“The Beverly Hillbillies” ran from 1962 to 1971. The popular show had an amazing run with nine terrific seasons and a whopping 274 episodes. Buddy Ebsen, Irene Ryan, and Donna Douglas were the only three actors to star in every single episode of the show. It seems like Jed, his daughter Elly May, and his mother, Granny, were the real backbone of the series.
Honestly, the connection between these three generations makes us a little jealous, especially in this rare photo of all three together while in character. (We suspect that Jethro was also in every episode, but the picture is still pretty great).
Commerce Bank
It is a well-known fact that the Clampett’s kept their money at Milburn Drysdale’s Commerce Bank, on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” What is not so well known is that the bank is named after a real bank in Kansas City, Missouri.
It turns out that Paul Henning, the creator of the hit show, lived right by the bank when he was a kid and raised it up from obscurity. When you have your own hit show, you can use things from your own life, too.
Quite a Mouthful
In both movies and television shows, the names of characters are extremely important. The name gives insight into the character and helps audiences to know what to expect. Sometimes, leaving off a name makes it interesting.
It is unclear why, but the show’s creators decided to name Margaret Drysdale’s father, Lowell Fahrquar. We’re not sure how to pronounce that last name, either. Now try to say it ten times fast. But seriously, you can’t go wrong with a Smith or a Jones.
Jed Clampett...Writes Poetry?
Buddy Ebsen was not only an accomplished actor, he was also a published author. He released a novel called “Kelly’s Quest.” You may have missed it because the book came out years after he quit show business. The novel included a collection of poems about a young woman named Kelly and her journey through life with all its highs and lows.
Despite the fact that nine different publishers rejected him, Buddy Ebsen decided to publish the book on his own. With its unique take on life, the book reached the number 3 spot on the LA Times paperback best-seller list in 2001.
A Girl’s Best Friend
Both the original television series from the 60s and the movie remake from the 90s featured chimpanzees. As we’ve mentioned before, Elly May had a soft spot for animals. She kept two pet chimps named Skipper and Bessie.
There really is nothing cuter in the world than a chimpanzee in a cute little dress, which we believe is some shade of purple. After cats and dogs, these are probably the third cutest critters we’d want to play with on the set of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Beauty and brains, what a combination!