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I am Jim’s niece. I spent almost every weekend with him at his home in Tennessee after his diagnosis. I learned so much about him and the vast majority of that time, Jim was pretty healthy. We had great talks, great meals I cooked for him (usually chicken stir-fry) and I was blessed to have him as my uncle. I think of him every day and have dreams about him often. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know him so well.

I always appreciated how he never smoked in public so kids didn't think smoking was cool. Legend.

Varney was a lifelong smoker and always struggled with the addiction that eventually cost him his life. However, he never smoked in the Ernest movies and was very careful to not be seen smoking in pictures because he took his responsibility as someone children looked up to very seriously. Before his passing he even filmed a series Ernest anti-smoking ads

My Earnest favorite line: "Now who would throw out a perfectly good dog?"

Renting Ernest movies from blockbuster was such a fond memory of my childhood

Glad people still talk about Jim, he is a legend.

I was stationed in Germany during Operation Desert Storm and my wife sent us a copy of Ernest goes to Jail. My NCO had a vcr so we gathered at his quarters and watched that movie together and it was one of the funniest things we had ever seen. I still remember the bunch of us gathered in his room laughing our tails off. I was a fan of his films ever since.

As a kid I had 4 guys that I looked up to as role models : Jim Henson, Bob Ross, Jim Varney, and my dad. And all of them died long before they should have Life is kinda dumb sometimes

I knew Jim. He was a TRULY funny person and could recite Shakespearian soliloquy at the drop of a hat... But he was also a great friend to talk to, to get advice from, and was the guy who would give you honest critique without being negative. I miss Jim, and ai think of him a lot... This was a fitting biography. Well done. 👏

Nobody acknowledges just how perfect castingJim Varney as Jed Clampett was. It’s honesty right there with JK Simmons as Mr. Jameson to me.

"Ernest Scared Stupid" was constantly playing in my house when I was young. It's usually not people's favorite among the other Ernest movies but it holds a big spot in my heart. It was scary enough that it really spooked me as a kid but funny and wholesome enough that it didn't give me any nightmares. Jim made that movie into something special that I don't think any other actor could do.

You forgot the fact that Disney recorded his voice in 1999 before he died a year later as the old prospector in Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Then again, Varney was the best actor that will forever change comedy forever.

The Ernest films harken back to a day when live action kid friendly films didn't have to cost $100+ million dollars. Ernest was a legend!

"I came, I saw, I got blowed up." No matter what anyone says, I love these movies.

Jim/Ernest is the reason I say “you know what I mean” so much, I had all the Ernest movies as a kid and played them while I drifted off to sleep on an old tv that could crush a small car with a ten year old box fan in the corner of a rusty trailer in the backwoods of North Carolina. Jim helped bring some joy and humor too a difficult life and my family would always stay up late watching any one of the Ernest movies. He left this world too soon but I’ll always remember him for how he helped keep smiles on my families faces even through the worst times, now I’m all grown up and have got a good paying job and my parents are retired and living comfortably, my bother and sister are both well off and have started families of their own and we all live not ten minutes apart and see each other often and soon I’ll have my own child and you can bet I’ll make sure they watch all the Ernest movies while growing up

I ran "Ernest Goes To Jail" as a projectionist, and I remember thinking when I watched him what untapped potential he had as an actor. He could have played villain's EXTREMELY well, IMO. It seems to me that when I read his obit, it said he'd actually done some Shakespeare. And he was just excellent as Jed Clampett, too--made the whole movie work. It's a shame he died so young.

Jim Varney: The only guy who made Robin WIlliams be the straight man.

as a 90s kid who loved ernest movies, but wasn't around for the commercials, i now know who vern was, i can die happy.

Jim Varney, what a legend.

I've seen and heard nothing but good things about how kind and thoughtful Jim Varney was, even to total strangers. Truly a rare type of man and the world is a better place for him having been here.

Varney was genuinely excellent in Beverly Hillbillies. One of the more striking aspects of his performance is that he's in a comedy, but he's not playing a stereotypical funnyman that a lot of people would associate him with. Jed is a very sincere father figure out of his depth in the big city. Most of the laughs come from his good natured naivety.

I remember hearing him in Toy Story, and just immediately found it the friendliest smoker voice, to this day that I've ever heard. He felt like that whacky uncle that always gets into trouble, but he's always the one that bought the kids the biggest christmas presents.

