Raymond Bailey was a talented actor and comedian who rose to fame for his role as Milburn Drysdale, the greedy banker who managed the fortune of the Clampett family in the hit sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. He appeared in 248 episodes of the show from 1962 to 1971, earning two Emmy nominations for his performance. But what was Raymond Bailey’s cause of death and how did he spend his final years?
Early Life and Career
Raymond Bailey was born on May 6, 1904, in San Francisco, California. He had a passion for acting since he was a teenager and moved to Hollywood to pursue his dream. However, he soon realized that it was not easy to break into the movie industry and took various jobs as a day laborer, a stockbroker, and a banker. He also served in the United States Merchant Marine during World War II.
Bailey did not give up on his acting aspirations and returned to Hollywood after the war. He started to get some small roles in films and television shows, such as The Green Hornet, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Twilight Zone, and Bonanza. He also appeared on Broadway and in vaudeville shows.
The Beverly Hillbillies Fame
Bailey’s big break came in 1962 when he was cast as Milburn Drysdale in The Beverly Hillbillies. The show was a comedy about a poor rural family who struck oil on their land and moved to a mansion in Beverly Hills. Bailey played the banker who was obsessed with keeping the Clampetts as his clients and often got involved in their hilarious misadventures.
The Beverly Hillbillies was a huge success and became one of the most popular shows on television. It ran for nine seasons and 274 episodes, making Bailey a household name. He received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1963 and 1964.
Retirement and Death
After The Beverly Hillbillies ended in 1971, Bailey decided to retire from acting. He had amassed a considerable fortune from his role as Drysdale and wanted to enjoy his life away from the spotlight. He moved to a ranch in Solvang, California, with his wife Gaby Aida George, whom he married in 1951.
Bailey suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in his later years and had trouble remembering his lines. He also had heart problems and underwent bypass surgery in 1977. He died of a heart attack on April 15, 1980, at the age of 75. His body was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea.
Raymond Bailey was a beloved actor who made millions of people laugh with his portrayal of Milburn Drysdale. He left behind a legacy of comedy that will always be remembered by his fans.
