Max Baer, Jr. used to be Jethro on "The Beverly Hillbillies". NOT Jethro from "Jethro Tull". That's a DIFFERENT Jethro.

"Max Baer Jr. filed a lawsuit Tuesday arguing that he had reached a deal with CBS in 1991 giving him rights to use the TV character to establish a chain of restaurants, hotels and casinos. The lawsuit contends Baer's rights to the character have been undermined by the Jethro's BBQ restaurant chain, which is based in Des Moines.

Bruce Gerleman, the chain's owner, told The Des Moines Register the company isn't named as a defendant and that customers have nothing to worry about. "We own the name, we own the trademark, it will always be Jethro's BBQ in Des Moines, Iowa," he said.

A CBS spokeswoman said it has made great efforts over the years to try to amicably resolve the issue with Baer and will continue to do so. Under the agreement between Baer and CBS, the actor has spent up to $1 million in efforts to develop his business, the lawsuit states. Baer also has paid royalties to CBS for merchandise, including revenue from themed slot machines and a brand of BBQ sauce."

So now he has no choice but to sue them. Like you would expect. Like Suzanne Sommers and Jim Nabors, It's hard work to play a dumb character. Baer proves he isn't a dummy in real life. He just played one on TV.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
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