Jim Varney - Actor Profile

Jim Varney

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
41Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 15, 1949
Birth Place: Lexington, Kentucky, USA

About Jim Varney

James Albert "Jim" Varney Jr. (June 15, 1949 – February 10, 2000) was an American actor, voice artist, and comedian, best known for his role as Ernest P. Worrell. The character was used in numerous television commercial campaigns and movies. Other roles included Jed Clampett in the film adaptation of The Beverly Hillbillies (1993), Slinky Dog in Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2 (1999), and "Cookie" Farnsworth in Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jim Varney reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 41 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Jim Varney's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 22% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jim Varney remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Toy Story, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Jim Varney Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Jim Varney's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jim Varney.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2015 Toy Story at 20: To Infinity and Beyond Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2005 Mr. Thornton Goes to Hollywood Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2005 Time-Life: Country Legends Live, Vol. 3 Self Super Hit Similar →
2001 Daddy and Them Hazel Montgomery Flop Similar →
2001 Atlantis: The Lost Empire Jebidiah Allardyce 'Cookie' Farnsworth (voice) Hit Similar →
1999 Toy Story 2 Slinky Dog (voice) Super Hit Similar →
1999 Treehouse Hostage Carl Banks Flop Similar →
1999 Existo Marcel Horowitz Flop Similar →
1998 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain Lothar Zogg Flop Similar →
1998 Ernest in the Army Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1997 Annabelle's Wish Mr. Gus Holder (voice) Hit Similar →
1997 100 Proof Rae's Father Flop Similar →
1997 Snowboard Academy Rudy James Flop Similar →
1997 Ernest Goes to Africa Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1997 Blood, Friends and Money The Old Mariner Flop Similar →
1996 The Story Behind 'Toy Story' Self Super Hit Similar →
1995 Toy Story Slinky Dog (voice) Super Hit Similar →
1995 The Expert Snake Flop Similar →
1995 Slam Dunk Ernest Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1994 XXX's & OOO's Self Average Similar →
1994 Ernest Goes to School Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1994 Your World as I See It Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1993 Ernest Rides Again Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1993 The Beverly Hillbillies Jed Clampett Average Similar →
1993 Wilder Napalm Rex Average Similar →
1992 Ernest's Greatest Hits Volume 2 Ernest P. Worrell Average Similar →
1991 Ernest Scared Stupid Ernest Flop Similar →
1990 Disneyland's 35th Anniversary Special Ernest Average Similar →
1990 Ernest Goes to Jail Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1989 Ernest Goes to Splash Mountain Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1989 Fast Food Wrangler Bob Flop Similar →
1988 Ernest Saves Christmas Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1987 Walt Disney World Celebrity Circus Self Hit Similar →
1987 Ernest Goes to Camp Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1987 Hey Vern, Win $10,000...Or Just Count On Having Fun! Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1986 The Ernest Film Festival Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1986 Ernest's Greatest Hits Volume 1 Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1985 Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam Dr. Otto VonSchnick / Rudd Hardtact / Laughin' Jack / Guy Dandy / Auntie Nelda / Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1983 Hey Vern, It's My Family Album Ernest P. Worrell Flop Similar →
1982 Spittin' Image - Flop Similar →
N/A The Importance of Being Ernest Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →

Jim Varney - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Jim Varney?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jim Varney is "Toy Story" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Jim Varney acted in?

Jim Varney has been featured in at least 41 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Jim Varney?

Other notable films include "Time-Life: Country Legends Live, Vol. 3", "The Story Behind 'Toy Story'", and "Toy Story 2".