Net Worth Ranker
What Is Max Baer Jr.’s Net Worth?
Max Baer Jr., renowned for his multifaceted career as an American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter, has accumulated a substantial net worth estimated at $50 million. This financial standing reflects his diverse contributions to the entertainment industry, spanning from his iconic role in a classic television sitcom to his success behind the camera in film production.
The Beverly Hillbillies and Beyond
Baer’s most recognizable role is undoubtedly that of Jethro Bodine in the CBS sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Debuting in 1962, the show catapulted him to national fame. As Jethro, a well-meaning but somewhat slow-witted relative of Jed Clampett (played by Buddy Ebsen), Baer became a household name. The series followed the Clampett family, a poor, backwoods family who strike it rich and relocate to Beverly Hills, California. The show, co-starring Donna Douglas as Elly May, Irene Ryan as Granny, Raymond Bailey as Mr. Drysdale, and Nancy Kulp as Jane Hathaway, was a ratings juggernaut. “The Beverly Hillbillies” consistently ranked among the top 20 most-watched television shows for eight of its nine seasons. The show even held the number one spot for its initial two seasons, showcasing its broad appeal and cultural impact. The show received seven Emmy Award nominations during its run. The show aired a total of 274 episodes, broadcast between 1962 and 1971.
Despite the immense popularity of “The Beverly Hillbillies,” the role typecast Baer, limiting the variety of acting offers he received afterward. He transitioned to directing and producing, where he found significant financial success. Baer co-wrote the screenplay for the 1974 film “Macon County Line” with director Richard Compton. He also produced the film and starred as Deputy Reed Morgan. Made on a modest budget of $225,000, “Macon County Line” went on to gross $30 million. This success held the record for the highest grossing film per dollar invested until the release of “The Blair Witch Project” in 1999.
In 1975, Baer took on multiple roles as the writer, producer, director, and star of the film “The Wild McCullochs.” In 1976, he produced, directed, and acted in “Ode to Billy Joe,” based on Bobbie Gentry’s hit song. The film, starring Glynnis O’Connor and Robby Benson, was another commercially successful venture for Baer. He directed the comedy “Hometown U.S.A.” in 1979.
After “The Beverly Hillbillies” ended in 1971, Baer appeared in the television film “The Birdmen,” alongside Doug McClure and René Auberjonois, and produced the television film “Two for the Money.” He also had a role in two episodes of the ABC anthology series “Love, American Style.” Baer had a guest role on ABC’s “Fantasy Island” in 1979. In the early 80s, he appeared in the television films “The Asphalt Cowboy” and “The Circle Family.” Later in the decade, Baer made appearances in episodes of the crime drama series “Matt Houston” and “Murder, She Wrote.” Baer’s first big-screen role was in the 1967 Western “A Time for Killing,” starring Glenn Ford and Inger Stevens.
Ventures into the Gambling Industry
Baer diversified his income streams by entering the gambling industry in the early 1990s. His insight came from observing tourists paying to visit the Ponderosa Ranch, the set for the television show “Bonanza.” Recognizing the potential for a “Beverly Hillbillies”-themed attraction, he acquired sublicensing rights to the show from CBS. By the late 1990s, Baer had successfully installed 65 “Beverly Hillbillies” slot machines in various casinos, generating revenue through licensing and royalties.
In 2003, Baer attempted to capitalize further on “The Beverly Hillbillies” brand by redeveloping a former Walmart in Carson City, Nevada, into a “Beverly Hillbillies” hotel and casino. This ambitious project, however, faced obstacles due to building code conflicts, which stalled its progress. Baer later sought to revive the plan on a different property in Nevada, proposing a 40,000-square-foot gambling area featuring slot machines and dining establishments. The design included a 200-foot-tall mock oil derrick with a flame effect. However, this iteration also encountered setbacks, becoming entangled in litigation with the developer and Douglas County, ultimately leading to its suspension.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California, Max Baer Jr. is the son of Mary Sullivan and Max Baer, a former world heavyweight champion boxer. His heritage is a mix of German Jewish and Irish descent, and he has two siblings, James and Maude. Baer’s early life included attending Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, where he demonstrated athletic prowess in multiple sports. Baer’s athletic skills earned him junior titles at the Sacramento Open golf tournament on two occasions. He pursued higher education at Santa Clara University.
Personal Life
Baer married Joanne Hill in 1966, and they divorced in 1971. Later, he was in a relationship with model Chere Rhodes, who was 40 years his junior. They resided together in Lake Tahoe. Rhodes tragically took her own life in early 2008.
