5 Fun Facts About ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’
When The Beverly Hillbillies premiered in 1962, few could have predicted just how popular it would become. The sitcom followed the Clampetts, a poor but good-hearted rural family who struck it rich after discovering oil on their land. With newfound wealth, they moved to a lavish Beverly Hills mansion, where their simple country ways clashed hilariously with high society. The show starred Buddy Ebsen as the wise and kind-hearted patriarch Jed Clampett, Irene Ryan as the feisty Granny, Max Baer Jr. as the dimwitted but lovable Jethro and Donna Douglas as the sweet yet strong-willed Elly May.
The series quickly became a cultural phenomenon, ranking among the most-watched TV shows of its time. Its humor, built on the contrast between the Clampetts’ rural sensibilities and the extravagance of Beverly Hills, resonated with millions of viewers. Here are some interesting facts about the beloved series:
1 Critics hated it, but it set ratings records
Everett Collection
Upon its premiere in 1962, The Beverly Hillbillies was met with harsh criticism from the media. The New York Times described it as “strained and unfunny,” while Variety labeled it “painful to sit through.” Time went further, calling it “the lowest form of humor.” Despite these reviews, the show resonated with audiences and it was a hit. Within three weeks of its debut, it climbed to the number-one spot in television ratings. Between 1962 and 1964, the show averaged an impressive 57 million viewers per episode. Notably, the episode titled “The Giant Jackrabbit,” which aired on January 8, 1964, remains one of the most-watched television episodes in history.
2 The theme song became a hit too
“The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” performed by bluegrass legends Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, served as the show’s theme song. Sung by Jerry Scoggins, it reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country chart in 1963. Years later, during the production of the 1993 film remake, Scoggins offered to reprise his role, surprising the studio, unaware he was still alive.
3 Remember the mansion? It was real
Gene Trindl/TV Guide/Everett Collection
The Clampetts’ opulent Beverly Hills residence is an actual mansion called Chartwell Estate and is located at 750 Bel Air Road in Los Angeles. Constructed in the 1930s for $2 million, the 21,523-square-foot estate featured a 150-foot waterfall and an elevator descending 70 feet underground. The production rented the mansion for $500 per day, and it later appeared in several films. It last sold to media mogul Lachlan Murdoch for a record $150 million in 2019, making it the most expensive home ever sold in the city.
4 Sharon Tate had a recurring role before her shocking murder
Before achieving Hollywood stardom, Sharon Tate appeared in 15 episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies as Janet Trego, a bank secretary. To portray the character, Tate wore a brunette wig to conceal her natural blonde hair. She developed a close friendship with Baer Jr. while working on the show. Tragically, Tate was later a victim of the Manson family murders in 1969.
5 Max Baer Jr. wanted to open a Beverly Hillbillies casino
Everett Collection
In later years, Baer Jr., son of boxing legend Max Baer, acquired merchandising and licensing rights to The Beverly Hillbillies and sought to establish a themed casino. His ambitious plan included a 200-foot oil derrick replica as part of the Nevada attraction. Although the project has not come to fruition, Baer Jr. has profited significantly from his association with the show.
Who was your favorite character on the show? Now find out who is still alive!
Who’s Still Alive From ‘The Beverly Hillbillies?’
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