The Sad Truth About Why Ernest P. Worrell Suddenly Vanished From Your Screen

For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, Ernest P. Worrell was one of the funniest characters around. The hapless maintenance man took center stage in a number of family-friendly films during the decade, but he was first shot to fame in a series of memorable TV commercials. Sadly, at the turn of the century, the character vanished from our screens.

Ernest's Debut

Created by Carden and Cherry, an advertising agency based in Nashville, Tennessee, Ernest P. Worrell made his debut in a commercial for a Kentucky amusement park in 1980. The character proved so successful that he was franchised out to various other companies and markets across the globe. Taco John’s, Chex, and Coca-Cola are just three of the national brands that took full advantage of his popularity.

Film Success

Of course, Varney soon proved he could also cut it on the big screen in 1987’s Ernest Goes to Camp. The character then starred in a further eight films over the next decade, including Ernest Saves Christmas and Ernest Goes to Jail. But he still remained a regular fixture in the commercial breaks.

Public Service Announcements

Indeed, as well as promoting various products, Ernest also appeared on screen to warn about various dangers in a number of public service announcements. Sadly, Varney proved to be speaking from personal experience about one particular issue. Here’s a look at the entertainer’s life story and how it took an ironic but sad turn.

Funny From The Jump

Hailing from the Kentucky city of Lexington, Jim Varney developed his natural comic talents from a young age. He would often impersonate the cartoon characters he grew up watching in front of friends and family. And when he was just eight years of age, his mother encouraged him to join a local children’s theater.