Jim Varney | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 19, 2025

Who is Jim Varney?

Jim Varney was an American actor and comedian best known for his iconic portrayal of the bumbling character Ernest P. Worrell. Born on June 15, 1949, in Lexington, Kentucky, Varney began his performance career at an early age, participating in local theater productions before moving to New York City to pursue stand-up comedy and Off-Broadway shows. He first gained national attention in 1976 as a regular on the variety series "Johnny Cash and Friends", which laid the groundwork for his future in television and film.

Varney's comedic persona, Ernest, was introduced in a regional commercial in 1972, leading to a successful series of television ads throughout the 1980s. This character's popularity blossomed into a series of films, including "Ernest Goes to Camp" (1987) and "Ernest Saves Christmas" (1988), which cemented his status as a household name. In addition to his work as Ernest, Varney showcased his talents in various other roles, including the character Jed Clampett in the film adaptation of "The Beverly Hillbillies" and the voice of Slinky Dog in Pixar's beloved "Toy Story" franchise.

Despite Varney's success, his career was ultimately overshadowed by his battle with lung cancer, which he publicly disclosed in 1999. He continued working on various projects, including "Daddy and Them" until his passing on February 10, 2000, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 50. Varney's legacy lives on through his unforgettable characters and contributions to comedy, making him a cherished figure in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Education

Jim Varney was born on June 15, 1949, in Lexington, Kentucky. His passion for performing arts ignited at an early age, as he began acting in local theater when he was just 8 years old. Varney’s talent was unmistakable from the start; he landed his first professional acting role as Puck in a regional production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in 1965. This early experience laid the groundwork for his future in entertainment, providing him with a strong foundation in acting and performance.

In 1967, Varney took a significant step forward in his career by moving to New York City. There, he immersed himself in the world of live performance, working as a stand-up comedian and appearing in various dinner theater productions and Off-Broadway shows. His experiences in New York not only polished his comedic skills but also broadened his horizons as an actor. This period ultimately set him on a path that would lead to his big break in television and the creation of his iconic character, Ernest P. Worrell, which became a defining aspect of his career in the years that followed.

Career Start: Television Breakthrough

Jim Varney's career in entertainment began at an early age, starting with local theater in his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. By the age of eight, Varney was passionate about acting, and he landed his first professional role as Puck in a regional production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in 1965. His ambition led him to New York City in 1967, where he immersed himself in the vibrant performance scene as a stand-up comedian, performing in dinner theater, and taking part in Off-Broadway shows. This foundation helped him hone his comedic timing and versatile acting skills.

Varney’s breakthrough came in 1976 when he joined the cast of the variety television series "Johnny Cash and Friends". This opportunity marked a turning point in his career, allowing him to showcase his unique comedic persona. Following this success, he appeared in several short-lived television shows, like "Operation Petticoat" and "Fernwood 2-Night", which, although not major hits, helped him build a reputation in the industry. However, it was Varney's introduction of his beloved character, Ernest P. Worrell, in a regional commercial in 1972 that truly paved the way for his future success in both television and film.

The Success of Ernest P. Worrell

Jim Varney's portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell is a defining aspect of his career, transforming him from a regional actor into a national comedic icon. Varney first introduced this lovable, bumbling character in a 1972 local commercial, but it wasn't until the 1980s that he began to fully realize Ernest's potential. With a unique blend of slapstick humor and earnestness, Varney's commercials for various products, including ice cream and fast food, endeared him to audiences and made Ernest a household name. The character’s popularity paved the way for feature films, with hits like "Ernest Goes to Camp" and "Ernest Saves Christmas," showcasing Varney's comedic talent in full swing.

The film series representing Ernest P. Worrell was not only commercially successful but also cultivated a devoted fan base. Varney's ability to create a character that resonated with both children and adults led to a successful partnership with Disney, which produced several films featuring Ernest. The franchise expanded to include multiple sequels and merchandise ranging from toys to greeting cards, further solidifying Ernest’s place in popular culture. Varney's sincere portrayal of this lovable character brought joy to countless viewers and showcased his incredible range as a performer, making Ernest P. Worrell a classic figure in American comedy.

Post-Ernest Roles in Film

Jim Varney's transition from his iconic Ernest P. Worrell character to more diverse roles showcased his versatility as a performer. One of his first significant departures was his portrayal of Jed Clampett in the 1993 movie adaptation of the beloved TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies." This role allowed Varney to display his comedic timing and ability to handle more traditional film narratives, appealing to audiences beyond the children who adored Ernest. The success of the film highlighted Varney's capability to draw on his extensive experience in comedy while reaching new viewers.

In addition to live-action roles, Varney brought to life the beloved character of Slinky Dog in Pixar's animated classics "Toy Story" (1995) and its sequel "Toy Story 2" (1999). His distinctive voice added a layer of warmth and humor, making Slinky Dog an endearing figure alongside iconic characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear. This contribution not only solidified his status in family entertainment but also demonstrated his range as an actor capable of engaging audiences through vocal performance alone. Varney's ability to connect with both children and adults in different formats marked a significant evolution in his career.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Jim Varney's personal life was marked by notable but often complex relationships. He was married twice; his first marriage was to a woman named Bettie, though details regarding their life together remain sparse. The couple divorced after a brief period, with Varney often citing the challenges of balancing his career and personal commitments as a contributing factor. His second marriage to Jane Varney in 1986 was more public. The pair shared a bond over their love for performance arts, but this relationship also faced difficulties and ended in divorce in the late 1990s.

Despite his busy career, Varney had a deep affection for children and valued family life. He had no children of his own, which he occasionally expressed as a personal regret. Instead, he was known to be a devoted uncle, nurturing close relationships with his extended family. Varney's personality, marked by his comedic genius, made him a beloved figure not just in acting but also within his family circle. He often brought laughter and joy to his family's gatherings, which reflected his enduring spirit even amidst the challenges he faced later in life.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary Overview

Jim Varney, known for his iconic character Ernest P. Worrell, achieved significant financial success throughout his career, particularly during the peak years of the Ernest franchise in the late 1980s and 1990s. Varney's portrayal of Ernest in a series of commercially successful films, which grossed millions at the box office, including Ernest Goes to Camp (1987) and Ernest Saves Christmas (1988), contributed substantially to his net worth. While exact figures regarding his salary per project can vary, estimates suggest that he earned around $1 million per film during the height of his career.

In addition to his earnings from film, Varney was also a ubiquitous presence on television. His character appeared in hundreds of commercials, leading to lucrative endorsement deals that bolstered his income significantly. His success as a voice actor in animated projects like Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2 (1999) further increased his financial portfolio. Varney's work in children's television, particularly with the Emmy Award-winning Hey Vern, It's Ernest, demonstrated his versatility and ability to connect with younger audiences, allowing him to maintain a diverse source of income throughout his career.