I got to work with Jim on Rides Again and goes to school. What an incredibly talented man he was, he would break out into Shakespeare on the set just at the right moment for a laugh, but it was the most amazing performance of Shakespeare is what surprised the crew. He was as kind as he was talented and we lost him all to soon. ☹️

The joke Ernest title on The Simpsons, “Ernest Goes Somewhere Cheap” is even funnier thanks to what I learned here.

As a kid growing up in Tennessee in the 90s and 00s, I can tell you that the man was an institution. He seemed like a good dude. He's definitely missed.

Really is a shame. Hard to find an actor today that is as wholesome and brought joy to so many through childhood or could bring the whole family together. RIP Jim, you deserve the rest.

Ernest never fails to warm my heart and remind me of simpler days. Need that more and more nowadays.

R.I.P. Jim Varey....Thank you so much for giving us a great childhood

I literally grew up on Ernest. This explains why I am so wacky.

"Know what I mean Vern?", classic line that fits every situation, know what I mean?

I had so many of his movies growing up and watched The Beverly Hillbillies VHS so many times I wore the ribbon out. Loved him as Jed and couldn’t picture anyone else playing that role any better. I reckon you done what you done because you didn’t know we was who we was. He was one of a kind and I wish Hollywood had more like him.

Damn I miss this dude! He was so underrated! His Saturday morning show was something that you could only experience once in a life time! He had so much range that went unexplored! “Hats off to you Jim! I will never forget your Saturday morning Christmas episode! I was watching it while I open my presents 🎁! Thank you ☺️

So sad we never got to see an Ernest meets Mr. Bean movie

I'm an Arab from the UAE, when I was a kid we use to play his movies on repeat especially trolls movie he was a big part of my childhood, it's been 20years since I heard of his work until this video showed up . THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR UPLOADING THIS!

He came, he saw, he got blown up. ❤ RIP Jim.

I cannot thank Jim enough for such a wonderful childhood. I found Ernest by chance through On Demand, my first Ernest P. Worrell movie being ‘Slam Dunk Ernest.’ After that, I couldn’t get enough, much to my mom’s dismay. I would have my dad go to my local library and rent VHS tapes and I would watch them on repeat. It was heartbreaking as a child to find out he passed away, knowing that this man who had brought me so much comfort and laughter was gone. I’m glad to see so many still love and appreciate him and miss him like I do. You are so missed Jim Varney!

I watched Ernest Goes To Jail a few years ago, and he's seriously amazing at it. Specifically, playing his evil twin with such amazingly uncharacteristic _loathsomeness._ No humor, just a cold, ugly, mean snake of a man. I got the feeling he probably built the character from rotten businessmen he'd observed, because he played him like 'I hate this type of person so much, I really want you to hate him too.' Good even when he's bad. Jim was great.

He was my hero as a child, when I learned he passed away I cried for days. I'll never forget the time I had a dream he took me fishing, it was therapeutic, helped me move on from the sadness.

Nobody acts like this anymore. What a legend. I certainly hold a special place in my own life for the character of Ernest. He did such a good job. What a great legacy to leave behind you. Thanks Jim.

Just like Pee-Wee back in the 80's and 90's, Ernest P. Worrell was a childhood entertainment hero of mine. May Jim Varney #RIP.

At age 70 I still love the Ernest movies even more than my kids and grandkids do. (My wife thinks my sense of humor was arrested at age 12). Actually, I have always been impressed with Varney's talent and obvious intelligence behind dufus Ernest!

Shit dude, I really miss him. He was such an integral part of my childhood.

This was a great memorial of Jim's career. What a great and funny, talented guy.

My favorite thing about Earnest is that he showed you could grow old without growing up. He could speak to children on their level while still providing the wisdom and safety kids expect from adults. He helped make getting older seem a little less scary.

My Mom ran into Jim Varney while at a mall when she lived in Louisville back in the 1980's. According to her he was super down to Earth, goofy, kind, and to the surprise of many who hear this story... a genius. (Like MENSA levels of smart.) He also was briefly a Shakespearean actor too. Whenever something happens that makes my state look bad all I have to do is remember that Abe Lincoln and Jim Varney were born here and I instantly feel proud to be a Kentuckian again.

