Ernest Fun Club

The Educational Background of Jim Varney

admin — Sun, 12 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Varney was predisposed to acting, with a natural propensity to imitate and entertain. Throughout his childhood, Jim displayed a great capacity for memorization and imitation, and at eight years old, Jim’s mother enrolled him in children’s theater. This early education at children’s theater laid the foundation for his career.

Varney continued acting in his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. During his high school years at Lafayette High School, he regularly earned state titles during high school drama competitions. Before graduating in 1968, Varney portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge for a local theater, and performed regularly at local night clubs. At age sixteen, he portrayed Puck in a regional production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Although he did not receive formal training at an acting academy, Varney’s training and education was built upon years of experience in local and regional theater production. At eighteen, Varney moved to New York where he performed as a stand-up comedian and continued what was to become a successful acting career.

Where Does Jim Varney Originate From?

admin — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Varner is most notably known for his portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell in a series of films and advertisements beginning in the early 1980â€™s. However, before this iconic role became a household favorite, Varner had already established himself as a solid force to be reckoned with.

Starting his career in theater as a young adult, Varner quickly made the transition from local playhouse actor to television star. In various roles, he had the opportunity to show the world that he could be extremely funny but also could be serious if he needed to be. Being in front of the camera seemed to be the perfect home for Varner, and audiences agreed.

The breakout role for Jim was undoubtedly Ernest P. Worrell, the lovable guy in a jean vest and ball cap who had all of America saying â€œKnowhatImeanâ€ with a big grin. The Ernest movement sparked multiple films that instantly became cult classics for an entire generation. Ernest seemingly became a role model for children and the comedic relief life needed for adults. His crazy antics, contagious smile and memorable faces captured the hearts of millions and made Jim Varner one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
Canâ€™t get enough? Thereâ€™s more: In ‘Alex Cross’, Tyler Perry Blows His Biggest and Best Chance to Gain Mainstream Popularity (Review)

The Serious Side Of Jim Varney

admin — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Varney was much more than the funny man Earnest P. Worrell, he had many passions in his life and took them very seriously. Jim, had a near genius I.Q. level and he was passionate about Shakespeare. This was a huge influence on him, and the leading source for him studying Shakespeare at the Barter Theatre in Virginia. He actually wanted to do a play about the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s. His grandfather, used to go fishing with the McCoy’s in Kentucky and Jim had fond memories of the stories his grandfather would tell him as a child.. Jim also visited terminally ill children in his “Ernest” persona, he loved doing this for the children and he was never known to have turned down a single request. Jim also found it shocking when people found out he was not like the Earnest character, he found it amusing. On a sad note, Jim knew the dangers of smoking, he even did a public service announcement in the Earnest character trying to get Vern to stop smoking. He always wanted to stop smoking but never could.

Take a look here to learn more: McCoy Interviewed on Dan Patrick Show

Development of Jim Varney’s Acting Career

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

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.

The Whimsical Comedy Of Actor Jim Varney

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Varney, born James Albert Varney Jr., and lovingly referred to as Ernest after a character he played, was an American actor, musician, and comedian. Though he passed away February 10, 2000 at the age of 50, many fans still adore his work. Jim had the acting bug even early in his childhood. He would perform things he memorized in front of his family to entertain them. As a teenager and into his twenties, Jim started to perform on stage in the theater.

Jim has not only been in stand-up comedy and theater, but has had an on air presence since 1977 all the way until after his death with posthumous releases of Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Daddy and Them in which he had roles as well as some CGI commercial spots. He even did voice overs in several video games. Though not matter what part he played, Jim was most loved for his comedy stylings.

The most beloved character Jim portrayed was the whimsical Ernest P. Worrell. Jim-s Ernest character appeared in numerous movies and television shows and commercials. America fell in love with the comical character when he first appeared in cola commercials and never looked back.

Things I Bet You Didn’t Know About Jim Varney

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Although the great character actor Jim Varney died in the year 2000, he has not been forgotten. His legacy will continue for years to come, due to his broad range of acting abilities and of course, the beloved character of Earnest P. Worrell, for which he is probably best known.

But, did you know that Jim Varney was also very active in the Make-a-Wish foundation? The Make-a-Wish Foundation grants wishes to dying children, and meeting or talking to Earnest was a wish that hundreds of these children requested. Jim Varney, in the character of Earnest, didn’t let them down. In past interviews, he had mentioned how much he learned from these children who were facing death but still lived their lives to the fullest, while they still could.

Also, did you know that he had to take a screen test(his first ever) to get the role of Jed Clampett? They were afraid he couldn’t pull it off–that he wasn’t versatile enough, because of his Earnest character. But he proved he was…and got the part.

Lastly, many don’t realize that Jim Varney was a frugal man. He once stated that he could spend all day at a garage sale…and how “Earnest” is that?

