James Varney Jr. (1949-2000) was an American actor, comedian, and voice actor, universally known for creating and portraying the character of Ernest P. Worrell. Originating in a series of television commercials, the character went on to star in the television show *Hey Vern, It's Ernest!*, for which Varney won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series. The success led to the production of numerous feature films, including *Ernest Goes to Camp* and *Ernest Saves Christmas*. In addition to the role that made him famous, Varney had a significant career as a voice actor, lending his iconic voice to Slinky Dog in the Pixar films *Toy Story* and *Toy Story 2*, and to the character of Jedidiah "Cookie" Farnsworth in the Disney animated classic *Atlantis: The Lost Empire*, his final film role. His versatility allowed him to excel in both physical comedy and voice acting, leaving a recognizable mark on popular culture.