Ernest was a living Loony Tune's character on screen. He embodied so much of cartoon slapstick, so perfectly, it's sad that his character was never immortalized in animated format as an honorary Loony Tune's character alongside the likes of Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck

This dude is the reason I grew up as goofy as I did. I loved watching all the movies but for some reason my favorite vhs was the one where he did a bunch of commercials. I'm so glad I was lucky enough to have him as an inspiration, great comedian and a great man.

"I sure am glad it's raining" as sung by earnest p worrel the most heartfelt and underrated song ever

The court scene in Ernest Goes to Jail, is one of the funniest scenes I've ever seen. Sad loss of such a legend, but I'm glad his legacy lives on.

All these years later, I still find myself doing the Varney "ewwwwwwww" Loved every one of his movies. Legend.

When I was young (18 now, like 9 or 10 then) I got a triple feature dvd of 3 Ernest movies. I remember my mom saying she used to watch them and doesen't know if I will like them but wanted me to try them out. I loved them, watched those movies so many times, and found it so amazing that there were so many sequels (when your a kid you dont care about the budget its just amazing too see a character you love in so many different scenarios and settings!). Forgot about it for years, but recently became interested in them again. Never knew the story of Jim Varney, besides of course his very tragic passing. It was very interesting too learn all of this! Thank you for taking the time too put it together, Vern.

Ernest Saves Christmas is a must watch every holiday season. "Air brakes!" Cracks me up every time. Jim Varney gave this world such a great gift with his talent. Thank you for this mini doc showcasing a comedy legend.

I will never not call milk "miak". I miss this guy.

I went to his grave in Lexington, KY. He was a staple of my childhood. I miss Jim and John Candy.

When my stepdad first moved to Nashville he actually met Him Varney a few years before his death. From what I was told, the conversation that they had was one of the most genuine and down to earth conversations my stepdad ever had with someone he just met. Jim Varney really made my stepdad feel like he was a lifelong friend.

Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, Ernest was a fan favourite. At school, when it was movie time once a week we all got super excited when they would play an Ernest movie. Guy made us all laugh, rest well Jim.

It gives me hope for humanity that jim Varney is recognized is vids like this. He was a talented and inquisitive man. And a staple of my childhood. Ernest Sared Stupid was life! Also Goes to Camp.

Ernest scaried stupid has the best underrated practical effects ever! the best in the series imo

::Earnest steals Mickey Mouse's thunder:: Disney: Capital on this man. NOW.

Jim Varney was one of my favorite actors as a child (oh, hell, and today too). He is among a few celebrities whos death hit me, too. I didn't know much about the world of entertainment, and I'm still pretty ignorant of it, but I know that he was a diamond in the rough. He made quality entertainment for everyone, not just children. It sucks that he was so good at what he did that God wanted him to come entertain His angels early. R.I.P. Jim, you're still alive in millions of hearts.

As a child of the 80's I was a huge Ernest fan, and "Ernest goes to Camp" was my favorite movie.

Im 38 years old and still waiting to see what Verne looks like.

Some of my happiest childhood memories was watching Jim playing the character Ernest with my grandfather growing up. I looked up to my grandfather and because of the joy Jim's antics would bring him, in turn, made me a fan when I was a kid, all the way until today. Thanks you so much for everything Jim Varney

I can’t say that Ernest movies were my thing growing up, but I’ll also never say that Jim Varney gave anything less than 100% in anything he was in. He earned every bit of praise he got.

Man, this hit me right in the feels. My pops always liked Ernest more than us and the characters like the big guy with the crazy eyes and the skinny dude who didn't talk were so hilarious. Never failed to make my pops slap his leg! I even got him the pull-string doll of Ernest with all his great lines. Thank you sincerely.

I worked with Varney before the movies. He wasn't just talented, he was a really good, decent guy. imo

R.I.P Ernest. I introduced my 4 year old to Ernest last year, he absolutely LOVES him. Scared Stupid and Goes to Jail are his favourites.

I can't believe this YT doc came out this past April. I've been a Varney fan since I was a kid in the 80s and I've recently been getting back into Varney, revisiting the classics I grew up with and searching for more about him I may have not seen. You did a superb job on this documentary. Surprised that you didn't mention his Dr. Otto start but you really nailed his origin story. Great Job!!

He was one of those artists to have made people both younger and older smile. Not just a "Gen X" or Gen Y or Gen Z comedian....someone for everybody.

I'll always remember him as Slinky from _Toy Story_ .

