Jim Varney (September 15, 1949 – February 10, 2000) was an American actor, comedian, and musician. He was best known for his portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell in television commercials, and the Ernest films. Varney's career began in the late 1970s with brief appearances on the television shows Hee Haw and The Nashville Network. His most popular characters were those of Vern, a good-natured slob, and Ernest P. Worrell, a wise-cracking know-it-all. He also had a successful career on the stage, starring in plays such as The Miracle Worker and Bye Bye Birdie. Varney was also a talented musician and released two albums. He made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show and performed in numerous comedy clubs across the United States. He was the recipient of several awards, including the People's Choice Award for his role in the Ernest films, as well as the Hollywood Reporter's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. Varney died in 2000 at the age of 50 from lung cancer. He was survived by his wife and four children.