19 Things Producers of ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ Hid from Fans

7. The Banker Had Alzheimer’s

Raymond Bailey played the self-serving banker Mr. Drysdale who managed the Clampetts’ fortune, to much comedic effect. Sadly, the actor began to show signs of Alzeheimer’s disease during his last few years on the set. It’s quite apparent in the last two or three episodes. He had to quit acting altogether and became a recluse until he passed away in 1980 at the age of 75.

8. John Wayne Was Paid in Bourbon For His Appearance

John Wayne had a small role on the show during the fifth season. Throughout the episode “The Indians Are Coming” Granny kept mentioning that she wished John Wayne was there to help fight the “injuns,” and at the end of the episode he shows up. Not exactly a storyline we’d see today. As far as payment went John didn’t ask for much. He supposedly said: “Give me a fifth of bourbon, that’ll square it.”

9. Sharon Tate Was in The Beverly Hillbillies

Sharon Tate is mostly known as the pregnant wife of director Roman Polanski who was one of the unfortunate victims of the Manson family killings. Were you aware that before the tragedy she had a recurring role on The Beverly Hillbillies? She appeared in 15 episodes in a brunette wig as the bank teller Janet Trego. She later won a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Valley of the Dolls.