10 Surprising Facts About Kentucky Native Jim Varney

Jim Varney, renowned for his role as Ernest P. Worrell, holds a special place in many hearts, including my own. Growing up, I was enchanted by his Ernest movies, not realizing he was a Kentucky native until his passing in 2000. Discovering that he was born in Lexington in 1949 added another layer to my admiration.

One memorable experience from my youth was encountering Jim in person at a Nashville restaurant in the early ’90s. Spotting him as Ernest P. Worrell left me utterly starstruck. This encounter sparked a lifelong fascination with his work, which I now share with my son, Rollins.

Jim Varney’s rise to fame began with commercial appearances. The character of Ernest P. Worrell was originally devised for advertisements, filmed predominantly in Varney’s kitchen using a handheld camera. His inaugural appearance was in a 1980 ad for Bowling Green’s Beech Bend Amusement Park. From there, he featured in ads for a variety of products, ranging from soft drinks to car dealerships, even filming one atop a sign pole in a Dodge Viper in Henderson, KY.

Varney’s acting roots trace back to his childhood. At eight years old, he was memorizing and delivering long monologues in local theatre productions. His first professional role was Puck in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” A true Shakespeare enthusiast, Varney even visited Stratford upon Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, in adulthood.

During his stand-up comedy stint at Los Angeles’ Comedy Store, Varney forged friendships with notable figures such as Robin Williams, Waylon Jennings, and William Shatner. His comedic talent landed him spots on The Merv Griffin Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, further propelling his career.

Fans of Hank Williams Jr. might spot Varney in the music video for “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,” where he enjoys a wild ride on a bull and a swim in the pool. Despite his goofy on-screen persona, Varney was reputed to possess a near-genius IQ.

One standout moment from his film career is the heartfelt performance of “Gee, I’m Glad It’s Raining” in “Ernest Goes to Camp.” This scene, completed in a single take, left a lasting impression on many, moving some to tears.

Varney sometimes grappled with being typecast as Ernest. However, his versatility is evident from his other roles, including appearances in “Roseanne,” “The Simpsons,” “Disney’s Hercules,” and the “Toy Story” films. He also starred as Jed Clampett in “The Beverly Hillbillies” movie, paying homage to one of his childhood favorites.

Collaborating with long-time friend and director Jim Cherry, Varney starred in nine Ernest films ranging from “Ernest Goes to Camp” (1987) to “Ernest in the Army” (1998). A rumored tenth film, “Ernest the Pirate,” was purportedly in the works but was never completed due to Varney’s illness.

August sees a unique celebration commemorating “Ernest Goes to Camp” at Montgomery Bell State Park in Tennessee, where fans gather for various activities, including touring the filming locations, participating in a look-alike contest, and enjoying screenings of the movie.

Currently, a dedicated team is working on a documentary about Jim Varney’s life. Directed by David Pagano and researched by Varney’s nephew Justin Lloyd, the project aims to preserve the memory of this iconic comedic actor. For those intrigued by his legacy, this documentary promises to unravel more fascinating aspects of Varney’s life and career.

Source: WKDQ