About Jim Varney
James Albert Varney Jr. (June 15, 1949 - February 10, 2000) was an American actor and comedian, best known for his Emmy Award-winning comedic role as Ernest P. Worrell, which originated in television commercial campaigns and grew into a film and television franchise. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky, began performing professionally in nightclubs and coffee houses as a teenager, and studied Shakespeare at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia. The Ernest character, known for the catchphrase 'Knowhutimean, Vern?', led to the TV series Hey Vern, It's Ernest! and films including Ernest Goes to Camp and Ernest Saves Christmas; Varney earned a Daytime Emmy Award for the series. He also played Jed Clampett in the 1993 film The Beverly Hillbillies and voiced Slinky Dog in the first two Toy Story films. Varney died of lung cancer on February 10, 2000.
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Frequently asked questions
Who played Ernest P. Worrell?
The character was played by Jim Varney, an American actor and comedian; his Emmy Award-winning role began in television commercial campaigns and grew into a film and television franchise.
What was Ernest's catchphrase?
Ernest P. Worrell, the character played by Jim Varney, is known for the catchphrase 'Knowhutimean, Vern?'
Which Ernest films and shows did Jim Varney make?
Varney starred in films including Ernest Goes to Camp and Ernest Saves Christmas, and he won a Daytime Emmy Award for the TV series Hey Vern, It's Ernest!
Which Toy Story character did Jim Varney voice?
Jim Varney voiced Slinky Dog in the first two Toy Story films.
How did Jim Varney start his career?
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, he performed professionally in nightclubs and coffee houses as a teenager and studied Shakespeare at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia.
Was Jim Varney in The Beverly Hillbillies?
Yes, he played Jed Clampett in the 1993 film The Beverly Hillbillies.
