The Last Clampett Standing: What Happened To The Beverly Hillbillies Cast And Max Baer Jr.'s $50 Million Empire?

The Beverly Hillbillies remains one of the most iconic and beloved sitcoms in television history, yet the fates of the Clampett family and their associates are often a mystery to modern fans. Since the show ended its nine-season run in 1971, the main cast members have all passed away, except for one notable exception: Max Baer Jr., who played the lovable, dim-witted Jethro Bodine. As of late 2025, the legacy of the original cast is a fascinating blend of continued success, long-running business ventures, and surprisingly tragic endings. This deep dive examines the full cast of the classic 1960s series, detailing their lives, the final years of the deceased members, and the current, multi-million-dollar empire of the last surviving star. The show's enduring popularity is clear, with full episodes still being uploaded and consumed online, proving that the tale of the Clampetts' move from the Ozarks to the luxurious hills of Beverly Hills still captivates audiences decades later.

The Clampett Family and Associates: A Complete Cast Biography

The core cast of *The Beverly Hillbillies* brought to life a unique ensemble of characters who defined an era of television. Their individual careers spanned vaudeville, Broadway, film, and other successful television series.

• Buddy Ebsen (Jed Clampett)
  • Born: April 2, 1908, in Belleville, Illinois.
  • Role: The patriarch and head of the Clampett family, who accidentally strikes oil on his land, making him a multi-millionaire.
  • Later Career: After *The Beverly Hillbillies*, Ebsen found massive success as the title character in the long-running detective series *Barnaby Jones* (1973–1980).
  • Died: July 6, 2003, at age 95, from respiratory failure (pneumonia).
• Irene Ryan (Daisy May "Granny" Moses)
  • Born: October 17, 1902, in El Paso, Texas.
  • Role: Jed's feisty, shotgun-toting mother-in-law, known for her folk remedies and distrust of modern "city-fied" ways.
  • Later Career: Following the show's cancellation, Ryan made a successful transition to Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination for her role in the musical *Pippin*.
  • Died: April 26, 1973, at age 70, shortly after filming her final episode. The cause of death was a brain tumor (glioblastoma) and arteriosclerotic heart disease.
• Donna Douglas (Elly May Clampett)
  • Born: September 26, 1933, in Pride, Louisiana.
  • Role: Jed's beautiful, tomboy daughter known for her "critters" and sweet, naive nature.
  • Later Career: Douglas focused on gospel music, real estate, and public speaking, often appearing at conventions to discuss the show's legacy. She also reprised her role in the 1981 TV movie, *Return of the Beverly Hillbillies*.
  • Died: January 1, 2015, at age 82, from pancreatic cancer.
• Max Baer Jr. (Jethro Bodine)
  • Born: December 4, 1937, in Oakland, California.
  • Role: Jed's country nephew, known for his "six-grade education" and aspirations to become a brain surgeon or a double-naught spy.
  • Current Status: As of 2025, Baer Jr. is the last surviving main cast member of the show. His career pivoted from acting to producing, directing, and, most notably, licensing and business ventures.

The Supporting Cast: Miss Jane Hathaway and Mr. Drysdale

While the Clampetts were the stars, the show’s comedic friction and enduring charm relied heavily on the talented supporting cast who represented the "city folk."

• Nancy Kulp (Miss Jane Hathaway)
  • Role: The prim, intellectual, and hopelessly devoted secretary to Milburn Drysdale. She often acted as a cultural bridge between the Clampetts and the outside world.
  • Biography: Kulp was born on August 28, 1921, and had a successful career in film and television before and after *The Beverly Hillbillies*. She even ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania in 1984, though she was unsuccessful.
  • Died: February 3, 1991, at age 69, from cancer.
• Raymond Bailey (Milburn Drysdale)
  • Role: The greedy, high-strung, and perpetually exasperated president of the Commerce Bank of Beverly Hills, where the Clampetts deposited their fortune. His entire life revolved around keeping the Clampetts' money in his bank.
  • Biography: Bailey was a veteran character actor born on May 6, 1904. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows before landing his signature role as Mr. Drysdale.
  • Died: April 15, 1980, at age 75.

Max Baer Jr.'s $50 Million Empire: The Last Surviving Star's Current Project

Max Baer Jr., the only surviving main cast member, has spent decades forging a path far removed from Hollywood, transforming his iconic Jethro Bodine character into a lucrative business empire. Rather than continuing a traditional acting career, Baer Jr. focused on licensing and development, capitalizing on the immense popularity of *The Beverly Hillbillies* brand. As of 2025, Max Baer Jr. is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $50 million, a fortune built primarily through his entrepreneurial endeavors. His most ambitious and long-running project is the development of a *Beverly Hillbillies*-themed hotel and casino resort in Northern Nevada.

The Saga of Jethro Bodine’s Casino

Baer Jr.'s vision for a themed resort has been a decades-long saga, often encountering regulatory and zoning hurdles. The proposed project, which has been in development since the early 2000s, is designed to be a major tourist destination, featuring a hotel with two 143-foot towers and a casino branded around the beloved sitcom. * Recent Milestones: Despite the long development period, the project has seen recent movement. Douglas County commissioners in Northern Nevada narrowly approved the hotel-casino plan, a crucial step forward for the development. * Ongoing Challenges: However, the project continues to face opposition and bureaucratic setbacks. In a recent development, Baer Jr. reportedly lost an appeal over the size and placement of an outdoor sign for the proposed establishment, highlighting the continued challenges of bringing his massive vision to life. Baer Jr.'s dedication to this venture showcases a unique post-acting career, where he has leveraged the cultural capital of his character, Jethro, into a tangible, multi-million-dollar business. His success in licensing the show's intellectual property has solidified his legacy not just as an actor, but as a shrewd Hollywood mogul.

The Enduring Legacy of The Beverly Hillbillies in 2025

Decades after the show was abruptly cancelled in the "rural purge" of the early 1970s, the comedy remains a cultural touchstone. The show's premise—the clash between the simple, honest values of the hillbillies and the shallow materialism of Beverly Hills—is timeless. The continued relevance of the show is evidenced by its constant presence in syndication and on streaming platforms. In 2025, you can still find "new" uploads of full, classic episodes appearing on popular video platforms, often labeled with the current year, proving that a new generation is discovering the humor of Jed, Granny, Elly May, and Jethro. The story of the *Beverly Hillbillies* cast is a bittersweet one. While Buddy Ebsen and Donna Douglas enjoyed successful later careers and Max Baer Jr. built a massive financial empire, the core cast members have all passed away. Their collective legacy, however, is one of an enduring, beloved sitcom that defined a generation and continues to entertain in the modern era. The comedic genius of the cast, from Irene Ryan’s Oscar-nominated performance in *Pippin* to Buddy Ebsen's smooth transition to *Barnaby Jones*, ensures that the Clampetts' move to California will be remembered for years to come.