The banker on “The Beverly Hillbillies” made a lasting impact on fans. Every new millionaire needs some financial advice on how to manage their money. Raymond Bailey played the financially savvy Mr. Drysdale on the popular show.
Sadly, in the last two seasons of the show, Bailey began to exhibit early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. In the last few episodes, his condition was quite apparent. Raymond Bailey was forced to quit acting not long after the show ended and passed away in 1980 at the age of 75.
Sharon Tate In A Wig
Sharon Tate, an American model and actress, played a few parts in movies and TV in the 1960s. Unfortunately, she is most widely known as a victim of the Manson Family murders in 1969. Sharon and husband, director Roman Polanski, were expecting their first child at the time of her death.
She had a recurring part on the show as Janet Trego and appeared in roughly 15 episodes. During her appearances, Sharon would wear a brunette wig to make her less recognizable.
Striking It Rich
Just like Jed Clampett’s sudden financial windfall, “The Beverly Hillbillies” quickly became a huge hit, making stars of all participants, including the actors and producers. The not-so-cleaner but warm-hearted Clampetts won America’s hearts by keeping it real and not putting it on air.
All these lovable characters hit upon a recipe for success. At the beginning of the show, “The Beverly Hillbillies” made $25 million, and at the end, the show brought in more than $100. That is quite an accomplishment and a pretty great salary!
Shady Business Dealings
Jethro Bodine, who played Jed’s adopted nephew on the show, was a favorite amongst fans. He was played by Max Baer Jr., as dimwitted but good hearted. In real life, he was so savvy that he managed to sue CBS and win. He actually leveled five different charges against the TV industry.
It turns out that a restaurant chain was using the actor’s name, and CBS knew about it, but for whatever reason, they never shared the information with Baer. Instead, the network made some kind of secret settlement agreement, and Baer was quoted as saying: "It's not a secret deal; we just can't talk about it."
Two for The Price of One
Max Baer Jr. had no qualms about putting on a dress and playing his character’s twin sister, Jethrine Bodine. Which is a good thing because the scenes with her were hysterical. Although he played both Jethro and his plain twin, Jethrine’s voice was done by Linda Henning.
Linda is the daughter of Paul Henning, the inventor of “The Beverly Hillbillies”. The skits are not only iconic but also side-splittingly funny. Remember, the show was still shot in black and white, which made Max Baer Jr. one of the first male actors to play a woman’s role on television.