Celebrity Info
Jim Varney’s journey from a quick-witted comedian to a beloved household name was nothing short of remarkable. With over 4,000 television commercial appearances under his belt as the energetic and endlessly talkative Ernest P. Worrell, Jim Varney became a fixture in American pop culture. Born James Albert Varney, Jr. on June 15, 1949, in Lexington, Kentucky, he showed signs of his comedic talent early on—thanks to a sharp memory for poetry and fiction, and an uncanny ability to mimic cartoon voices. These gifts naturally led him to children’s theater, where Jim Varney quickly stood out as a gifted young performer.
By his teenage years, Jim Varney was already making waves in local drama competitions and performing at nightclubs. His growing reputation opened doors to summer stock theater and gigs at Opryland USA, laying the foundation for a career built on charisma and timing. A pivotal moment came when Jim Varney took the stage at The Comedy Store, which eventually landed him a spot on “Johnny Cash and Friends” (CBS, 1976). From there, he appeared in various episodic roles, like mechanic-turned-daredevil Virgil Simms on “Fernwood 2-Night” and the misfortunate sailor “Doom and Gloom” Broom on “Operation Petticoat” (ABC, 1977–1979).
But it was a regional advertising campaign that truly launched Jim Varney into stardom. After playing a no-nonsense drill instructor named Sgt. Glory for the Southern Dairy Commission, ad executives John Cherry III and Jerry Carden saw potential in Jim Varney’s expressive face and dynamic delivery. They cast him as Ernest P. Worrell—a quirky, rubber-faced everyman who’d shout across the fence at his unseen neighbor, Vern, urging him to try everything from gas companies to ice cream. The character debuted in a Bowling Green, Kentucky amusement park ad and quickly gained traction across the South.
As Ernest’s popularity spread to California and the Mid-Atlantic states, Jim Varney and Cherry capitalized by releasing comedy shorts directly to video. “Knowwhutimean? Hey Vern, It’s My Family Album” (1983) became a surprise hit, proving that audiences couldn’t get enough of Ernest. That momentum carried into theaters with “Ernest Goes to Camp” (1987), the first of many family-friendly films. Between 1988 and 1998, eight Ernest features were produced—four even released through Walt Disney Pictures—with Jim Varney front and center. He also headlined the short-lived but memorable CBS series “Hey, Vern, It’s Ernest!” (1988), which earned Jim Varney a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series.
Despite the character’s overwhelming presence on screens big and small, trends began to shift in the early ‘90s. Ernest’s theatrical releases slowed, but by then, Jim Varney was eager to stretch beyond the role that made him famous. He delivered a well-received performance as Jed Clampett in “The Beverly Hillbillies” (1993), showing depth beneath the humor. Then came another career highlight: voicing Slinky Dog in Pixar’s groundbreaking “Toy Story” (1995) and its sequel in 1999. To a whole new generation, Jim Varney wasn’t just Ernest—he was a loyal toy with heart.
Though Jim Varney often expressed interest in more serious roles—drawing from his experience performing Shakespeare—he found most opportunities still leaned toward lighthearted, kid-approved content. Still, he embraced each project with dedication. In 1998, Jim Varney was diagnosed with lung cancer, yet he continued working throughout chemotherapy, determined to keep going. He even managed a brief remission and completed filming for “Daddy and Them,” a Billy Bob Thornton-led comedy released posthumously in 2001.
Tragically, Jim Varney passed away on February 10, 2000, before seeing the film’s release. But his legacy lives on—not just through the laughter Ernest brought to millions, but in the warmth and sincerity Jim Varney infused into every role. From commercials to cinema, Jim Varney left an indelible mark, reminding audiences that behind the goofy grin and loud catchphrases was a performer of genuine talent and enduring spirit.
When it comes to Jim Varney’s film career, one standout performance definitely comes to mind—his role in Toy Story 2 (1999), which is widely regarded as Jim Varney’s highest rated movie. It’s no surprise that this animated classic earned such acclaim, given its heartfelt storytelling and memorable characters. On the other end of the spectrum, Jim Varney also appeared in 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain (1998), a film that didn’t resonate quite as well with audiences or critics, making it Jim Varney’s lowest rated movie. While his contribution brought some charm to the project, it just couldn’t match the success of his later work. Overall, Jim Varney’s filmography shows a range of roles, but it’s clear that projects like Toy Story 2 truly highlighted his talent.
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