72: Ernest P. Worrell; Or, Seriously, What Did He Actually Mean?

Tony the Tiger, Jake from State Farm, the GEICO Gecko – so many ads are inseparable from their spokespeople. And maybe one of the most versatile and quirky of those characters, Mr. Ernest P. Worrell, would sell you anything from buttermilk to loans with his signature enthusiasm, stylish denim vest, and unforgettable catchphrase…

Ray teaches Rob about how Jim Varney, a.k.a. Ernest, and John Cherry created one of the most iconic characters in commercials; why Ernest’s success in local broadcasting actually worked against him when it came to national ads; how Cherry and Varney parlayed Ernest’s popularity into film success; why some of Ernest’s film and characters don’t age very well; and whether there's still a place for broad slapstick comedy in today's movies and TV. 

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TEAM

Ray Hebel

Robert W. Schneider

Mark Schroeder

Billy Recce

Daniel Schwartzberg

Gabe Crawford

Natalie DeSavia

 

WEBSITE

Hey Vern! It's Ernest.

 

ARTICLES

Mel Magazine

Mental Floss

EPISODE CLIPS

1980s Commercials Vol. 53 (1982-1987 - Bonus All-Ernest Edition!!)

Jim Varney Stand Up: Comedy Shop 2/25/80

1991 "Earnest" Jim Varney Cerritos Auto Square TV Commercial

Ernest P Worrell's Best Commercial Ever!

Jim Varney - CBS Evening News Dec 06, 1985

Ernest's Family Album Comedy Special

Official Ernest: Ernest Goes to Camp - Jake and Eddie's Eggs Erroneous

Ernest in times square 1988 Happy New Year America

Ernest Goes To Splash Mountain

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