Critics didn’t like it
Despite becoming a huge television success and receiving a total of seven Emmy nominations, The Beverly Hillbillies was not universally loved by television critics. Some reviewers were surprisingly harsh about the sitcom, criticizing its humor and overall style even while audiences continued tuning in week after week. Critics described the series as strained and unfunny, with some even suggesting that watching it was difficult. Still, the negative reviews clearly did little to stop the show’s popularity, proving that audiences sometimes have very different opinions from professional critics.
Critics Didn’t Like It
From acting to politics
Nancy Kulp became widely recognized for playing the intelligent and proper Miss Jane Hathaway, one of the show’s most memorable characters. However, her career eventually moved in a completely different direction after her years in television. Kulp entered the world of politics and decided to run for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in Pennsylvania. Her transition from beloved television actress to political candidate was certainly unexpected, showing that her ambitions extended far beyond Hollywood and the character that had made her famous.
From Acting To Politics
Very cheap mansion
Paul Henning, the creative force behind The Beverly Hillbillies, managed to secure an impressive Beverly Hills mansion as one of the show’s most recognizable filming locations for a surprisingly small amount of money. The production reportedly paid only $500 to use the luxurious Bel Air property for filming. The mansion became the fictional home of the Clampett family after Jed struck oil and suddenly became extremely wealthy. Considering how recognizable the house became to viewers, the modest filming fee was an impressive bargain for the production.
Very Cheap Mansion
Not a supporter
Buddy Ebsen, who played Jed Clampett, apparently did not support Nancy Kulp when she decided to enter politics. In fact, Ebsen went as far as volunteering to participate in a radio campaign supporting her political opponent. Their relationship had reportedly never been particularly close behind the scenes, and his involvement in the campaign caused Kulp to lose even more respect for him. She ultimately lost the election, making the situation especially uncomfortable given their history as co-stars on one of television’s most popular sitcoms.
Not A Supporter
Location of the mansion
The famous mansion associated with The Beverly Hillbillies also had an interesting history outside the television show. Its owner, Arnold Kirkeby, was tragically killed in a plane crash only a few months before the series premiered. His wife continued living at the property and reportedly agreed that the mansion’s exact address should remain private. Unfortunately, dedicated fans eventually figured out where it was located and began gathering around the area in hopes of seeing the cast members during filming. The house became almost as recognizable as the characters themselves.
Location Of The Mansion
Unfortunate casting
Maximilian Adalbert “Max” Baer Jr. became famous for playing Jethro Bodine, the lovable but not particularly bright character on the show. Although the role made him widely recognizable, Baer later felt that being so strongly associated with Jethro limited his opportunities to play different types of characters. After The Beverly Hillbillies, he eventually focused more heavily on writing, directing, and producing. Another notable performer connected to the series was Sharon Tate, who appeared in a recurring role. She was reportedly disguised with a brunette wig and appeared around 15 times.
Unfortunate Casting
The jalopy
The Clampett family’s old 1921 Oldsmobile Model 46 Roadster was never technically an actor, but it became one of the most recognizable elements of The Beverly Hillbillies. The worn-out vehicle perfectly matched the family’s rural background and added another layer of humor whenever they arrived in wealthy Beverly Hills. The famous car eventually received attention beyond the series and was donated to a museum in 1976 as part of the country’s Bicentennial celebrations. At one point, it was even shipped to England for several episodes.
The Jalopy
Breaking bank
The Beverly Hillbillies was not just popular with viewers; it also became a major financial success for the television industry. The series generated enormous amounts of revenue during its run, with its financial growth becoming another impressive part of its legacy. Over the course of the show’s success, the figures reportedly grew from around $25 million to approximately $100 million by the time the series ended. That kind of financial performance demonstrated just how valuable the sitcom had become to the television business.
Breaking Bank
The original spark
Paul Henning reportedly developed the basic idea for The Beverly Hillbillies during a trip through the South in 1959 while visiting Civil War sites. The concept centered on taking a family from a rural Southern environment and suddenly placing them in the middle of an extremely wealthy community where almost everything was unfamiliar to them. The contrast between their traditional lifestyle and Beverly Hills society became the heart of the comedy. The original idea was reportedly considered for New York, but logistical challenges and expenses eventually helped move the setting to Beverly Hills.
The Original Spark
Best episode ever
One episode that stood out from the rest was “Hedda Hopper’s Hollywood,” which became particularly successful with viewers and helped attract even more attention to the series. Its popularity was significant enough that it was later ranked at number 62 on TV Guide’s list of the 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time in 1997. The recognition showed that the sitcom was capable of producing episodes that were remembered long after their original broadcast, even among many other popular television programs from the era.
