Max Baer Jr Net Worth: An In-Depth Look at the Actor and His Career

Introduction

Max Baer Jr is a name that may ring a bell for fans of classic television shows. Baer was a prominent actor, writer, director, and producer during his prime. He gained fame from his portrayal of Jethro Bodine in the popular sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies. But, what is Max Baer Jr net worth?

Throughout his career, Baer achieved several milestones, including an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of a mentally challenged man in the TV movie “The Wild McCullochs.” He was the only surviving member of the original Beverly Hillbillies cast until his death on December 09, 2021, in his home in Nevada.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Max Baer Jr net worth, his early life, career, personal life, real estate, and legacy.

What is Max Baer Jr Net Worth and Salary?

Max Baer Jr net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. However, it’s tough to determine the exact amount since the actor was known to be secretive about his financial details.

Baer had a successful career in show business that spanned over four decades. He earned most of his wealth from his role in The Beverly Hillbillies, which was one of the most successful sitcoms in American television history.

As for his salary, Baer was one of the highest-paid actors in the 1970s. Reports suggest that he earned over $20,000 per episode for his role in The Beverly Hillbillies.

Early Life and Education

Maximilian Adalbert Baer Jr was born on December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California. His father, Max Baer, was a famous boxer in the 1930s, while his mother, Mary Ellen Sullivan, was a homemaker.

Baer grew up in a privileged family and attended Christian Brother’s High School, where he played football and was an active member of the drama club. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Santa Clara University but dropped out after three years to pursue a career in show business.

Career

Baer’s career took off in the 1960s when he landed the role of Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies. The show was an instant hit and ran for nine seasons, making Baer a household name across the country.

After the show ended, Baer continued to work in the entertainment industry, writing, directing, and producing movies. He wrote and directed the film Macon County Line, which was a commercial and critical success and was even inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry for being culturally significant.

Despite being typecast as Jethro Bodine, Baer managed to carve a niche for himself in the industry. He worked on several other projects, including television shows, movies, documentaries, and even video games.

Personal Life

Baer was a private person and rarely discussed his personal life in the media. However, he was married twice. His first marriage was to Joanna Hill, a former model and actress. They had a daughter named Lisa in 1960, but the couple divorced in 1969.

In 1971, Baer married Margaret “Maggie” Sarinana, who was the daughter of a wealthy Mexican businessman. They remained married until Maggie’s death in 1990. Baer did not remarry after her death and did not have any other children.

Real Estate

Baer was an astute businessman and invested his wealth in several real estate properties. He owned several commercial and residential properties across the country, including hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers.

One of his most significant real estate investments was the purchase of the former Beverly Hillbillies mansion. Baer bought the property in 2007 for $2.1 million with the intention of turning it into a Beverly Hillbillies-themed casino. However, the deal fell through due to regulatory issues, and Baer was forced to sell the property in 2020 for $150 million.

Legacy

Max Baer Jr will be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He was a multi-talented individual who excelled in several fields. His portrayal of Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies will always remain in the hearts of his fans.

Throughout his career, Baer earned several accolades, including an Emmy nomination, a Golden Globe, and recognition from the California State Assembly for his work in the film industry.

FAQs

1. What was Max Baer Jr’s first acting role?

Max Baer Jr’s first acting role was in the film “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” in 1950. He was only 13 years old at the time.

2. Did Max Baer Jr box like his father?

No, Max Baer Jr did not follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in boxing. However, he did use his father’s name to get his foot in the door in Hollywood.

3. Was Max Baer Jr’s mother supportive of his acting career?

Yes, Max Baer Jr’s mother was very supportive of his acting career. She even helped him secure his first acting role in the film “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”

4. How did Max Baer Jr come up with the name Jethro Bodine?

Max Baer Jr came up with the name Jethro Bodine by combining the names of two of his favorite characters in literature: Jed Clampett from The Beverly Hillbillies and Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve from the radio show Fibber McGee and Molly.

5. Did Max Baer Jr enjoy working on The Beverly Hillbillies?

Yes, Max Baer Jr enjoyed working on The Beverly Hillbillies. He once said that it was one of the best experiences of his life and that he felt like he was part of a family with his co-stars.

6. Did Max Baer Jr ever win any awards for his acting?

Yes, Max Baer Jr won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series in 1965 for his role in The Beverly Hillbillies.

7. Did Max Baer Jr have any health issues?

Yes, Max Baer Jr had health issues in his later years. He suffered from heart problems and had several surgeries, including open-heart surgery in 2020.

8. Did Max Baer Jr continue to work in show business after The Beverly Hillbillies ended?

Yes, Max Baer Jr continued to work in show business even after The Beverly Hillbillies ended. He worked on several movies, TV shows, and even video games.

9. Did Max Baer Jr have any charity work?

Yes, Max Baer Jr was involved in several charity organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Special Olympics.

10. Was Max Baer Jr ever married?

Yes, Max Baer Jr was married twice. His first marriage was to Joanna Hill, and his second marriage was to Margaret “Maggie” Sarinana.

11. Did Max Baer Jr have any siblings?

Yes, Max Baer Jr had a sister named Maude Baer.

12. Was Max Baer Jr ever involved in any legal issues?

Yes, Max Baer Jr was involved in several legal issues throughout his life, including a lawsuit against CBS for breach of contract after The Beverly Hillbillies ended.

13. Was Max Baer Jr involved in any political activities?

Yes, Max Baer Jr was involved in political activities and ran for political office several times. However, he was never successful in his political endeavors.

14. Did Max Baer Jr have any regrets about his career?

Yes, Max Baer Jr had several regrets about his career, including turning down the role of Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in The Dukes of Hazzard.

15. What was Max Baer Jr’s last project?

Max Baer Jr’s last project was a documentary film called “Max Baer Jr’s Hillbillys.” The film chronicled his attempts to bring a Beverly Hillbillies-themed casino to Nevada.