Ernest Loved Mississippi – So Should You!

www.ernestfunclub.com — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are a lot of great reasons to visit Mississippi and the number one should be that Ernest loved it here! If you haven’t looked into hughesnet mississipi or booked your ticket yet you’ve got to see what you’re missing. It’s a wonderland here.
Mississippi Gulf Beaches: If you’re in the mood for some of Mississippi’s best beaches, you’ve got to head to the gulf. Spend the day soaking up the sun and when you’re finished there, head to one of the Gulf’s many great casinos.
Antebellum Tours: Mississippi has some of the most incredible history of anywhere in the US and if you really want to feel the ghosts of the past you’ve got to sign up for an antebellum tour. Book through your hotel or online and make sure you get to go inside at least one home.
Mount Locust Plantation: There’s no better way to get a glimpse into all that makes Mississippi Mississippi than to head to an old plantation. Locust is one of the best and there are daily tours all around the property.

How Did The Ernest P. Worrell Character Develop?

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Ernest P. Worrell is best known today for his numerous feature films starring the lovable and well meaning, yet painfully ignorant and slow Ernest. Ernest, however, got his start doing local television commercials down south. Initially, Ernest was invented by classically trained actor Jim Varney to be “everyone’s annoying neighbor.” The point of Ernest was to be that neighbor who is always bugging everyone about the latest deals and new products. The commercials were always Ernest addressing the camera, calling it Vern, and relentlessly pressing him on new products and sales.

After a few years, Ernest’s popularity sky rocketed, and in the mid eighties, Ernest was given a his own Saturday morning television show called “Hey, Vern! It’s me, Ernest!” The show was aimed at youthful audiences and consisted largely of sketch comedy. Vern was also back to take more of Ernest’s badgering.

After another couple of years, the decision was made to put the Ernest character into a feature film. Ernest Goes to Camp featured the lovable goof as a camp councilor working with troubled youth and winning them over to help save the camp from real estate developers. The success of the film kick started Ernest’s film career and the rest is history.

Who Is The Actor Jim Varney?

admin — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Jim Varney (June 15, 1949 – February 10, 2000) was an American actor, stand-up comedian, musician, voice-over artist, and writer. He was best known for his role as Earnest P. Worrell, a character he portrayed in numerous commercials, television shows, and films.

Varney was born James Albert Varney, Jr. in Lexington, Kentucky on June 15, 1949. He displayed considerable talent from a young age, first reciting long poems and passages from books for family and friends and later imitating cartoon characters that he saw on television. He regularly competed in drama competitions while attending Lafayette High School, and by the age of 17 he was appearing on stage in clubs and local coffee houses. By the time he was 24 he was regularly appearing on stage at the Pioneer Playhouse located in Danville, Kentucky.

Varney debuted his Earnest character in a series of commercials that began in 1980. “Earnest” was franchised to companies all over the country, often by dairies to advertise milk products. He later branched out and became the spokesman for natural gas utilities in New Orleans and car dealerships around the country.

The Earnest character proved to be so popular that Varney began portraying him in films such as “Earnest Saves Christmas,” Earnest Goes to Camp,” “Earnest Scared Stupid,” and “Earnest Rides Again.” Varney later starred in the children’s show “Hey Vern, It’s Earnest!” for which he won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series in 1988.

About Time for a Box Set

www.ernestfunclub.com — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Now over 10 years after actor Jim Varney‘s passing, soon to be 11 this coming February, what better way to celebrate the man’s lifetime achievement than rereleasing the stories of his most prolific character, Ernest P. Worrell, in one comprehensive compilation. Unfortunately, as of now, no such box set is on the market. Though many Ernest favorites are still available for purchase, mostly online, as time has pushed demand back relative to newer children’s releases, DVDs are increasingly hard to come by.A re-released commemorative box set would help to ensure Varney’s timeless character continues on for another generation, as many adults who are now beginning to have children once enjoyed the antics of Ernest growing up. At the very least, all nine full length Ernest films should be packaged together and available for purchase, in chronological order, Ernest Goes to Camp, Ernest Saves Christmas, Ernest Goes to Jail, Ernest Scared Stupid, Ernest Rides Again, Ernest Goes to School, Slam Dunk Ernest, Ernest Goes to Africa, and Ernest in the Army.True fans would agree, however, the movies alone don’t do the collective body of work justice. Adding more layers to the Ernest persona are 13 episodes of the television show, Hey Vern, It’s Ernest, and seemingly countless television commercials from which Ernest was born, possibly included as part of a special features disc, not to mention a complementary copy of It’s the Ernest P. Worrell Book of Knawledge, written by Jim Varney in character as Ernest P. Worrell, arguably the greatest insight on record into the mind of the hilarious hillbilly.Perhaps the most complete Ernest collection to date is the 2-disc Essential Ernest featuring Ernest Goes to Africa, Ernest’s Greatest Hits I & II, Ernest in the Army, Hey Vern! It’s My Family Album and Your World As I See It. While it’s nice to see Ernest material bundled together, Essential Ernest focuses primarily on Varney’s latter work as Ernest, omitting the gems that endeared the character to the hearts of millions. Since the 10-year mark was either missed or ignored by studio execs, hopefully the 15 year anniversary will finally bring about the posthumous praise and tribute Varney rightfully deserves.