Best Episode Ever
Almost the tin man
Before becoming known as Jed Clampett, Buddy Ebsen already had an impressive career as an actor and dancer. He had performed on Broadway and appeared in films alongside stars such as Shirley Temple and Judy Garland. Ebsen was originally cast as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz after initially being associated with the role of the Scarecrow. However, his plans changed when Ray Bolger took the Scarecrow role, leading Ebsen to become the Tin Man instead. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious reaction to the aluminum-based makeup and became too ill to continue, forcing him to leave the production.
Almost The Tin Man
Lawsuits
Max Baer Jr. later became involved in a legal dispute with CBS over the use of his name in connection with a restaurant business. Baer reportedly made several allegations concerning the use of his identity and claimed that the network was aware of what was happening. According to the account, CBS eventually entered into a confidential settlement without formally notifying Baer beforehand. The dispute added another unusual chapter to the complicated relationship between the actor and the television legacy of The Beverly Hillbillies.
Lawsuits
Double roles
During the first season, Max Baer Jr. occasionally took on more than one role, playing both Jethro Bodine and Jethro’s supposed twin sister, Jethrine Bodine. The unusual setup allowed the production to create the character without hiring another full-time performer for the role. Interestingly, Linda Henning, the daughter of series creator Paul Henning, provided Jethrine’s voice. The combination of Baer’s performance and the voice work helped create the illusion of another character, making the unusual double role one of the show’s more memorable production tricks.
Double Roles
Sonny’s real name
Sonny Drysdale was known throughout the series simply as Sonny, the son of Margaret Drysdale from a previous marriage. For much of the show, viewers knew him by the name Sonny Drysdale, while his actual first name was not commonly discussed. Eventually, it became known that his real name was Adonis. The revelation is one of those small character details that many longtime viewers may have overlooked because Sonny’s nickname was used so consistently throughout the series.
Sonny’s Real Name
Beverly hills barbie
Donna Douglas became famous for playing Elly May Clampett, Jed’s animal-loving daughter, but her character eventually became part of an unexpected Barbie collection. Mattel’s Classic TV Collection included Elly May among its television-inspired Barbie dolls, giving the actress another connection to the character that made her famous. However, Douglas was not pleased with the way her likeness was used and filed a lawsuit against Mattel. One of her concerns involved the packaging, which included a black-and-white photograph of her. The dispute was eventually settled.
Beverly Hills Barbie
Granny’s cooking and cookbook
Irene Ryan, the talented vaudeville performer who played the beloved Granny, became one of the most recognizable personalities on The Beverly Hillbillies. Granny was famous for preparing her unusual collection of homemade “vittles,” many of which became part of the character’s humor. Her popularity even inspired cookbook material featuring recipes, photographs, and character information connected to the series. While some of Granny’s unusual dishes might not appeal to everyone, her cooking became an important part of the show’s Southern charm and comedy.
Granny’s Cooking And Cookbook
Barnaby’s comeback
Buddy Ebsen eventually returned to television in another successful role through the detective series Barnaby Jones. The show featured Ebsen alongside Lee Meriwether as they portrayed a father and daughter-in-law who operated a private detective business in Los Angeles. Ebsen’s connection to The Beverly Hillbillies continued years later when he appeared as his familiar Barnaby Jones character in the 1993 movie adaptation of the classic sitcom. It was a memorable return to the world that had helped define his television career.
Barnaby’s Comeback
Ratings, ratings, ratings
The Beverly Hillbillies achieved remarkable ratings almost immediately after its television debut. Only three weeks after the series first aired, it reportedly reached the number-one position in the ratings, an incredibly fast rise for a new program. The show remained at the top for roughly two years and continued appearing among the top 20 programs for an astonishing eight seasons. Its long-lasting popularity demonstrated just how strongly audiences connected with the Clampett family and their hilarious attempts to adjust to life among Beverly Hills’ wealthy residents.
Ratings, Ratings, Ratings
Kellogs advertising
At the end of the opening credits, viewers could notice Jed appearing to point toward something off to the side of the screen. During network broadcasts, the camera would shift to reveal a Kellogg’s Corn Flakes billboard, highlighting the company as one of the show’s sponsors. As the Clampett family’s vehicle passed the billboard, the theme music continued while the advertising message incorporated Kellogg’s then-current slogan. It was a clever example of how television programs integrated sponsorship directly into their opening sequence without interrupting the flow of the show.
Kellogs Advertising
The chimpanzees
Elly May Clampett was known for her love of animals, and her collection of unusual pets became one of the memorable parts of The Beverly Hillbillies. Among the many “critters” associated with her character were two pet chimpanzees named Skipper and Bessie. Their presence added even more humor and charm to Elly May’s character, helping show just how comfortable she was around animals. The chimpanzees also became part of the quirky collection of pets that made her scenes especially entertaining and memorable for viewers.
