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The Beverly Hillbillies Cast - Who's Still Around

Are Any 'Beverly Hillbillies' Cast Members Still Alive?

Jul 05, 2025
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Are Any 'Beverly Hillbillies' Cast Members Still Alive?

There's something truly special about those old television shows, the ones that just stick with you through the years. For many, that's the story of the Clampetts, a family that went from a humble life to one of great wealth, bringing their unique brand of humor right along with them. People often wonder about the stars who brought these memorable characters to life, especially as time moves on.

That classic program, "The Beverly Hillbillies," captured hearts for nearly a decade, offering a look at a family from the Ozark Mountains who found themselves in a very different world. Their adventures in Beverly Hills provided countless moments of laughter for folks watching at home. It’s a bit of a wonder, actually, how many people still talk about it.

Now, decades later, a question often comes up: who from that beloved **cast of beverly hillbillies still alive** remains with us? It turns out, there's just one person from the main group who continues to share stories from that time, a familiar face who played a very memorable character.

Table of Contents

Max Baer Jr. - A Look at His Life and Legacy

Max Baer Jr., the person who brought Jethro Bodine to life, is the last member of the core **cast of beverly hillbillies still alive**. He was the beefy, somewhat naive cousin who always had a scheme brewing, or was trying to figure out some new thing. He also played Jethro's twin sister, Jethrine, though another actress provided her voice. It's really something to think about how he handled both roles.

After the show wrapped up its run, many actors might have found themselves stuck, forever seen as the character they played. Max Baer Jr., however, didn't let being known as Jethro Bodine hold him back. He decided to step away from the bright lights of Hollywood and explore different kinds of work, pursuing various business ideas. This was, in a way, a path less traveled for someone so widely recognized.

These days, he's enjoying a calmer way of life. He spends his time playing golf and, as a matter of fact, shares stories from his long and interesting past. It seems he's found a good balance, a quiet peace after years in the public eye. He's about 87 years old now, which is quite a good age to be reflecting on such a famous career.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Max Baer Jr.

DetailInformation
NameMax Baer Jr.
Age87 (as of current information)
Known ForPlaying Jethro Bodine and Jethrine on "The Beverly Hillbillies"
Post-Show ActivitiesBusiness ventures, golf, sharing stories
StatusLast living member of the core cast of "The Beverly Hillbillies"

Who Else Was Part of the Beverly Hillbillies Cast Alive Today?

When we talk about the **cast of beverly hillbillies still alive**, it's important to remember the others who made the show so special. There was Jed Clampett, the family patriarch, played by Buddy Ebsen, who had a long and storied career in entertainment. Then there was Granny, a spirited character brought to life by Irene Ryan, who always had a quick wit and a lot of energy. And, of course, Elly May, the kind-hearted, animal-loving cousin, played by Donna Douglas. These actors, in a way, became household names.

Donna Douglas, who played Elly May, passed away in 2015 at the age of 82. After her time on "The Beverly Hillbillies," she had a life that extended beyond acting. She became a real estate agent, a gospel singer, and even wrote books for both children and adults. It just goes to show how people can reinvent themselves.

Buddy Ebsen, the actor behind Jed, had a career that stretched across many decades. He was a performer in various forms, and his memorial service in 2003 brought together many who remembered his contributions. The show was a big part of his acting life, but certainly not the only thing he did. It's almost as if he was always meant to be on screen.

What Happened to the Beverly Hillbillies Cast After the Show?

The show, which ran from 1962 to 1971, had a rather sudden ending after nine successful seasons. It was, in some respects, a surprise to many viewers when it was cancelled. Even after being off the air for more than 50 years, the question of what happened to the **cast of beverly hillbillies still alive** or who was still around, comes up quite often.

Many of the actors who played the millionaire yokels found that "The Beverly Hillbillies" was just one part of their professional story. While they will always be remembered for those roles, their careers certainly did not end when the show did. Some pursued other acting jobs, while others, like Max Baer Jr., explored completely different paths. It's pretty interesting how varied their experiences were.

Today, the program is still watched in syndication, meaning it pops up on various channels, allowing new generations to discover its wacky humor. This means the faces of the Clampett family, and the rest of the show's people, continue to be seen by many. It's a testament, in a way, to the show's lasting appeal.

How Did the Beverly Hillbillies Cast Alive Shape TV History?

