Biography
Lanky comic performer of TV and film with a prominent nose, best known for his portrayal of the dimwitted Southern nuisance, Ernest P. Worrell. Varney's signature character first appeared in commercials in 1980 and eventually graduated to star status in features and a children's TV program. Varney began as a stand-up comedian while auditioning for off-Broadway roles. In the early 70s, he starred for five years as Sgt. Glory in a series of …
Career Milestones
| Appeared in dinner theater productions of "Death of a Salesman", "The Homecoming" and "Guys and Dolls" | ||
| Appeared in the Southern Dairy ad campaign as Sgt. Glory for five years | ||
| Completed an acting apprenticeship with the Barter Theatre | ||
| Worked as a stand-up comedian | ||
1958 | Began acting in local theater at age eight (date approximate) | |
1965 | Played first professional acting role, as Puck in a regional production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" | |
1967 | Moved to New York City with $65 dollars | |
1972 | Introduced signature character of Ernest P Worell in TV commercials | |
1976 | TV series debut, "Johnny Cash and Friends" | |
1977 | Co-starred in the TV series, "Operation Petticoat" and "The New Operation Petticoat" | |
1978 | Appeared in the "Fernwood Tonight" spinoff, "America Tonight" | |
1980 | First appeared in commercials as the character Ernest P. Worrell | |
1980 | Played a regular character on the short-lived series, "Pink Lady" | |
1983 | Co-starred in the ill-fated series, "The Rousters" | |
1986 | Feature acting debut, "Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam" | |
1987 | First feature in a leading role, "Ernest Goes to Camp", as Ernest P Worrell | |
1988 | Reprised signature role in "Ernest Saves Christmas" | |
1988 | Starred in the children's TV series, "Hey Vern, It's Ernest" | |
1993 | First film in a lead role other than Ernest, "The Beverly Hillbillies" | |
1995 | Provided voice of Slinky Dog in the computer-generated animated film "Toy Story" | |
1998 | Diagnosed with lung cancer; in September underwent surgery to remove two-thirds of right lung; followed up with radiation treatment | |
1999 | Publicly disclosed battle with cancer (November) | |
1999 | Reprised vocal role as Slinky Dog in the sequel "Toy Story 2" | |
2001 | Final screen role in "Daddy and Them" (filmed in 1998), directed by Billy Bob Thornton; screened at Montreal; released theatrically in 2002 | |