The Chimpanzees
Watching to reading
Long after his successful career in television and film, Buddy Ebsen explored another creative interest by writing a novel titled Kelly’s Quest. Rather than creating another lighthearted entertainment project, Ebsen used the book to tell an emotional story through a collection of poems. The work followed a young girl as she experienced happiness, heartbreak, love, and important lessons about life. After nine publishers rejected the manuscript, Ebsen chose to publish the book himself. His decision eventually paid off, as the novel reached number three on the Los Angeles Times paperback bestseller list in 2001.
Watching To Reading
Bea benaderet
Before Irene Ryan became famous for playing Granny, another experienced actress was considered for the role. Veteran character actress and voice artist Bea Benaderet was reportedly among the first choices for the part. However, producers believed her appearance did not fit the specific image they had in mind for Granny. Interestingly, Benaderet is said to have recommended Irene Ryan for the role herself. Ryan then gave an impressive screen test that convinced the producers she was the right person for the character. The test was preserved and later included as an extra on the DVD release.
Bea Benaderet
Permanent retirement?
Before The Beverly Hillbillies became one of television’s biggest successes, Buddy Ebsen was reportedly considering leaving show business for good. By the time production began on The Beverly Hillbillies: The Clampetts Strike Oil in December 1961, Ebsen had seriously thought about permanently retiring from acting. His decision to take the role therefore came at an important point in his career. Had he followed through with his retirement plans, audiences might never have seen him become Jed Clampett, the character that would ultimately define a major part of his long and successful entertainment career.
Permanent Retirement
Levi-strauss
The popularity of The Beverly Hillbillies had an unexpected effect on fashion, particularly when it came to blue jeans. Donna Douglas, who played Elly May Clampett, became strongly associated with the denim style worn by her character. After the first season aired, a Levi-Strauss executive reportedly credited Douglas with having a remarkable influence on blue-jean sales. Her appearance on the show helped make the casual country look more appealing to television audiences. The attention demonstrated how strongly a popular character could influence fashion trends and consumer interest beyond the television screen.
Levi Strauss
Confusing ages
There were amusing rumors surrounding the ages of Irene Ryan and Donna Douglas, particularly because Ryan played Granny while Douglas portrayed the much younger Elly May. Some viewers apparently believed that Ryan was actually younger than Douglas and that extensive makeup was being used to make her appear older. In reality, the two actresses had a significant age difference. Irene Ryan was born in 1902, while Donna Douglas was born in 1933, making Ryan 31 years older. Buddy Ebsen later joked about how strange the rumor was, especially considering the characters they portrayed.
Confusing Ages
Theme song
The opening theme of The Beverly Hillbillies became nearly as recognizable as the show itself. Titled “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” the song was performed by Jerry Scoggins and featured the bluegrass duo Flatt and Scruggs. Its country-inspired sound perfectly matched the story of the Clampett family and their sudden move from rural life to Beverly Hills. The song became closely connected with the series and eventually achieved success beyond the television program. In 1962, it reached number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, giving the memorable theme a life of its own.
Theme Song
Breakfast at tiffany’s
Buddy Ebsen had already established himself as a talented performer before becoming Jed Clampett. His earlier work helped convince producers that he could successfully handle the role, and one of the performances that influenced their decision was his appearance in Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961. Ebsen’s portrayal in that film apparently gave producers an impression that he could capture the personality and mannerisms needed for a character like Jed. That opportunity proved especially important because it eventually led him to one of the most recognizable roles of his entire career.
Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Animals on set
Animals were an important part of Elly May Clampett’s character, and making those scenes work required someone with considerable experience handling them. Frank Inn served as the animal trainer for The Beverly Hillbillies and was also responsible for supplying many of the animals that appeared as Elly May’s beloved “critters.” His expertise helped make the animals’ appearances possible while keeping the production manageable. The unusual collection of pets became one of the show’s signature features, reinforcing Elly May’s personality and providing plenty of memorable moments throughout the series.
Animals On Set
Mr. drysdale
Raymond Bailey became widely recognized for playing banker Milburn Drysdale, the man responsible for managing the enormous fortune of the Clampett family. Behind the scenes, however, Bailey eventually began experiencing serious health difficulties during the later years of the series. Reports indicated that he started showing signs associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and the changes became particularly noticeable during his final episodes. His condition ultimately affected his ability to continue working as an actor, leading him to leave the profession altogether. Bailey died in 1980 at the age of 75, leaving behind a memorable television legacy.
Mr. Drysdale