Jim Varney was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1949, but he became a household name through his iconic character Ernest P. Worrell. With his signature catchphrase, “Hey Vern,” Ernest turned Varney into a beloved figure of American pop culture during the 1980s and 1990s. The character proved so popular that Varney starred in a long series of films built around Ernest, including “Ernest Goes to Camp,” “Ernest Saves Christmas,” “Ernest Goes to Jail,” “Ernest Scared Stupid,” and “Ernest Rides Again.
” The franchise made Varney one of the most recognizable comedic actors of his generation. Beyond the Ernest series, Varney also took on other roles. In 1993, he played Jed Clampett in the film version of “The Beverly Hillbillies,” bringing another beloved television character to the big screen. In August 1998, while working on the film “Treehouse Hostage,” Varney developed a persistent cough.
When he eventually went to see a doctor, he received a devastating diagnosis: lung cancer. Varney began cancer treatments and quit smoking, all while continuing to work on his film career. He remained active in the industry despite the seriousness of his illness. Tragically, on February 10, 2000, Varney lost his battle with cancer at his home in White House, Tennessee.
He was only 50 years old. He was laid to rest in Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, Kentucky, returning to the city where his life and career had begun.