Born Name:  James Albert Varney Jr.

Born Date:  June 15, 1949

Born Place:  Lexington, Kentucky

Died Date:  February 10, 2000

Died Place:  White House, Tennessee

Occupations:  Actor, comedian

Brief Biography:  Jim Varney was best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Ernest P. Worrell. He brought the character from local TV commercials to a successful film franchise in the 1980s and 90s. Varney also voiced Slinky Dog in Toy Story and Toy Story 2.

Early Life and Career:
Background: As a child, he possessed a high IQ and a talent for performing, studying Shakespeare at the Barter Theatre and starting professional performances in nightclubs at 17.
The "Ernest" Phenomenon: Along with Nashville advertising executive John R. Cherry III, Varney created Ernest P. Worrell, a comedic, fast-talking character with the catchphrase "KnowhutImean, Vern?".d

Notable Roles:
Ernest P. Worrell: Starred in numerous films, including Ernest Goes to Camp (1987), Ernest Saves Christmas (1988), and Ernest Goes to Jail (1990).
Voice Acting: Provided the voice for Slinky Dog in Pixar's Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2 (1999).
Other Film Work: Played Jed Clampett in the 1993 adaptation of The Beverly Hillbillies and appeared in Daddy and Them.

Legacy:
Known as a dedicated actor, he continued to work on films while undergoing chemotherapy.