Max Baer age, born on February 11, 1909, in Omaha, Nebraska, rose to fame as a heavyweight boxing champion and actor. Known for his knockout power and flamboyant personality, Baer’s achievements extended beyond the boxing ring. His portrayal of Jethro Bodine in the TV series The Beverly Hillbillies cemented his status as a beloved entertainer. Baer’s life was tragically cut short in 1959 due to a heart attack, but his dual legacy as a sports and television icon continues to captivate fans.
His son, Max Baer Jr., born on December 4, 1937, carried on the family legacy, becoming a well-known actor, producer, and director. Best known for his role as Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies, Max Baer Jr. has also achieved success in Hollywood, ensuring that the Baer name remains synonymous with both boxing and entertainment.
Max Baer Sr. BIO / Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maximilian Adelbert Baer |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 1909 |
| Place of Birth | Omaha, Nebraska, USA |
| Date of Death | January 21, 1959 (Age 50) |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack |
| Height | 6’2” (188 cm) |
| Weight | 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| Career | Professional Boxer, Actor |
| Boxing Record | 68 wins, 13 losses, 5 draws (51 KOs) |
| Famous Fights | Defeated Primo Carnera to win World Heavyweight Championship in 1934 |
| Notable Films | The Prizefighter and the Lady, The Harder They Fall |
| Family | Wife: Mary Ellen Sullivan (married 1931, divorced 1941), Sons: Max Baer Jr., others |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1969 |
Max Baer Jr. BIO / Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Max Baer Jr. |
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, USA |
| Age | 86 (as of 2024) |
| Height | 6’4” (193 cm) |
| Weight | 250 lbs (113 kg) |
| Career | Actor, Producer, Director, Screenwriter |
| Famous Role | Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies |
| Notable Films | Macbeth, The Wild McCullochs, Hometown USA |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $50 million |
| Family | Father: Max Baer Sr., Mother: Mary Ellen Sullivan |
| Notable Contributions | Created the Max Baer Jr. Ranch and focused on Hollywood memorabilia |
| Current Projects | Continuing acting and producing; working on his own projects |
Max Baer Sr. Fights
| Date | Opponent | Result | Title | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 1934 | Primo Carnera | Win (KO) | World Heavyweight Championship | Madison Square Garden, NY |
| June 13, 1935 | James Braddock | Loss (UD) | World Heavyweight Championship | Chicago, IL |
| October 29, 1935 | Max Schmeling | Win (KO) | Non-title | New York, NY |
| March 1, 1937 | Joe Louis | Loss (TKO) | Non-title | New York, NY |
| February 17, 1939 | Tony Galento | Win (KO) | Non-title | New York, NY |
Max Baer Sr. Movies
| Movie Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Prizefighter and the Lady | Himself / Boxer | 1933 |
| The Harder They Fall | Himself / Boxer | 1936 |
| The Beverly Hillbillies | Jethro Bodine | 1962-1971 |
| The Big Cat | Himself | 1949 |
| That’s My Boy | Boxer | 1947 |
Max Baer Jr. Movies List
| Movie Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Beverly Hillbillies | Jethro Bodine | 1962-1971 |
| Macbeth | Macbeth | 1971 |
| Hometown U.S.A. | Larry Lawrence | 1979 |
| The Wild McCullochs | Jethro Bodine | 1975 |
| Ode to Billy Joe | Billy Joe | 1976 |
| Revenge of the Nerds | Coach Harris | 1984 |
| The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies | Jethro Bodine | 1981 |
| The Putt Putt Syndrome | Himself | 1986 |
| California Split | Himself | 1974 |
Max Baer’s Early Life and Family
Baer grew up in a working-class family in Omaha, Nebraska, later moving to Livermore, California. His parents, Jewish immigrants, instilled a strong work ethic and resilience in their children. Baer had two brothers, Buddy Baer, who also became a professional boxer, and Jack Baer. The family’s modest beginnings influenced Max’s determination to succeed, both in the ring and in life.
