Celebrity Justice
Jethro's Girlfriend Commits Suicide

The 30-year-old girlfriend of 70-year-old Max Baer, Jethro Bodine of "The Beverly Hillbillies," died Sunday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Lake Tahoe, Calif.

According to a sheriff's spokesman, Baer called 9-1-1 at 1:15 PM last Thursday after discovering Chere Rhodes unconscious in a bedroom, suffering from a gunshot wound. She apparently regained consciousness and told deputies she was trying to kill herself. A handwritten suicide note found at the scene confirmed that, cops said.

Rhodes was flown to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno where she was placed on life-support. Her condition did not improve and she died Sunday after her family requested she be taken off life-support.

No foul play is suspected.

Little known facts -- Baer also dated the late Sharon Tate, and Victoria Principal.

Reader Comments

(Page 7 of 7) Previous 15 Comments

91. How sad.

Posted at 11:14PM on Jan 30th 2008 by Grace E.

92. He's a pimp I hope when I am 70 I can pimp a 30 yr old (s)lut.

Posted at 5:57AM on Jan 31st 2008 by Maury

93. To #71 Jolene, my deepest condolences to you and your godfather Max Baer. I am shocked at all the indecent and ignorant comments left on this site. Although I have read that Mr. Baer had problems coming to terms with the character of "Jethro Bodine" and that later in life he overcame that, I want you to know that I watched "The Beverly Hillbillies" because of 2 people.....Max Baer and Irene Ryan. They were both brilliant comics and made me laugh many times over the years. I also remember the movie he made...doing all the script writing and all of the work involved in the production, in which he portrayed a deputy who's wife is mudered. Excellant movie and he should be 100% proud of all of his achievements. It is sad that he and Donna Douglas receive no residuals from the "Beverly Hillbillies". I firmly believe you when you say what a good man he is...one of the very rare celebrities you never hear trash about. God bless you and Mr. Baer.

Posted at 9:35AM on Jan 31st 2008 by completely disgusted

94. Max "Jethro" Baer has always dated trashy chicks, including the legendary porn star Christy Canyon. In Christy Canyon's book "Lights, Camera, Sex" Ms Canyon tells a story of how Max wanted to masturbate while watching her have sex with another man or woman, instead of having sex with Christy himself. He also told her of weird sexual fetishes, like being pooped on, which turned him on more than sex itself. Not surprising, Max has a history of bizarre events with women and men -that one would commit suicide is not strange for Jethro.

Posted at 10:37AM on Jan 31st 2008 by zurijim

95. first meet first. Say it cool to be first you see can't nobody call you second. And if they read the rules anybody can be first. So first when you post first you only put me first and I'm okay to be first.

Posted at 12:06PM on Jan 31st 2008 by first

96. Chere was my friend. She's a wonderful loving person that none of you knew.I cant believe how careless you poeple can be. She has family and friends who love her dearly do you people think about that while your making your stupid comments. No she wasn't a slut or a gold digger she was good person inside and out! Most of all a wondeful friend who would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it! She brougth sun shine to a cloudy day! Her smile would make you feel better if you were down. Chere I love you girl! No matter what any body say's you were one of a kind! Rest peacefully with the Angels now!

Love you always
Cassie

Posted at 11:37PM on Jan 31st 2008 by Cassie

97. You can find out more about Chere Rhoades on Mydeathspace.com. She had two beautiful children and a wonderful life so it seems. RIP

Posted at 4:12PM on Jan 31st 2008 by justme

98. To #91 zurijim, like we are going to believe the memiors of a so called legendary porn star!? Grow up!

Posted at 5:26PM on Jan 31st 2008 by completely disgusted

99. To some of you the laguage was not called for. I'm abig fane of Max's and so sorry to hear about the death. It is fine that he wasnot living alone all these years. I hope the public will stand behind Max and be a big domfort for him at this time.

Posted at 2:54PM on Feb 1st 2008 by Nicole

100. Stand behind him he deserves nothing he killed her it all makes sense just because you see only how big he was back then doesnt mean he is a good guy he was in trouble before for domestic violence read up on his relationship with victoria principal and she was a beautiful person please keep looking for the truth we cannot rest until the truth is out She didnt deserve this we her family dont deserve this find the evidence you need to arrest him and put him away for life. I cant wait for the day i can look him in teh eye at court and say finally chere is at peace!!!

Posted at 9:36AM on Feb 4th 2008 by nun ya

101. Ok i was there two days before Chere shot herself... My uncle just got back from picking her up at the airport... we were all supposed to go eat sushi for my b-day which was the 21st . Chere was too tired to go out to eat with us so she went to her room and my Uncle max, my boyfriend and I went to eat... we came back and everything seemed to be ok... then I left on the 22nd... then i hear about this.... so sad.. and how DARE you even say such a thing that my Uncle would take her life...? from what i hear she tried it in the past with pills but this time took it to another level and shot herself... I feel for everyone i know how it is i lost my fater at age 8 from suicide and I thank GOD that i had Uncle Max to help me get through life... my God Father Max or what i call him Uncle Max would not do such a thing, he is a great person and always a hero in my eyes...

Posted at 2:15PM on Feb 5th 2008 by Jolene

102. Jolene, my heart goes out to you & all of Max's family. I'm an old friend. This is the first I heard of Chere's death. I know what a wonderful person Max is & how e must be hurting. I'm going to contact him & give him late condolences. He's always been there for me wwhen I needed a lift. Hopefully I can somehow lift his spirits a little.

Posted at 6:55PM on Feb 18th 2008 by maxsfriend

103. Very many thanks for a good work. Nice and useful. Like it!

Posted at 12:38PM on Mar 17th 2008 by RedPower

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