Comedic actor Jim Varney aka "Ernest" Dies

(White House, Tennessee-AP) -- Comedian Jim Varney died today athis home in White House, Tennessee. Varney died of lung cancer. He was 50. <br><br>Varney became a cult figure in the 1980's in a

Thursday, February 10th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(White House, Tennessee-AP) -- Comedian Jim Varney died today athis home in White House, Tennessee. Varney died of lung cancer. He was 50.

Varney became a cult figure in the 1980's in a series of regional commercials, portraying Ernest P. Worrell, a know-it-all good ol' boy whose best-known phrase was "KnowhutImean?" He also addressed a character known as "Vern." He plugged a variety of sponsors, including dairy products, car dealerships and broadcast stations, such as K-P-R-C television in Houston.

Varney also was the voice of Slinky Dog in "Toy Story" and Toy Story Two." Ernest usually was dressed in a baseball cap, T-shirt, blue denim vest and blue jeans. He had a generous nose. He was hapless and harmless.