Lexington, Kentucky, September 25, 2025

News Summary

Lexington, Kentucky, pays tribute to Jim Varney, the creator of the iconic character Ernest P. Worrell. Known for his comedic brilliance, Varney’s career in film and television left a lasting impact on American pop culture, particularly in the 1980s. With annual celebrations and a biographical book detailing his journey, Lexingonians continue to celebrate his unique contributions to entertainment and the joy he brought to audiences worldwide.

Lexington Celebrates the Legacy of Jim Varney, Creator of Ernest P. Worrell

Lexington, Kentucky, is honoring the legacy of Jim Varney, the talented actor and comedian who brought the beloved character Ernest P. Worrell to life. Born in 1949 in Lexington, Varney showcased his passion for acting from an early age, often entertaining family and friends with his skills in impersonation and poetry. His career, which began as a young performer, has left an indelible mark on American pop culture, particularly during the 1980s.

Varney enrolled in acting classes at the age of 8 and participated in children’s theater while attending Lafayette High School. By 17, he was already performing professionally, demonstrating a commitment to his craft. To broaden his experience, he studied classical theater at the Barter Theater in Virginia and was involved in various productions at Opryland in the 1970s. At the age of 24, he took the stage at Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled performer.

His breakthrough came in 1976, when he became a regular on “Johnny Cash and Friends.” Varney also appeared in the TV parody shows “Fernwood 2 Night” and “America 2 Night”, showcasing his comedic talents. He landed a role on the series “Alice” in 1978, but it was his portrayal of Ernest that would solidify his status as a household name. Varney debuted this character in a commercial for Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1980, quickly gaining popularity through his distinctive catchphrases such as “Hey Vern!” and “KnowWhutIMean, Vern?”

Throughout the 1980s, Ernest’s popularity soared, leading to his own television series, “Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!” which aired in 1988. Varney starred in several feature films that featured Ernest, including classics like “Ernest Goes to Camp,” “Ernest Goes to Jail,” “Ernest Scared Stupid,” and “Ernest Saves Christmas.” The character was not just a television favorite but also found a place in theme parks, being featured in the Epcot attraction “Cranium Command.”

Varney received significant recognition for his work, including a Daytime Emmy Award for his contributions as Ernest. Beyond the Ernest franchise, he also starred in the movie adaptation of “The Beverly Hillbillies” and lent his voice to Slinky Dog in the first two “Toy Story” films, further showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Unfortunately, Jim Varney’s life was cut short when he passed away from lung cancer on February 10, 2000, at the young age of 50. His final resting place is in the Lexington Cemetery, where fans continue to pay tribute with memorabilia, particularly bottles of Mello Yello, a beverage often associated with his persona.

In remembrance of Varney’s work and influence, an annual celebration takes place each August at Camp Kikakee, commemorating the first Ernest film, “Ernest Goes to Camp.” This event draws fans together to celebrate Varney’s legacy and the joy he brought to audiences.

Additionally, a biographical book titled “The Importance of Being Ernest: The Life of Actor Jim Varney” has been written by his nephew, Justin Lloyd, further chronicling Varney’s remarkable journey in the entertainment industry.

Key Contributions of Jim Varney

• Created the iconic character Ernest P. Worrell.
• Brought joy to audiences through film, television, and commercials.
• Contributed to significant themes in American pop culture.

Upcoming Events

Fans of Jim Varney can look forward to upcoming celebrations in honor of his life and work. These events serve as a reminder of the impact Varney had on his community and the entertainment world.

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Additional Resources

• Kentucky.com: Jim Varney’s Legacy
• Wikipedia: Jim Varney
• WBKR: Jim Varney Documentary Trailer
• Google Search: Jim Varney
• NKY Tribune: Tribute to Jim Varney
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Jim Varney
• Atlas Obscura: Jim Varney’s Grave
• Google News: Jim Varney
• WBKR: 10 Things About Jim Varney
• Smiley Pete: Biography of Jim Varney

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.