Tony's Timeless Thursdays™: KnowhutImean? — The Legacy of Ernest P. Worrell and the Genius of Jim Varney

In the world of pop culture, there are characters who make us laugh, and then there are those who become cultural landmarks. One of the most unique and enduring figures from the 1980s and 90s was the denim-clad, rubber-faced everyman known as Ernest P. Worrell. Known for his catchphrase "KnowhutImean, Vern?" and his hilarious facial contortions, Ernest became a household name thanks to his zany antics, endless optimism, and the unparalleled talent of the man who brought him to life: Jim Varney.

From regional commercials to a nationally syndicated television show and a slew of theatrical and made-for-TV movies, Ernest captured the hearts of kids and adults alike with his slapstick charm and unexpected emotional depth. Today, we look back on the character, the man behind him, and the cultural phenomenon they created together.

Chapter 1: The Birth of Ernest P. Worrell

Ernest P. Worrell first appeared in a series of regional television commercials in 1980, developed by the Nashville-based advertising agency Carden and Cherry. Originally created to pitch products for local markets, Ernest was a hyperactive, overly familiar neighbor who enthusiastically endorsed everything from milk to car dealerships—always speaking directly to an off-screen character named Vern.

The format was simple but effective. Ernest, dressed in his signature denim vest and cap, would lean into the camera, invade Vern’s personal space, and go on a comedic monologue about the product. Viewers never saw Vern—only Ernest’s one-sided conversations. The result was both charming and hilarious.

What started as a gimmick for local TV soon exploded. Ernest became a national advertising icon, appearing in hundreds of commercials across various industries. The strength of these spots lay in Jim Varney’s performance: his elastic expressions, impeccable timing, and genuine warmth made Ernest more than just a pitchman—he was a friend.

Chapter 2: The Man Behind the Denim – Jim Varney

Born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1949, James Albert Varney Jr. was a classically trained actor with a deep love for Shakespeare, character work, and physical comedy. Before Ernest, Varney honed his craft on the stage and had a brief stint on television, appearing on the short-lived variety show Johnny Cash and Friends.

Varney’s range was remarkable. Though best known for comedy, he could shift into dramatic mode effortlessly. His work as Ernest, a character so broad yet so endearing, required more than just slapstick. Varney infused Ernest with vulnerability, innocence, and heart—a testament to his talent as a performer.

Off-screen, Varney was thoughtful and introspective. He wrote poetry, loved literature, and cherished his Kentucky roots. He brought that grounded sensibility to Ernest, making the character feel both ridiculous and real.

Chapter 3: Hey Vern, It’s Ernest! (The TV Show)

In 1988, Ernest made the leap to television with the Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning series Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!, which aired on CBS. The show combined sketch comedy, surreal animation, and fast-paced vignettes centered around themes like school, holidays, and pets. Each episode was a whirlwind of characters, many played by Varney himself, demonstrating his impressive comedic range.

Though the show only lasted one season (13 episodes), it won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series (Jim Varney) and developed a cult following. For many 80s kids, this show was their introduction to the Ernest universe. I absolutely loved this show and I was a huge fan of ernest being on the big screen!

Chapter 4: Ernest on the Big Screen

Between 1987 and 1998, Ernest starred in nine feature-length films, each delivering a unique (and often ridiculous) adventure for our lovable goofball:

1. Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)

   
   

2. Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)

   
   

3. Ernest Goes to Jail (1990)

   
   

4. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

   
   

5. Ernest Rides Again (1993)

   
   

6. Ernest Goes to School (1994)

   
   

7. Slam Dunk Ernest (1995)

   
   

8. Ernest Goes to Africa (1997)

   
   

9. Ernest in the Army (1998)

Among these, Ernest Saves Christmas and Ernest Scared Stupid (my favorite Ernest movie) are often cited as fan favorites. These films mixed slapstick with surprisingly touching moments, anchored by Varney's sincerity. Whether fighting trolls or getting electrocuted in a prison experiment, Ernest always approached life with courage, loyalty, and a whole lot of heart.

Chapter 5: Commercial Titan

Ernest wasn’t just on TV and in the movies—he was everywhere. Varney, as Ernest, starred in more than 3,000 commercials, often customized for regional markets. He pitched for products like:

• Milk

  
  

• Mello Yello

  
  

• Cerritos Auto Square

  
  

• Kroger

  
  

• Toyota

Each commercial was filmed in rapid succession, sometimes up to 30 different spots in a single day. Jim Varney’s stamina, creativity, and humor kept the character fresh and beloved over a decade-long advertising campaign.

Chapter 6: The Ernest Mythos and Other Characters

Jim Varney didn’t just play Ernest—in his various shows and films, he created a pantheon of alter egos. Some notable recurring characters included:

• Auntie Nelda: The grumpy old woman with curlers and glasses

  
  

• Dr. Otto: A mad scientist who originally appeared in Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam (1985), predating Ernest’s feature films

  
  

• Lloyd Rowe: A slow-talking good ol' boy with an oversized cap

These characters added richness to the Ernest universe, showcasing Varney's immense versatility and love for character work.

Chapter 7: Legacy and Final Years

Jim Varney continued working into the late 1990s, including a notable voice performance as Slinky Dog in Pixar's Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2 (1999). Sadly, Varney was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away in February 2000 at the age of 50.

His death marked the end of Ernest, but not the end of the legacy. Today, Ernest P. Worrell remains a cherished figure in pop culture—a symbol of goofy innocence, underdog charm, and the power of a well-delivered "KnowhutImean?"

Tributes and Cultural Footprints:

• Fan conventions continue to honor the Ernest films

  
  

• DVDs, Blu-rays, and streaming platforms have preserved his movies for new generations

  
  

• A documentary titled The Importance of Being Ernest is in development, celebrating Varney’s life and the Ernest phenomenon

  
  

• TikTok, YouTube, and retro fan pages keep clips of Ernest going viral

Chapter 8: More Than a Joke

While Ernest was a clown, he was never cruel. His jokes punched up, not down. His antics were wild, but his heart was pure. In a media landscape that often relies on sarcasm and cynicism, Ernest stood out for being genuinely good. And Jim Varney’s performance ensured that goodness rang true.

From "Ernest Goes to Camp" to "Ernest in the Army," we didn’t just watch a character—we rooted for him. We laughed with him. We saw ourselves in his determination, his failures, and his triumphs.

So here’s to you, Ernest P. Worrell—the accidental hero, the backyard philosopher, and the face of an era.

KnowhutImean?