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Born: June 15, 1949 – Died: February 10, 2000
James Albert Varney, Jr., known as Jim Varney, was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on June 15, 1949. His parents, Nancy Louise Howard and James Albert Varney, Sr., played a significant role in shaping his early childhood. Varney's passion for theater blossomed during his teenage years, winning state titles in drama competitions at Lafayette High School in Lexington. At the age of 15, he portrayed Ebeneezer Scrooge in a local children's theater production of "A Christmas Carol." His remarkable acting talent led him on a professional path, performing in nightclubs and coffee houses by the age of 17. Stay tuned to discover Varney's remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Jim Varney's childhood and upbringing were marked by his passion for theater. He attended Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky, where he won state titles in drama competitions.
Varney's career in acting began at a young age. By the time he was 17, he was already performing professionally in nightclubs and coffee houses. He chose Nashville as his base to pursue his acting career.
Varney's first major successful role came in the form of "Ernest P. Worrell," a character he created for commercials. The catchphrase "KnowhutImean?" became a national craze almost immediately, and Varney's portrayal of Ernest became immensely popular. He made commercials for various clients, including soft drinks, food stores, and eventually Disney.
However, it was his role as Ernest P. Worrell in the 1987 film "Ernest Goes to Camp" that catapulted Varney into stardom. The film marked the beginning of a successful film franchise featuring the lovable and comedic character. This role cemented Varney's status as a highly entertaining and talented actor.
In his personal life, Varney was married to Jane Varney from 1988 to 1991. Varney was known for his raspy voice, which became one of his trademark features as an actor.
Jim Varney made a significant impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry through his portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell. His comedic talent and the popularity of his character made him an icon and a beloved figure in the hearts of many fans. Varney's career and talent continue to be remembered and appreciated even after his untimely death on February 10, 2000, due to lung cancer.
Varney's legacy as an entertainer remains strong. He left a lasting impact on Hollywood and will always be remembered for his comedic genius and unforgettable characters.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Atlantis: The Lost Empire (Video Game) | Cookie (voice) |
| 2001 | Daddy and Them | Hazel Montgomery |
| 2001 | Atlantis: The Lost Empire | Cookie (voice) |
| 1999 | Toy Story 2 (Video Game) | Slinky Dog (voice) |
| 1999 | Toy Story 2 | Slinky Dog (voice) |
| 1999 | Treehouse Hostage | Carl Banks |
| 1999 | Existo | Marcel Horowitz |
| 1998 | Viva Variety (TV Series) | Guest |
| 1998 | Hercules (TV Series) | Ephialtes (voice) |
| 1998 | 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain | Lothar Zogg |
| 1998 | Ernest in the Army | Pvt. Ernest P. Worrell | Army Captain | Arab on Quicksand |
| 1998 | The Simpsons (TV Series) | Cooder (voice) |
| 1997 | Blood, Friends and Money | The Old Mariner |
| 1997 | Annabelle's Wish (Video) | Mr. Gus Holder (voice) |
| 1997 | 100 Proof | Rae's Father |
| 1997 | Ernest Goes to Africa (Video) | Ernest P. Worrell | Hey You, the Hindu | Auntie Nelda ... |
| 1997 | Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man (TV Series) | Walt Evergreen (voice) |
| 1997 | Snowboard Academy (Video) | Rudy James |
| 1996 | Roseanne (TV Series) | Prince Carlos |
| 1996 | Toy Story Activity Center (Video Game) | Slinky Dog (voice) |
| 1996 | Games Rednecks Play (Video) | Red neck |
| 1996 | Disney's Animated Storybook: Toy Story (Video Game) | Slinky Dog (voice) |
| 1995 | Toy Story | Slinky Dog (voice) |
| 1995 | Slam Dunk Ernest (Video) | Ernest P. Worrell |
| 1995 | The Expert | Snake |
| 1994 | Your World as I See It (Short) | Ernest P. Worrell | Aster Clement | Baby Ernest ... |
| 1994 | Ernest Goes to School | Ernest |
| 1993 | Joe Diffie, Jim Varney, Lorrie Morgan & Jerry Scoggins: The Beverly Hillbillies Medley (Music Video) | Jim Varney |
| 1993 | Ernest Rides Again | Ernest |
| 1993 | The Beverly Hillbillies | Jed Clampett |
| 1993 | Wilder Napalm | Rex |
| 1992 | Ernest's Greatest Hits Volume 2 (Video) | Ernest P. Worrell |
| 1991 | Ernest Scared Stupid | Ernest P. Worrell |
| 1990 | Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Special | TV Special | Ernest P. Worrell |
| 1990 | Ernest Goes to Jail | Ernest P. Worrell | Mr. Nash | Aunt Nelda |
| 1990 | The Magical World of Disney (TV Series) | Ernest P. Worrell | Ernest's Father (as James Varney) |
| 1989 | Ernest Goes to Splash Mountain (TV Movie) | Ernest |
| 1989 | Fast Food | Wrangler Bob Bundy |
| 1988 | Hey, Vern, It's Ernest! (TV Series) | Ernest P. Worrell | Auntie Nelda | Dr. Otto ... |
| 1988 | Ernest Saves Christmas | Ernest P. Worrell |
| 1987 | Hey Vern, Win $10, 000 (Video) | Ernest P. Worrell |
| 1987 | Ernest Goes to Camp | Ernest P. Worrell |
| 1986 | The Ernest Film Festival (Video) | Ernest P. Worrell |
| 1985 | Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam | Dr. Otto | Rudd Hardtact | Laughin' Jack ... |
| 1983–1984 | The Rousters (TV Series) | Evan Earp |
| 1983 | Knowhutimean? Hey Vern, It's My Family Album (Video) | Ernest P. Worrell | Davy Worrell & Company | Ace Worrell ... |
| 1982 | Spittin' Image | Sheriff |
| 1980 | Pink Lady (TV Series) | Various Characters |
| 1977–1979 | Operation Petticoat (TV Series) | Seaman 'Doom & Gloom' Broom | Doom & Gloom Broom |
| 1978 | Alice (TV Series) | Milo Skinner |
| 1978 | America 2-Night (TV Series) | Virgil Simms |
| 1977 | Fernwood Tonight (TV Series) | Virgil Simms |
| 1977 | Riding High (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1976 | Johnny Cash and Friends (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1974 | Pop! Goes the Country (TV Series) | Various Characters (1982-1983) |
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