The Importance of Being Ernest

The Life of Actor Jim Varney (Stuff That Vern Doesn't Even Know)

By: Justin Lloyd

Narrated by: Justin Lloyd

“KnoWhutImean?!” For millions, that one unforgettable phrase defined a generation of laughter—and the man behind it was so much more than Ernest P. Worrell.

In this comprehensive biography, Jim Varney’s nephew Justin Lloyd pulls back the curtain on the complex, wildly talented actor who became a pop culture icon. From his early days in Kentucky dreaming of Shakespeare to becoming a beloved fixture in homes across America, Jim’s journey is full of heart, humor, and heartbreak.

— Exclusive bonus content, including John Cherry’s behind-the-scenes insights and a candid conversation with Loney Hutchins

— Never-before-heard stories from family and close friends

— The real story behind the Nashville ad agency that accidentally launched a legend

— Jim’s internal battle to break free from Ernest—and the roles that showed even more of what he could do

More than just the man in the denim vest, Jim Varney was a classically trained actor, a gifted writer of poems and songs, a Shakespeare-inspired creator of his own sonnets, and the descendant of coal miners who never lost touch with his Appalachian roots. From Ernest Goes to Camp to Toy Story, this is the full picture of a life that burned bright and ended far too soon.

The Importance of Being Ernest is the biography Ernest fans have been waiting for.

©2013 Justin Lloyd (P)2025 Justin Lloyd

It builds momentum as it goes

It has a slow start establishing the biological details of Jim’s family tree. But by the time Jim hits high school, it gets very good.

A simple thank you for writing this book

I don’t have a critique for this book. If someone comes looking for it you won’t find it here. Growing up an Ernest fan. I have a lot of respect for his nephew for riding this book. He brought a lot of joy to a lot of fans by myself among them as a child growing up watching his movies it was very cool to get to see the get to hear a little bit about the life of the man. Thank you for writing this book.

He was more than just Ernest

I was surprised to learn that Jim was a classically trained Shakespearean actor who was related to the Hatfield family and Daniel Boone. He was a funny kind man who helped as many people as he could along the way. This book will make laugh and cry. Highly recommended.

A Must For Any Jim Varney Fan

This is an amazing look at the life of a superb actor that, sadly, many only knew as Ernest P Worell. This book traces his life from his boyhood in Kentucky, to his efforts to break into New York and Hollywood, his rise to fame as pitchman Ernest, to his untimely passing at the young age of 50. The man was simply amazing. He was a musician, comedian, knife and watch enthusiast, and a very highly skilled Shakespearean actor. all is detailed in this book. The author, who is also his nephew, offers an insight that few could have given. If you're a fan, you'll discover a side of Jim Varney you may not be aware of. If you aren't a fan, I guarantee you will be after listening to this book.

Excellent Biography of Jim Varney's Life!

If you really want to learn about the man behind the denim vest, look no further. Justin Lloyd — Jim’s own nephew — spent years digging through archives, interviews, and stories to put this together.

The book takes you from Jim’s Kentucky roots through his early theater days, the struggles trying to make it in LA, the breakthrough of the Ernest commercials, the feature films, and his later projects like Toy Story and indie gems such as 100 Proof.

It also takes you into Jim's personal life — the triumphs, tragedies, aspirations, failures, his untimely passing, and everything in between. Even though Justin is Jim's kin, he approaches the book with journalistic integrity. He lays out the facts without sugarcoating, letting us, the listeners, step back and really see Jim’s life for what it was: a rollercoaster ride with roaring highs and crushing lows...

And that's what makes it so compelling.

On top of that, Justin’s narration is clear and steady. It's just what you need to forget about the voice reading it and get lost in the story. Every so often, he turns on the subtle twang and slips into an impersonation of Jim. And in those moments, you can feel the family memories living in his voice.

What you come away with is a portrait of an actor whose career stretched far beyond the Ernest character most people know. It's deeply researched, honestly told, and yes — it's even the stuff that Vern didn’t know... KnoWhutImean?