What was Jim Varney's Net Worth?
Jim Varney, an American comedian, actor, musician, voice artist, and producer, had a remarkable net worth of $12 million dollars. He gained immense popularity for his portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell in various TV commercial campaigns and movies. His catchphrase, "KnoWhutIMean, Vern?", became a national sensation. Additionally, Varney achieved recognition for his voice work as Slinky Dog in the first two "Toy Story" films. He also appeared in the television series "Operation Petticoat" and "The Rousters" and films like "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Daddy and Them."
Regrettably, Varney was a heavy smoker, which ultimately led to the development of lung cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, he tragically passed away in White House, Tennessee on February 10, 2000, at the young age of 50.
How Much Does Russ Bray, the Voice of Darts, Get Paid? Discover His Salary and Net Worth Now!Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jim Varney was born on June 15, 1949, in Lexington, Kentucky. From a young age, he demonstrated a natural talent for memorization and performance. His mother's introduction to cartoon programs sparked his interest, and he would often imitate the characters. To nurture this skill, Varney joined a children's theater group when he was just eight years old. Later, while studying at Lafayette High School, he actively participated in stage productions and won multiple state drama competition titles. By the age of 17, Varney was already performing professionally at coffee houses and nightclubs. He further honed his acting abilities by studying Shakespeare at the Barter Theatre in Virginia and performing at the Pioneer Playhouse in Kentucky. Notable productions from this time include "Blithe Spirit," "Boeing 707," and the original musical "Fire on the Mountain."
In the late 70s, Varney began his screen-acting career with regular appearances on "Johnny Cash and Friends." In 1977, he landed a recurring role on the late-night talk show parody "Fernwood 2 Night" and also joined the television adaptation of the film "Operation Petticoat." Varney later appeared in episodes of the sitcom "Alice" and the variety show "Pink Lady," showcasing his versatility by portraying various characters.
Breakthrough as Ernest
In 1980, Varney introduced his most iconic character, Ernest P. Worrell. He first portrayed Ernest in a commercial for Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The character quickly gained nationwide recognition and was used in franchises primarily promoting milk products. Varney also featured as Ernest in commercials for natural gas utilities in New Orleans and Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores in Oklahoma. Additionally, he starred in advertisements for car dealerships, regional television stations, and fast food chains.
Discover the Surprising Fortune of TV Legend Chuck Connors – You Won't Believe His Wealth!As Ernest's popularity soared, his appearances extended to films and television programs. Varney's first film appearance as Ernest was in the 1983 direct-to-video comedy anthology "Knowhutimean? Hey Vern, It's My Family Album." He further starred in his first feature-length film, the science-fiction comedy "Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam," released in 1985. Varney's breakthrough moment as Ernest came with the box-office hit "Ernest Goes to Camp" in 1987. The success of this film led to the creation of the short-lived children's television series "Hey Vern, It's Ernest!" in 1988, for which Varney received a Daytime Emmy Award. He continued his portrayal of Ernest in various films, including "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." The final film featuring Varney as Ernest was released posthumously in 2001.
Getty
Discover the Astonishing Wealth of Tom Wilkinson: How Much Is the Acclaimed Actor Really Worth?Other Notable Credits
Jim Varney's talent extended beyond his iconic role as Ernest. He created the character of drill instructor Sgt. Glory, featured in numerous commercials. Varney also portrayed Evan Earp in the adventure television series "The Rousters" from 1983 to 1984. In the film industry, he appeared in comedies like "Fast Food" and "Wilder Napalm" and portrayed Jed Clampett in the 1993 adaptation of "The Beverly Hillbillies." Varney had a highly successful year in 1995, voicing the beloved character Slinky Dog in Pixar's hit animated film "Toy Story." He reprised the role in its sequel, as well as the action thriller "The Expert." Varney's credits in the 90s also include films like "Snowboard Academy," "100 Proof," "3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain," and "Treehouse Hostage," along with appearances in TV shows such as "Roseanne" and "The Simpsons." Two of Varney's final films, "Daddy and Them" and "Atlantis: The Lost Empire," were released posthumously in 2001.
Personal Life and Death
In 1977, Jim Varney married his first wife, Jacqueline Drew, but they divorced in 1983. Five years later, he married Jane, whom he subsequently divorced in 1991.
A heavy smoker throughout his life, Varney developed a persistent cough while filming "Treehouse Hostage" in 1998. Following the completion of production, he received a lung cancer diagnosis. Despite the challenging circumstances, Varney persevered to continue performing and quit smoking to support his recovery. He underwent chemotherapy but, unfortunately, it was not sufficient to improve his condition. On February 10, 2000, at the age of 50, Jim Varney passed away at his home in White House, Tennessee. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky at the Lexington Cemetery.
Unlock the Riches: Dive Into Charlie McDowell's Surprising Net Worth Journey!
Leave a Reply