Jim Varney, the Kentucky-born actor who became a household name as the beloved character Ernest P. Worrell, died on February 10, 2000, at his home in White House, Tennessee. He was 50 years old. The actor, who was buried in Lexington Cemetery in his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, lost his battle with lung cancer less than two years after receiving the diagnosis.
Born in Lexington in 1949, Varney first found fame through the character Ernest P. Worrell, a chipper and endlessly enthusiastic neighbor who greeted audiences with his trademark phrase, “Hey Vern. ” The character took off in television commercials before landing his own series of feature films. Varney went on to star in a string of Ernest movies, including “Ernest Goes to Camp,” “Ernest Saves Christmas,” “Ernest Goes to Jail,” “Ernest Scared Stupid,” and “Ernest Rides Again.
” He also took on the role of Jed Clampett in the 1993 film version of “The Beverly Hillbillies. ”
While filming “Treehouse Hostage” in August 1998, Varney developed a persistent cough. When he finally visited a doctor, he was told he had lung cancer. Varney began cancer treatments and quit smoking, all while continuing to work in film.
Despite his efforts, the cancer ultimately spread, and he died at his Tennessee home at the age of 50.
