Want to know how much the legendary Jethro Bodine is worth today? Max Baer Jr., the Beverly Hillbillies star who made millions laugh, has built impressive wealth over six decades in Hollywood. This guide breaks down his 2026 net worth, real estate wins, business moves, and how a boxer’s son became a TV millionaire.
You’ll learn Max Baer Jr. Net Worth earnings breakdown, what happened after the show ended, and how smart investments turned his Beverly Hillbillies salary into lasting fortune.
Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Maximilian Adalbert Baer Jr. |
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1937 |
| Age (2026) | 88 years old |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous Role | Jethro Bodine |
| TV Show | The Beverly Hillbillies |
| Show Years | 1962 – 1971 |
| Total Episodes | 274 |
| Net Worth 2026 | $50 million (estimated) |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Director, Businessman |
| Years Active | 1960s – present |
| Father | Max Baer Sr. (Boxing Champion) |
| Education | Santa Clara University |
| Notable Film | Macon County Line (1974) |
| Co-Stars | Buddy Ebsen, Donna Douglas, Irene Ryan |
| Episode Salary | $800 – Several thousand |
| Income Sources | Syndication, Real estate, Investments |
| Business Ventures | Casino projects, Property portfolio |
| Current Status | Retired, Managing investments |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Max Baer Jr. grew up with boxing gloves and Hollywood dreams. Born in Oakland, California, he was the son of heavyweight champion Max Baer Sr., who knocked out opponents and starred in movies. Young Max learned early that entertainment ran in the family blood, but he wanted to make his own path away from his father’s massive shadow.
He attended Christian Brothers High School before heading to Santa Clara University. College life gave him something unexpected – a passion for acting that hit harder than any punch his dad ever threw. The theater bug bit him hard, and he knew sitting in an office wasn’t his future.
After graduation, Max moved to Los Angeles with $200 in his pocket and zero connections. He worked odd jobs, took acting classes, and hustled for auditions like every struggling actor in Hollywood. Those early struggles taught him the business side of entertainment, lessons that would pay off big time later when building his fortune beyond acting.
The Beverly Hillbillies Success Story
Landing the role of Jethro Bodine in 1962 changed everything for Max Baer Jr. The show about a poor family striking oil and moving to Beverly Hills became an instant hit, and his portrayal of the lovable but dim-witted nephew had America glued to their TV sets every week.
The Beverly Hillbillies dominated ratings for nine seasons from 1962 to 1971. Max appeared in all 274 episodes alongside Buddy Ebsen, Donna Douglas, and Irene Ryan, creating TV magic that still plays in syndication today.
Show Success Highlights:
- Became one of the highest-rated TV shows of the 1960s
- Max earned roughly $800 per episode initially, growing to several thousand by the final season
- The show ran for 274 episodes over nine years
- Created a character so iconic it became part of American pop culture
Financial Smart Moves:
- Negotiated for residuals and syndication rights early on
- Beverly Hillbillies reruns have aired continuously for over 50 years
- Syndication checks still arrive regularly decades later
- Smart contract decisions created lifetime passive income stream
Max Baer Jr. Net Worth Breakdown 2026
Max Baer Jr.’s estimated net worth in 2026 sits at approximately $50 million. This fortune didn’t come from acting alone – it’s a mix of television royalties, real estate investments, business ventures, and smart money management over six decades..
His income sources break down into several revenue streams that keep money flowing. Beverly Hillbillies syndication royalties still generate estimated annual income between $1-2 million, a testament to the show’s enduring popularity.
These TV residuals provide steady cash flow without him lifting a finger, like owning a money machine that never stops printing.Real estate holdings make up the biggest portion of his total wealth. Max invested heavily in California properties during the 1970s and 1980s when prices were reasonable, and those investments multiplied in value.
