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Remembering Jim Varney: The Ernest P. Worrell Actor
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mranleec
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Jim Varney, an American actor and comedian best known for his iconic portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell, left an indelible mark on popular culture through his comedic performances in commercials, television shows, and films before his untimely death in 2000 at the age of 50.
Jim Varney's Early Life
themoviedb.org
Jim Varney was born on June 15, 1949, in Lexington, Kentucky, to Nancy Louise and James Albert Varney Sr.
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As a child, Varney displayed a remarkable ability to memorize long poems and significant portions of material from books, which he used to entertain family and friends.1
His mother, recognizing his talent for mimicry, enrolled him in children's theater at the age of eight.1
This early exposure to performance laid the foundation for Varney's future career as an actor and voice artist. By his teenage years, Varney was winning state titles in drama competitions while attending Lafayette High School.1
His passion for theater led him to study Shakespeare at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, and perform in an Opryland folk show in its first year of operation in the 1970s.1
These early experiences in theater and performance would prove instrumental in shaping Varney's versatile career, which would later include his iconic role as Ernest P. Worrell in television commercials and films, as well as voice work for characters like Slinky Dog in the Toy Story franchise.2
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Breakthrough: Commercials as Ernest
nytimes.com
Jim Varney's breakthrough came in 1980 when he was cast as Ernest P. Worrell in a series of commercials for Purity Dairies in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Created by advertising executive John Cherry, the character of Ernest, with his catchphrase "KnoWhutImean, Vern?", quickly gained popularity and led to numerous commercial campaigns across the United States for various products and services, including Laclede Gas and Braum's Ice Cream.2
The success of these commercials catapulted Varney to national fame, paving the way for his transition to television and film. His portrayal of Ernest in the 1987 movie "Ernest Goes to Camp" marked his big-screen debut, which was followed by several other Ernest films that performed well at the box office.1
This success opened doors for Varney, leading to roles such as Jed Clampett in "The Beverly Hillbillies" (1993) and voice work as Slinky Dog in "Toy Story" (1995), solidifying his status as a versatile actor and voice artist.3
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Jim Varney as Ernest P. Worrell (Photos)
Jim Varney's Filmography
Jim Varney's filmography showcases his versatility as an actor, spanning comedic roles, voice acting, and dramatic performances. Here's a selection of his notable film appearances:
Varney's career extended beyond these films, including numerous Ernest movies, television appearances, and voice acting roles.
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Ernest Goes to Camp | Ernest P. Worrell |
| 1988 | Ernest Saves Christmas | Ernest P. Worrell / Aster Clement / Various |
| 1990 | Ernest Goes to Jail | Ernest P. Worrell / Felix Nash |
| 1993 | The Beverly Hillbillies | Jed Clampett |
| 1995 | Toy Story | Slinky Dog (voice) |
| 1998 | 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain | Lothar Zogg |
| 1999 | Toy Story 2 | Slinky Dog (voice) |
| 2001 | Atlantis: The Lost Empire | Cookie (voice, posthumous release) |
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His portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell, created by advertising executive John Cherry, became his most iconic character, appearing in both commercials and feature films.1
Varney's final film appearances were posthumous releases, as he tragically passed away from lung cancer in 2000.1
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Jim Varney's Awards and Honors
Jim Varney's portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell and his other performances earned him recognition in the entertainment industry. Here's a summary of his notable awards and nominations:
Varney's Emmy win for "Hey Vern, It's Ernest!" recognized his versatile performance as multiple characters, including Ernest P. Worrell, Auntie Nelda, and others
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Daytime Emmy Award | Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series | Won | Hey Vern, It's Ernest! |
| 1987 | Razzie Award | Worst New Star | Nominated | Ernest Goes to Camp |
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. This achievement highlighted his talent in children's entertainment, a significant part of his career that included numerous commercials and films aimed at younger audiences. Despite the Razzie nomination early in his film career, Varney's portrayal of Ernest would go on to become a beloved character in American pop culture2
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Jim Varney's Interviews (Videos)
Jim Varney's Personal Life
en.wikipedia.org
Jim Varney's personal life was marked by his dedication to his craft and his battle with health issues. Despite his on-screen persona as the goofy Ernest P. Worrell, Varney was known to be well-read and intellectually curious off-camera. He was married twice but had no children. Varney was a heavy smoker, which tragically led to his diagnosis of lung cancer in 1998. He continued working through his illness, completing his voice work as Slinky Dog for "Toy Story 2" and filming "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" while undergoing chemotherapy. Varney passed away on February 10, 2000, at his home in White House, Tennessee, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond his iconic Ernest character.
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Closing Thoughts on Jim Varney
Jim Varney's career as an actor and voice artist left an indelible mark on American popular culture. From his early days in theater to his iconic portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell in television commercials and films, Varney's versatility shone through in every role. His collaborations with advertising executive John Cherry brought Ernest to life, delighting audiences across the United States with catchphrases like "KnoWhutImean, Vern?" Beyond Ernest, Varney's talent extended to roles such as Jed Clampett in "The Beverly Hillbillies" and voice work as Slinky Dog in the "Toy Story" franchise, demonstrating his range on both the big screen and in animation. Despite his battle with lung cancer, Varney continued to work, leaving a lasting legacy that includes not only his Ernest character but also his contributions to children's entertainment and box office successes. From local commercials for companies like Laclede Gas and Braum's Ice Cream to guest appearances on shows like "Johnny Cash and Friends," Varney's career was as diverse as it was impactful, cementing his place in the annals of American entertainment history.
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Related
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