When "The Beverly Hillbillies" first aired in 1962, it quickly went to the top of the ratings and stayed there for years. It was, in fact, a huge hit, even though some critics didn't care for it much. The quirky comedy, nevertheless, truly entertained audiences across the country. It provided a sort of comfort, a source of laughter, during its run.

The show's simple story, about a family finding oil and moving to a fancy new place, resonated with a lot of people. It was a "fish out of the cement pond" kind of tale that offered a break from daily life. It's almost as if it hit just the right note for the times. The **cast of beverly hillbillies still alive** and those who have passed on, helped make this show a cultural landmark.

Back when people had just a few television channels to pick from, a show like "The Beverly Hillbillies" became a shared experience. It made several actors famous and left a mark on the history of television comedy. It was, quite simply, a big deal for its time.

Is Max Baer Jr. the Only Remaining Member of the Cast of Beverly Hillbillies Still Alive?

As of this writing, yes, Max Baer Jr. is the sole person from the main **cast of beverly hillbillies still alive**. He became the last living member after Donna Douglas, who played Elly May, passed away in 2015. This makes him a very special link to a beloved piece of television history. It's rather unique to be the last one standing from such a famous group.

Now in his late eighties, Max Baer Jr. has chosen a life that's somewhat out of the public eye, enjoying activities like golf. He also shares memories about his time on the show, offering a direct connection to the program that so many people remember fondly. It's a quiet life, in a way, but one that still holds a connection to something very big.

His continued presence means that stories and insights from the original set are still available directly from someone who was there. It's a rare chance, you know, to hear about that time from an actual participant. He is, essentially, a living piece of that show's past.

The Show's Enduring Appeal and the Cast of Beverly Hillbillies Still Alive

Even after more than five decades since its last episode, "The Beverly Hillbillies" continues to find new viewers. Many adults who grew up watching it still tune in when they can, and even children today can appreciate its silly humor. It’s a show that, pretty much, crosses generations. The simple charm of the Clampett family and their adventures in a very different setting seems to hold up.

The story of the Clampett family, a rural group displaced from their home by the discovery of oil, moving to posh Beverly Hills, California, was a groundbreaking idea for its time. It created a lot of situations that were just plain funny. The show was, for many, an unexpected source of happiness, offering laughter during times when people needed it. The **cast of beverly hillbillies still alive** and those who are not, all played a part in this lasting legacy.

If you haven't seen "The Beverly Hillbillies," some of the references might seem a little odd, but the show was, in fact, one of the funniest families in the history of television comedies. It truly holds a place in the hearts of those who remember it. It's almost like a comfort blanket for some viewers.

Remembering the Iconic Beverly Hillbillies Cast Alive and Their Contributions

The collective memory of the "Beverly Hillbillies" cast members, from Buddy Ebsen's Jed to Irene Ryan's Granny, remains strong. Their performances helped create characters that felt real and relatable, even in the midst of outlandish situations. They were, in a way, pioneers of a particular kind of comedy. The show also had some notable guest stars, including the legendary actress Sharon Tate, which adds another layer to its history.

From 1962 to 1971, American audiences truly loved the Clampetts. The show provided a unique blend of humor and heart, making it a staple of television viewing for nearly a decade. It's a piece of television history that, honestly, continues to be talked about and watched. The question of the **cast of beverly hillbillies still alive** keeps the show's memory fresh for many.

The fact that one member of the original core cast, Max Baer Jr., is still with us, allows for a direct link to that time. His reflections on the show's legacy and his varied career after the famous sitcom's finale, more than 50 years ago, are quite valuable. It really helps keep the story of the show, and the people who made it, alive for everyone.

The Beverly Hillbillies was a very popular 1960s television program, and its enduring appeal means that the stories of its actors, especially the one remaining, Max Baer Jr., who played Jethro, continue to be of interest. The show followed the Clampett family, a group from the Ozark Mountains who moved to posh Beverly Hills, California, after striking oil. This simple premise led to nine seasons of widely watched entertainment that remains available for viewing today.

Are Any 'Beverly Hillbillies' Cast Members Still Alive?
Are Any 'Beverly Hillbillies' Cast Members Still Alive?
Are Any 'Beverly Hillbillies' Cast Members Still Alive?
Are Any 'Beverly Hillbillies' Cast Members Still Alive?
The Only Main Actor Still Alive From The Beverly Hillbillies
The Only Main Actor Still Alive From The Beverly Hillbillies

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