Raymond Bailey was born on May 6, 1905 in San Francisco, and attempted to start acting in Hollywood during the Depression. Finding it difficult to get work, Bailey found himself in Hawaii acting in community theater. Returning to Hollywood in 1939, Bailey began a long and healthy career in film and television. "Perry Mason," "Twilight Zone," "Gunsmoke" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" are among the over 200 television shows on which he appeared before becoming Milburn Drysdale on "The Beverly Hillbillies." His numerous film roles include "No Time for Sergeants," "Vertigo" and "The Incredible Shrinking Man."

Backstage "Hillbillies" gossip reported that Bailey did not get along well with his fellow cast members, although he remained with the show for its entire run. Bailey died of a heart attack on tax day, April 15, 1980.