Meet Ernest

Ernest P. Worrell is the well-meaning, big-hearted, spectacularly accident-prone everyman in a denim jacket and trucker cap who became one of the most recognizable characters of the 1980s and ’90s. His trademark? Leaning right into the camera to chat your ear off — usually addressing his perpetually unseen, long-suffering neighbor, Vern.

Ernest was created in 1980 by Nashville advertising man John Cherry and brought to life by actor Jim Varney. The bit was simple and brilliant: Ernest barges into Vern’s home (and ours, through the lens) brimming with terrible ideas and unstoppable enthusiasm, forever trying to rope poor Vern into whatever scheme — or sales pitch — he’s cooked up.

Catchphrases you can hear in your head right now

• “Hey, Vern!”
• “KnoWhutIMean?”
• “You got it!”
• That wide-eyed, rubber-faced grin — Ewwww!