Nov 08 11
Development of Jim Varney’s Acting Career
James Albert Varney, Jr. began acting in Lafayette High school, Lexington, KY. At the age of eight, his mother put him in children-s theatre because of his ability to imitate the cartoon characters he would watch on television. He continued with his acting and while in high school he won top state awards in drama competitions. Jim performed in a local theatre version of Ebenezer Scrooge at the age of 15 and by 17 he was performing in nightclubs and coffee houses.
Mr. Varney-s first television commercial, which introduced the character of Ernest, was in 1980 at Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. From that point on, Ernest became a household word and put Jim-s mark on the world.
Although most of his beginning works were in commercials, Ernest P. Worrell became so popular that a TV series “Hey Vern, It-s Ernest’ was created, and from there he went on to star in high-grossing movies in the ’80-s and ’90-s. Jim- Varney’s acting was either loved or hated ” in 1988 he was nominated for a Razzie Award and then in 1989 he won an Emmy.
James Albert Varney, Jr. passed away on February 10, 2000. He is missed.