casino during the early 2000s.
Early Life and Education
Max Baer Jr. was born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, to Mary Sullivan and Max Baer, a former world heavyweight champion boxer. He is of German Jewish and Irish descent and has two siblings, James and Maude. Baer Jr. attended Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, where he was a standout athlete, twice winning the junior title at the Sacramento Open golf tournament. He later pursued higher education at Santa Clara University.
Television Beginnings
Baer's acting career took off in the early 1960s with guest roles on various television series, including "Maverick," "Surfside 6," "Cheyenne," "Hawaiian Eye," "77 Sunset Strip," "Bronco," and "Sugarfoot."
The Beverly Hillbillies
Baer skyrocketed to national fame in 1962 with his role as Jethro Bodine on the CBS sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies". He played a cousin of Jed Clampett, a character portrayed by Buddy Ebsen. The show depicted the Clampetts, a poor backwoods family, as they relocated to affluent Beverly Hills. Other key cast members included Donna Douglas as Elly May, Irene Ryan as Granny, Raymond Bailey as Mr. Drysdale, and Nancy Kulp as Jane Hathaway.
"The Beverly Hillbillies" was a major hit, running for nine seasons until its cancellation in 1971, and consistently ranked among the top 20 most-watched shows, including two seasons at number one. The show received seven Emmy Award nominations.
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Further Television Career
After "The Beverly Hillbillies," Baer appeared in the TV film "The Birdmen," starring Doug McClure and René Auberjonois, and produced "Two for the Money." He took on guest roles in "Love, American Style" and "Fantasy Island," and featured in the TV films "The Asphalt Cowboy" and "The Circle Family." Later, he appeared in "Matt Houston" and "Murder, She Wrote."
Film Career
Baer's film debut came in the 1967 Western "A Time for Killing," starring Glenn Ford. He later transitioned into screenwriting, producing, and directing. In 1974, he co-wrote, produced, and starred in "Macon County Line," earning substantial profits. His subsequent projects included "The Wild McCullochs" and "Ode to Billy Joe," both of which also starred Bobbie Gentry and Robby Benson. Baer's final directorial venture was the 1979 comedy "Hometown U.S.A."
Gambling Industry
Baer entered the gambling business in the early 1990s. Inspired by the success of "Bonanza"-themed Ponderosa Ranch tours, he purchased sublicensing rights for "The Beverly Hillbillies" from CBS. By the late '90s, he had rolled out 65 themed slot machines across various casinos. In 2003, Baer aimed to expand his casino enterprise by redeveloping a former Walmart in Carson City, Nevada, into a "Beverly Hillbillies"-themed hotel and casino. Though initial efforts failed due to building code issues, Baer later sought to create a 40,000-square-foot gambling area on another Nevada parcel, featuring a 200-foot mock oil derrick. This plan was also suspended due to legal disputes.
Personal Life
Baer married Joanne Hill in 1966, but they divorced in 1971. In his later years, he was linked romantically to model Chere Rhodes, who tragically took her own life in 2008.
