Jim Varney was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1949, but he is best remembered for a character that made him a household name: Ernest P. Worrell. With his trademark catchphrase “Hey, Vern! ” and a folksy, energetic delivery, Varney turned Ernest into a cultural phenomenon.
The character appeared in a long string of films, including Ernest Goes to Camp, Ernest Saves Christmas, Ernest Goes to Jail, Ernest Scared Stupid, and Ernest Rides Again. Beyond his work as Ernest, Varney also starred as Jed Clampett in the 1993 film version of The Beverly Hillbillies. In August 1998, Varney developed a persistent cough while working on the set of the film Treehouse Hostage. When he finally saw a doctor, he received a devastating diagnosis: lung cancer.
Varney began cancer treatments and quit smoking, all while continuing to work in the film industry. On February 10, 2000, Jim Varney died at his home in White House, Tennessee, after losing his battle with cancer. He was just 50 years old.
He was laid to rest in Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, Kentucky, returning to the city where his life and career began.