The Rise of Max Baer: Boxing Career Highlights
Baer’s boxing career peaked when he defeated Primo Carnera in 1934 to claim the World Heavyweight Championship. Known for his explosive knockouts, Baer’s fighting style combined power and agility, making him a formidable opponent. Although he lost the title to James Braddock in 1935, Baer’s thrilling performances and charismatic persona solidified his place in boxing history. His induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1969 further cemented his legacy.
Transition to Hollywood
After retiring from boxing, Baer’s charm and physical presence led him to Hollywood. He appeared in films such as The Prizefighter and the Lady and The Harder They Fall. However, his most famous role was as Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies. Baer’s comedic timing and charisma brought the character to life, making him a household name and endearing him to a new generation of fans.
Max Baer Sr Physical Attributes
- Height: 6’2” (188 cm)
- Weight: 210 lbs (95 kg)
- Build: Athletic and muscular
- Hair Color: Dark brown (later graying)
- Eye Color: Brown
Baer’s imposing physical stature was instrumental in both his boxing and acting careers. His rugged looks and natural charm made him a standout figure in Hollywood and the boxing ring alike.
Personal Life and Relationships
Baer married Mary Ellen Sullivan in 1931, with whom he had two children. The couple divorced in 1941. Despite the end of his marriage, Baer’s personal life remained a subject of public fascination. His relationships, though eventful, never overshadowed his achievements in boxing and acting.
Financial Ups and Downs
At the height of his career, Baer’s net worth was estimated at $3 million (adjusted for inflation). However, poor financial decisions, including gambling and bad investments, led to financial instability later in life. Despite these struggles, Baer’s legacy continued to generate income through reruns of The Beverly Hillbillies and boxing documentaries.
Dispelling Myths: Max Baer Age 103
A common misconception links Baer to the age of 103. This confusion arises from mixing the legacies of Max Baer Sr. and his son, Max Baer Jr. While Baer Sr. would have been 103 if he were alive today, he passed away in 1959 at the age of 50. Baer Jr., born in 1937, is currently 86 years old.
Fun Facts About Max Baer
- Nicknamed “Madcap Maxie” for his playful nature.
- Known for his knockout victory over Primo Carnera, one of the highlights of his career.
- Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1969.
- Played comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
FAQs About Max Baer
Q: What was Max Baer’s cause of death?
A: Max Baer died from a heart attack on January 21, 1959, at the age of 50. His sudden death cut short a career that spanned both boxing and entertainment.
Q: How old would Max Baer be today?
A: If Max Baer were alive today, he would be 115 years old, as he was born on February 11, 1909.
Q: How old was Max Baer when he died?
A: Max Baer was 50 years old when he passed away on January 21, 1959.
Q: Is Max Baer still alive?
A: No, Max Baer Sr. passed away on January 21, 1959 at the age of 50. However, his legacy as a boxing champion and actor continues to inspire.
Q: What is Max Baer Jr.’s net worth?
A: Max Baer Jr., best known for his role as Jethro Bodine in The Beverly Hillbillies, has a net worth of approximately $50 million.
Q: When is Max Baer Jr.’s date of birth?
A: Max Baer Jr. was born on December 4, 1937, making him 86 years old as of 2024.
Q: Is Max Baer still alive and how old is he?
A: Max Baer Jr. is still alive and currently 86 years old. He was born on December 4, 1937.
Q: What was the cause of Max Baer’s death?
A: Max Baer Sr. passed away from a heart attack on January 21, 1959 at the age of 50. His death was a significant loss to both the boxing and entertainment worlds.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Max Baer Sr. and Jr.
Max Baer’s life exemplifies resilience and versatility. From his triumphs in the boxing ring to his success in Hollywood, Baer’s legacy endures as a testament to his unique talents and charisma. Alongside his son, Max Baer Jr., their contributions to sports and entertainment continue to inspire new generations. Their dual legacy ensures that the Baer name remains synonymous with excellence.
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