Ernest Goes to the Movies - My Brush with Stupid - "KnowhutImean?"

Jim Varney was a classic comedy film icon.

With meager beginnings, he was adored by his fans and this shows in the way he portrayed himself around them. I was able to see him in person at the premiere of his very first feature movie in 1986.

Prior to the movie beginning, I was able to take some really funny photos of Varney and one in particular below, shows he he adored his fans.

Like many comedy greats, Varney left us early so I am dedicating this website to him and his legion of fans, of which I am one. I have included the top ten selling movies by Varney in this website for you to preview and purchase, if you would like to own them in your collection.

Please take your time to visit and participate in this website.

Thank you for your time and for visiting the site of this incredible comic genius!

Photo by Author of this website, tvyps

Photo by Author of this website, tvyps

Jim Varney was from Kentucky. I was fortunate to see his first movie, "Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam" at the premiere in Kentucky, in 1986.

Varney was there and did some photo shots and public appearances. I took the photos on this website at that event.

Jim Varney was a cult icon, even before he hit the big screen. He was on commercials for various products, one below is to advertise for "Hogan's Heroes." I remember most of the commercials in my Ohio area for milk and dairy products.

The "Ernest P. Worrell" character was actually created by his partner, John Cherry. He pitched the idea to Varney, who took it from there.

Varney was a creative genius along the same vein as Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman) and Cyndi Lauper. They all used their uncanny ability to come up with alter-egos and were very successful at it. Varney was actually near genius level in IQ, despite how he acted on film. His character name had nothing to do with the character, "Ernest T. Bass" on the Andy Griffith Show.

The concept of "Vern" was originally created because of budget. It was cheaper for someone to hold a camera than to have another actor and it allowed Varney to use his creativity in his ad-lib.

Ernest used various phrases that are still around today. I still hear people say, "Hey Vern" on occasion and "KnowhutImean?" "KnowhutImean" was actually coined after one of Varney's cohorts visited Oklahoma and heard someone say, "Golly Bob Howdy".

Varney starred in quite a few films and even had his own television show. He was also the voice of a character in Toy Story and Toy Story 2.

Being a heavy smoker, Varney developed lung cancer and passed away at the age of 51. He is missed by millions of his fans but his presence lives on in his films.

Photo sent to me by Howard Morris

Photo by Author of this website, tvyps