The Beverly Hillbillies was one of the most popular sitcoms in American television history, running from 1962 to 1971. The show followed the adventures of a poor rural family who moved to Beverly Hills after striking oil on their land. The cast included Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett, Irene Ryan as Granny, Donna Douglas as Elly May Clampett, and Max Baer Jr as Jethro Bodine
The show was a huge success, attracting millions of viewers and earning several Emmy nominations. The actors became household names and formed a close bond with each other. However, in recent years, two of the stars of the show have passed away, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and friendship.
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Donna Douglas: A Southern Belle with a Heart of Gold
Donna Douglas was born Doris Ione Smith in Pride, Louisiana, on September 26, 1932. She was the only daughter of a Standard Oil worker and his wife. She attended a Catholic high school, where she played softball and basketball, and won several beauty pageants. She moved to New York City to pursue a career in show business, and worked as a model and a singer. She appeared on several television shows, such as The Perry Como Show, The Steve Allen Show, The Twilight Zone, and Checkmate
In 1962, she was cast as Elly May Clampett, the beautiful and naive daughter of Jed Clampett. She beat out 500 other actresses for the role, and became an instant fan favorite. She portrayed Elly May as a sweet and innocent girl who loved animals and nature, but also had a strong will and a sense of humor. She also sang on the show, showcasing her musical talent
Douglas stayed on the show until its cancellation in 1971. She then appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as Frankie and Johnny, Night Gallery, Adam-12, and The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!. She also became a real estate agent, a gospel singer, an inspirational speaker, and an author of books for children and adults. She was married twice and had one son
Douglas died on January 1, 2015, at the age of 82. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, according to her niece Charlene Smith She was buried at Bluff Creek Community Cemetery in Bluff Creek, Louisiana.
Max Baer Jr: A Comedian with a Business Mind
Max Baer Jr was born Maximilian Adelbert Baer Jr in Oakland, California, on December 4, 1937. He was the son of boxing champion Max Baer Sr and his wife Mary Ellen Sullivan. He had a brother and a sister. He attended a Catholic high school in Sacramento, where he excelled in sports and golf. He served as a medical technician in the U.S. Air Force at Gunter Air Force Base Alabama. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Santa Clara University, with a minor in philosophy
He began acting professionally in 1960 at Warner Bros., where he appeared on several television shows, such as Maverick, Surfside 6, Hawaiian Eye, Cheyenne, The Roaring 20’s, and 77 Sunset Strip. In 1962, he joined the cast of The Beverly Hillbillies as Jethro Bodine, the dim-witted but well-meaning cousin of Jed Clampett. He played Jethro as a lovable goofball who had many hobbies and interests, but lacked common sense and intelligence. He also played Jethro’s twin sister Jethrine on the show
Baer continued to act on other shows during the run of The Beverly Hillbillies, such as Vacation Playhouse and Love, American Style. He also appeared in movies such as A Time for Killing. After the show ended in 1971, he found it hard to escape his typecasting as Jethro. He focused on producing and directing movies instead, such as Macon County Line (1974), Ode to Billy Joe (1976), Hometown USA (1979), and The Wild McCullochs (1975). He also became an entrepreneur and invested in real estate and casinos. He was married once and divorced in 1971. He had no children
Baer is still alive today at the age of 85. He lives in Lake Tahoe Nevada with his girlfriend Chere Rhodes who is a Penthouse model . He is the last surviving member of the main cast of The Beverly Hillbillies.
Conclusion
Max Baer Jr Donna Douglas cause of death marked the end of a friendship that lasted for decades. The two actors shared many laughs and memories on the set of The Beverly Hillbillies, and remained close after the show ended. They also visited their co-star Buddy Ebsen in the hospital before he died in 2003. They were both beloved by fans and colleagues for their charm and talent. They will always be remembered as Jethro and Elly May, the hilarious and lovable hillbillies who made America smile.
