It’s almost impossible to imagine Granny as anyone other than Irene Ryan, but initially, producers were considering experienced actress and voice sensation Bea Benaderet for the role. Astonishingly, they felt that Bea Benaderet was too large and busty to pass convincingly as roadkill-eating Granny Moses.
The seasoned actress didn’t hold a grudge and apparently even recommended Irene Ryan, who was booked instantly after her wonderful screen test. Her audition can be seen as a bonus feature on the DVD extras.
Typecasting
You’d be surprised to learn that Max Baer Jr.’s real name is Maximilian Adalbert. That name sure sounds fancy! Baer is most famous for his role as slow but lovable Jethro Bodine on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” But after the show wrapped, the actor felt like he was having a hard time finding other roles, especially ones where the character is something other than a good-hearted hick.
This is actually quite common in Hollywood, where actors can be pigeonholed into similar types of roles. After a number of similar opportunities, Baer decided to make a change and focused on writing, producing, and directing rather than acting.
The Ballad of Jed Clampett
The show had a catchy theme song, telling the age-old tale of rags to riches. The song was suitably titled “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” with lyrics performed by Jerry Scoggins and music by bluegrass duo Flatt and Scruggs.
Even if you don’t know every single episode of “The Beverly Hillbillies” by heart, you can probably hum along with the song about “Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.” The iconic tune even became a hit on the year the show debuted, and made it to number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Made to Be a Hillbilly
Lovers of 60’s movies are already familiar with Buddy Ebsen from the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” In the film from 1961, he plays a character very similar to Jed Clampett. Due to his work in the film, Buddy Ebsen was offered the starring role in “The Beverly Hillbillies” one year later.
Ebsen played such a great hic that this time, we didn’t even mind the typecasting. Who else could so wonderfully portray the miner turned millionaire that won over our hearts?
Almost Retired
Although Buddy Ebsen had a successful acting, writing, and music career after “The Beverly Hillbillies” was canceled in the early 1970s, he was considering retirement before the hit show even went on air. He was actually thinking about quitting show business just before the series went into pre-production.
It’s clear that he had a change of heart, and the first episode, named “The Beverly Hillbillies: The Clampetts Strike Oil,” premiered in 1962. The crew finished work on the pilot in December 1961, and there was no stopping after that.