I laughed a lot at Jim's work, and his, "Ewwwwww," was something my brothers and I have imitated to this day.

I'm from south london, England and Ernest was a great part of my childhood, i watched every film many times. Goes to jail and scared stupid were my favourite

I met him in the late 80’s. He was hosting an event his mother organized in Frankfort KY. A fundraiser. I was a commercial artist hired to design the program to hand out at the event. They sent me his publicity packet of photos, and info. I drew him for the cover. At the event he told me how much he liked it and signed one for me!

This dude was a part of my childhood. Scared Stupid was the Best!

Being born in 1980, Ernest was a big part of my childhood. I was really sad when Jim passed away.

"Let's see how you like a little miak. I bet you thought I couldn't find any this time of year."

I remember hearing the news of his death. I was 18 and in AIT for the US Army. Maybe with 2 weeks left, before being done with school. I thought about the kind of influence Jim Varney was on my childhood. Earnest goes to camp, being the first and the favorite. And still the song "Glad It's Raining", still brings tears to this Veterans eyes. I will tell my great grand children about Jim Varney one day. And how many times as a child he brought excitement, goofiness and sincerity. His character was always the first with Integrity. The first to charge into battle, though he wasn't the strongest or toughest. He ALWAYS fought for the smaller guys. Jim Varney made more of an impact than he could ever know.

I absolutely worshipped this man when I was a kid, and honestly found myself laughing my ass off at even just the clips shown in this video. The man was a true talent, and I cant believe I didnt know all of this history until now! Excellent video, I can tell you put a lot of time in. Looking forward to seeing more!

I loved Jim Varney. Hell still do. I remember the day he died and I literally cried.

Pure comedic genius and will never be forgotten definitely a huge part of my 80's and 90's growing up..

he died 2 days after my 10th birthday. Scared Stupid was my favorite.

Absolute legend, we'll miss him for sure. I put him up there in the likes of Chris Farley and John Belushi, and John candy a great comedian who we lost to soon

Rarely does someone come along who brings such joy to people RIP jim we miss you so much.

Ernest was the pinnacle of comedy for 7 year old me. I was very sad when he passed. His films might not hold up as well as one would like but they still make me smile 😊

I still call it MIAK. He was a good man. Rare these days. I DIDN'T COME HERE TO FEEL!!

when i was a kid i always cried my eyes out when i watched "Ernest Scared Stupid" because i always saw my dad in Ernest. not because my dad is dumb of bumbling, but because he is funny and idk, wore a hat? thats all it took for me then. i still see that some how and when i heard about his death i was actually pretty upset.

Jim Varney was and remains a national treasure. A tremendously talented comedian and an absolute sweetheart of a guy. And Slinky Dog will always be my favorite Toy Story character. Thank you Jim for all the joy and laughter.

Did anyone watch the Jim Varney movie "Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam"? It came out a couple years before Earnest Goes to Camp and it is quite a strange and amusing film. He does lots of different characters including an Earnest cameo and it generally makes fun of all sorts of corny Americana. It was always my favorite Jim Varney film along side "Scared Stupid."

One of my favorites. Low budget movies with no gratuitous sex, language, or violence (outside of the ol’ fashion slapstick variety). Still makes me laugh...know what I mean?!

This man formed my life. I miss him terribly. Fantastic doc.

Even at 34 years old, I randomly think of his movies or say something he would say to be funny … even after all these years he still is talked about .. he’s a legend.

Ive never met someone who didnt like the wacky Ernest movies, and I don't ever want too.

Three people just don't know what he means, Vern.

When he played a character on Rosanne, my mother and I didn't recognize him. It took a few minutes as his acting was so incredibly different. Jim had amazing range. That was also evident when he played two characters in Ernest goes to Jail.

Jim is the perfect intersection between Robin Williams and Jim Carrey. The manic energy and wit of Williams with the rubber faced physicality of Carrey. He was such a treasure; when he passed it felt like losing family.

The first four Ernest Films (Goes to Camp, Saves Christmas, Goes to Jail, Scared Stupid) are hidden gems...

Those Ernest commercials still get a laugh out of me.

Ernest saves Christmas is my favorite christmas movie and its my own personal tradition to watch the movie every year.

I am Jim’s niece and I spent almost every Christmas with him. He loves his fans so you guys should know he loves all of you : )