05/09/2026
The Cast of the Classic American Sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies
The Beverly Hillbillies, which aired on CBS from 1962 to 1971, remains one of the most beloved and successful sitcoms in television history. Created by Paul Henning, the show followed the Clampett family — a poor but honest Ozark mountain clan who strike it rich with oil and relocate to the glamorous but bewildering world of Beverly Hills, California. The fish-out-of-water comedy, filled with slapstick humor, cultural clashes, and heartwarming family moments, ran for nine seasons and 274 episodes, consistently ranking among the top-rated programs of its era. At the heart of its success was its unforgettable ensemble cast.
Buddy Ebsen (top left/top right) starred as the wise, easygoing patriarch Jed Clampett. Already a veteran actor and dancer (notably from The Wizard of Oz), Ebsen brought quiet dignity and folksy charm to Jed, the straight man who tried to keep his eccentric family grounded amid Hollywood chaos. After the series, he enjoyed a second major hit as the detective in Barnaby Jones (1973–1980). Ebsen passed away in 2003 at age 95.
Irene Ryan (top right) delivered scene-stealing performances as Daisy “Granny” Moses, Jed’s feisty mother-in-law. The tiny but tough Granny was famous for her sharp tongue, moonshine-making skills, and old-fashioned remedies. Ryan, a vaudeville veteran, earned two Emmy nominations for the role. She continued acting until her death in 1973 at age 70, shortly after appearing in the Broadway hit Pippin.
Donna Douglas (top right) portrayed the beautiful, animal-loving tomboy Elly May Clampett. With her blonde hair, Southern charm, and genuine warmth, Douglas made Elly May an instant fan favorite. After the show, she recorded gospel albums, wrote children’s books, and became an ordained minister. She passed away on New Year’s Day 2015 at age 82.
Max Baer Jr. (top left) played the dim but lovable nephew Jethro Bodine, known for his endless string of career aspirations (brain surgeon, Hollywood producer, secret agent) and his iconic “double-naught spy” persona. Baer, son of boxing champion Max Baer Sr., became a pop-culture icon. After the series, he produced films and managed real estate. As of 2025, he is the last surviving main cast member.
Supporting the core family were Raymond Bailey as the perpetually stressed banker Milburn Drysdale and Nancy Kulp as his efficient secretary Miss Jane Hathaway. Together, this ensemble created comedy gold by contrasting rural simplicity with urban sophistication. Decades later, The Beverly Hillbillies continues to air in syndication, its theme song (“The Ballad of Jed Clampett”) instantly recognizable. The cast’s chemistry and the show’s wholesome, optimistic humor have made it a timeless classic that still delights audiences today.