Key Assets Include:
- Television syndication royalties and residual payments
- Commercial real estate portfolio in California and Nevada
- Residential property investments and rental income
- Casino development project equity and holdings
- Film production company assets and intellectual property rights
Real Estate and Business Ventures
Max Baer Jr. proved he had brains to match his Beverly Hillbillies millions through aggressive real estate investing. Starting in the 1970s, he began buying properties in Nevada and California, focusing on undervalued commercial spaces that he knew would appreciate.
His investment strategy was simple – buy low, hold long, and sell when the price is right. Max spent years developing plans for a Beverly Hillbillies themed casino in Nevada, complete with Jethro’s mansion replica and hillbilly-themed slot machines.
Property Investment Success
Max purchased multiple commercial buildings across California during the real estate boom years. His rental properties generate consistent monthly income while property values continue climbing, creating wealth that far exceeds his television earnings.
Film Production Ventures
He wrote, produced, and directed “Macon County Line” in 1974, a low-budget film that became one of the highest-grossing movies of that year. This directing career proved he could succeed behind the camera, earning millions more and establishing expertise beyond acting.
Life After The Beverly Hillbillies
When The Beverly Hillbillies ended in 1971, Max faced the classic actor’s dilemma – being typecast as Jethro Bodine. He tried landing different roles but casting directors couldn’t see past the overalls and rope belt.
The 1970s saw Max shift focus from acting to filmmaking with impressive results. “Macon County Line” grossed over $25 million on a tiny $225,000 budget, making it one of the most profitable independent films of the decade.
In recent years, Max has stepped back from active entertainment work but remains involved in business ventures and property management. He’s given occasional interviews about his Beverly Hillbillies days, attended fan conventions, and kept the Jethro legacy alive for new generations.
Career Achievements:
- Directed multiple commercially successful independent films
- Transitioned successfully from actor to producer and director
- Maintained financial stability through diversified income sources
- Preserved Beverly Hillbillies legacy through public appearances
- Built lasting wealth beyond his television fame
Personal Interests:
- Real estate development and property investment
- Independent film production and screenwriting
- Nevada business ventures and casino industry
- Classic television history and preservation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Max Baer Jr’s net worth right now?
Max Baer Jr’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at $50 million. His wealth comes from Beverly Hillbillies syndication royalties, real estate investments, and business ventures built over 60 years.
How much money did Max Baer Jr make from Beverly Hillbillies?
Max earned between $800 to several thousand per episode during the show’s run. His biggest payday comes from syndication royalties that still generate $1-2 million annually decades after the show ended.
Is Max Baer Jr a millionaire?
Yes, Max Baer Jr is a multimillionaire worth approximately $50 million. His smart investments in real estate and continued TV royalties have made him wealthier than most classic TV stars.
How did Max Baer Jr get so rich?
Max built his fortune through Beverly Hillbillies residuals, California real estate investments, and directing profitable films like Macon County Line. His business sense turned TV fame into lasting wealth.
Does Max Baer Jr still make money from the show?
Yes, Max still earns passive income from Beverly Hillbillies syndication that airs worldwide. These royalty checks combined with rental income from his property portfolio provide steady cash flow.
Conclusion
Max Baer Jr.’s journey from Jethro Bodine to multimillionaire businessman shows what happens when talent meets smart money management. His estimated $50 million net worth in 2026 proves that one iconic role combined with savvy investments can create generational wealth.
The Beverly Hillbillies gave him fame, but his business brain gave him fortune. Those syndication checks still rolling in six decades later, combined with a real estate empire built brick by brick, demonstrate financial wisdom that many actors never achieve. Max Baer Jr. didn’t just play a millionaire on television – he became one in real life.
Dome Ellis, the founder of TrueHeartBlessings, a space created to bring faith into everyday moments where hope is needed most. Through heartfelt reflections and soul-lifting blessings, my mission is to share divine encouragement, inspire inner peace, and remind readers that even the smallest moments can carry powerful miracles. Every word I write is rooted in love, faith, and the belief that light always finds its way to those who seek it.