Introduction

Jim Varney was an American actor, comedian and writer known for his iconic portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell, a lovable character who appeared in movies, TV shows, and a series of commercials. Varney’s talent for comedic acting, coupled with his unique brand of humor, made him a beloved figure among audiences of all ages. In this article, we’ll take a look at Jim Varney’s net worth and salary, his early life and education, his career, personal life, real estate holdings, and his legacy. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions related to this talented performer.

What Was Jim Varney’s Net Worth and Salary?

Jim Varney’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million at the time of his death in 2000. He earned most of his wealth through his successful career in show business, which spanned several decades. Varney was a versatile performer who worked in various mediums, including television, film, and commercials. He was also a talented voice actor and lent his voice to several animated shows and movies over the years.

Early Life and Education

Jim Varney was born on June 15, 1949, in Lexington, Kentucky. He was raised in a middle-class family and had a relatively normal childhood. Varney showed an early interest in performing and often entertained his family with his impersonations and jokes. He attended Lafayette High School in Lexington and later studied drama at the University of Kentucky.

Career

Jim Varney’s career began in the early 1970s when he moved to Nashville to pursue a career in entertainment. He started out as a stand-up comedian and performed at various clubs and venues. In the early 1980s, he landed his first major role as a regular on the TV show “Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!” The show was a hit with audiences and led to several spin-off shows and movies featuring the character of Ernest P. Worrell.

Varney’s success as Ernest led to several other film and television roles. He appeared in movies such as “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Toy Story,” and “Ernest Scared Stupid.” He also lent his voice to popular animated shows such as “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.”

Personal Life

Jim Varney was married twice in his life. His first marriage was to Jacqueline Drew in 1977, but the couple divorced in 1983. Varney married his second wife, Jane Varney, in 1988, and the couple remained together until his death in 2000. Varney had no children.

Illness and Death

Jim Varney was a heavy smoker for most of his life, and in 1998, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite undergoing treatment, his condition worsened, and he passed away on February 10, 2000, at the age of 50.

Real Estate Holdings

Jim Varney owned several properties throughout his life, including a home in White House, Tennessee, and a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. He also owned a 22-acre estate in Beverly Hills, California, which he purchased in 1990 for $2.3 million.

Legacy

Jim Varney’s legacy is defined by his iconic portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell. The character became a pop culture phenomenon and is still remembered fondly by many fans. Varney’s talent for comedy and his unique voice made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His humorous and endearing performances have left a lasting impression on audiences of all ages.

FAQs

1. What was Jim Varney’s first role?

Jim Varney’s first major role was as Ernest P. Worrell on the TV show “Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!” The show premiered in 1980 and ran for several seasons.

2. How many “Ernest” movies were made?

There were nine “Ernest” movies made in total, including “Ernest Goes to Camp,” “Ernest Saves Christmas,” and “Ernest Scared Stupid.”

3. Did Jim Varney win any awards for his acting?

Jim Varney was nominated for several awards throughout his career, including a Daytime Emmy Award for his performance in “Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!” and a Saturn Award for his role in “Ernest Scared Stupid.”

4. What other movies did Jim Varney appear in?

In addition to the “Ernest” movies, Jim Varney appeared in several other popular films, including “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Toy Story,” and “100 Proof.”

5. Did Jim Varney do any voice acting?

Yes, Jim Varney was a talented voice actor and lent his voice to several animated shows and movies over the years. He voiced characters in shows like “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” and “Duckman.”

6. What was Jim Varney’s signature catchphrase?

Jim Varney’s most famous catchphrase was “KnowhatImean, Vern?” which he used to address his unseen friend Vern. The catchphrase became synonymous with the character of Ernest P. Worrell.

7. Did Jim Varney write any of the “Ernest” movies?

Yes, Jim Varney co-wrote several of the “Ernest” movies, including “Ernest Goes to Camp” and “Ernest Scared Stupid.”

8. What was Jim Varney’s net worth at the time of his death?

Jim Varney’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million at the time of his death in 2000. He earned most of his wealth through his successful career in show business.

9. Did Jim Varney ever perform stand-up comedy?

Yes, Jim Varney started out as a stand-up comedian in the 1970s. He performed at various clubs and venues before landing his first major role as Ernest P. Worrell.

10. Did Jim Varney ever appear on Broadway?

Yes, Jim Varney appeared on Broadway in 1997 in the play “The Best Man.” He played a supporting role alongside actors such as Charles Durning and Elizabeth Ashley.

11. What was Jim Varney’s last movie role?

Jim Varney’s last movie role was in the 2000 film “Atlantis: The Lost Empire.” He provided the voice of a supporting character named Jebidiah Allardyce “Cookie” Farnsworth.

12. What was Jim Varney’s most successful “Ernest” movie?

The most successful “Ernest” movie was “Ernest Goes to Jail,” which grossed over $25 million at the box office.

13. Did Jim Varney ever perform any other characters besides Ernest?

Yes, Jim Varney played several other characters over the years, including Slinky Dog in the “Toy Story” movies and Jed Clampett in “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

14. What was the cause of Jim Varney’s death?

Jim Varney died of lung cancer in 2000. He was 50 years old.

15. What was Jim Varney’s most iconic performance?

Jim Varney’s most iconic performance was his portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell. The character became a beloved figure in popular culture, and Varney’s humorous and endearing performance helped to make him a household name.

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