The Last Clampett Standing: What Happened To Jethro Bodine And His $54 Million Beverly Hills Billy's Casino Dream?

Few characters in television history are as iconic as Jethro Bodine, the lovable, dim-witted cousin from the classic sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. The simple search term "Beverly Hills Billy's" is a direct nod to this cultural phenomenon, and in December 2025, the story of the show's last surviving star, Max Baer Jr., remains one of Hollywood's most fascinating post-fame sagas. It’s a tale that moved from the fictional oil-rich Clampett estate in Beverly Hills to the harsh, real-world battleground of Nevada's casino development, all driven by the man who played Jethro.

The enduring curiosity surrounding the Clampett family—the ultimate "hillbillies" who struck oil and moved to the ultra-posh 90210 zip code—is kept alive not just through syndication on channels like The Roku Channel, but by the relentless entrepreneurial spirit of Max Baer Jr. His decades-long quest to build a themed resort and casino has become his true life's work, a multi-million-dollar project that embodies the very spirit of striking it rich, much like his character's family.

The Last Clampett: Max Baer Jr.'s Full Biography and Profile

Maximilian Adelbert Baer Jr. is far more than just "Jethro Bodine." Born into a legendary family, his father was the world heavyweight boxing champion Max Baer Sr. His own career trajectory took him from a promising young actor to a television icon, and later, a successful, if often legally embattled, entrepreneur.

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His portrayal of Jethro, the six-foot-six, fifth-grade-educated nephew of Jed Clampett, cemented his place in pop culture history. Since the show's final episode over 50 years ago, Baer Jr. has transitioned almost entirely away from acting, focusing instead on producing, directing, and, most notably, licensing and development.

• Full Name: Maximilian Adelbert Baer Jr.
• Born: December 4, 1937
• Birthplace: Oakland, California, U.S.
• Famous Role: Jethro Bodine (The Beverly Hillbillies, 1962–1971)
• Father: Max Baer Sr. (World Heavyweight Boxing Champion)
• Post-Acting Career Focus: Film Director, Producer, and Casino/Resort Developer.
• Notable Directing/Producing Work: Macon County Line (1974), Ode to Billy Joe (1976).
• Current Status: Last surviving main cast member of The Beverly Hillbillies.

After The Beverly Hillbillies concluded, Baer Jr. initially struggled to shed the Jethro persona, a common fate for sitcom stars. However, he found success behind the camera, producing and directing films that became cult classics, demonstrating a keen business sense that he would later apply to his most ambitious project yet: the "Beverly Hills Billy's" themed resort.

The Billion-Dollar Casino Dream: Jethro's Post-Hollywood Legacy

The most current and fascinating chapter in Max Baer Jr.'s life is his decades-long pursuit of building a multi-million-dollar casino and resort complex in Nevada. This project, often referred to as "Jethro Bodine's Beverly Hillbillies Mansion & Casino," is the ultimate real-world extension of the Clampett family’s wealth.

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Baer Jr. has spent years acquiring the necessary licensing rights to the Beverly Hillbillies brand, leveraging his fame into a serious business venture. His vision is to create a destination that captures the show’s spirit, featuring a replica of the Clampett mansion and a theme that celebrates the "hillbilly" rags-to-riches story.

The Status of Jethro's Casino Project

As of late 2025, the casino project's status remains a testament to Baer Jr.'s tenacity. The journey has been fraught with legal challenges, zoning battles, and financial hurdles, primarily in the Carson City/Douglas County area of Nevada.

The proposed complex has been described as a $54 million investment, intended to be a major commercial draw. While the physical construction has seen numerous delays and changes in location over the years, Baer Jr. has consistently fought for the right to use the intellectual property (IP) to build his dream. The mere existence of the "Jethro's Casino" concept, and the constant legal maneuvers to make it a reality, ensures Baer Jr. remains a relevant figure in both entertainment and business news.

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His motivation, as he once famously stated, was "Starvation was my motivation," referring to his drive after the show ended. This entrepreneurial spirit is the true "Beverly Hills Billy's" legacy—the ability to turn a simple, backwoods identity into a license for immense wealth.

The Enduring Cultural Impact of the Clampett Family

The success of The Beverly Hillbillies, which ran on CBS from 1962 to 1971, was staggering. It consistently ranked as one of the top-rated shows on television, a true cultural touchstone. The show, created by Paul Henning, told the story of Jed Clampett (Buddy Ebsen), who discovers oil ("black gold, Texas tea") on his Ozark Mountain land, sells it to a petrochemical company, and moves his family to a mansion in Beverly Hills, California.

The contrast between the Clampetts' hayseed ways and the ultra-sophisticated, privileged society of Beverly Hills was the core of its comedy. This satirical look at class and culture is why the show continues to resonate and find new audiences today.

Key Entities and Show Facts

Understanding the full scope of the show requires recognizing the main entities that made it a success and its lasting impact:

• Jed Clampett (Buddy Ebsen): The patriarch, known for his wisdom and calm demeanor.
• Granny (Irene Ryan): Daisy Moses, the feisty, traditional matriarch.
• Elly May Clampett (Donna Douglas): Jed’s beautiful, animal-loving daughter.
• Jethro Bodine (Max Baer Jr.): The eager, six-foot-six cousin with a variety of ambitious, yet often misguided, career plans (like being a "brain surgeon" or "double-naught spy").
• Milburn Drysdale (Raymond Bailey): The Clampetts’ greedy, anxious banker.
• Jane Hathaway (Nancy Kulp): Drysdale's loyal, intellectual secretary, often referred to as "Miss Jane."

The show's influence extends beyond its original run. The 1993 film adaptation starred Jim Varney, and the show itself has found a massive second life through streaming and syndication. The fact that platforms are actively promoting "NEW" compilations of episodes in 2025 demonstrates the evergreen nature of the Clampett's journey from the Ozarks to the West Coast.

The Legacy of the Last "Billy"

Max Baer Jr. is more than the last surviving member of a beloved cast; he is the living embodiment of the show's theme: the pursuit of the American Dream, no matter how outlandish the form. While his co-stars—Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, and Donna Douglas—have all passed away, his dedication to the "Jethro" brand is a unique form of preservation.

The story of "Beverly Hills Billy's" is ultimately the story of Max Baer Jr.'s casino project—a dream that, much like striking oil, requires immense luck, perseverance, and a willingness to fight for a fortune. Whether or not the Jethro Bodine Mansion & Casino ever opens its doors, the decades-long effort itself is a fitting, entrepreneurial epilogue to one of television’s most enduring tales of wealth and culture clash.