Many fans of the late Jim Varney, the actor and comedian best known for his role as Ernest P. Worrell, have wondered if he had any family members who followed his footsteps in the entertainment industry. One name that often comes up is Janet Varney, the actress and comedian who voiced Korra in The Legend of Korra and starred in Stan Against Evil and You’re the Worst. But are they really related? Here’s what we know.
Contents
The Similarities Between Jim and Janet Varney
Jim and Janet Varney share more than just a last name. They were both born in Lexington, Kentucky, and both developed an interest in theater and comedy at a young age. They also both moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue their careers, and both worked with advertising executive John R. Cherry III, who created the Ernest character for Jim and co-created Neil’s Puppet Dreams with Janet.
Jim and Janet Varney also have similar styles of humor, often playing quirky and eccentric characters with a lot of physical comedy and improvisation. They have both appeared in films and TV shows that appeal to children and adults alike, such as The Beverly Hillbillies and Toy Story for Jim, and The Legend of Korra and Burning Love for Janet.
The Differences Between Jim and Janet Varney
Despite their similarities, Jim and Janet Varney have some notable differences as well. Jim was born in 1949, while Janet was born in 1976, making them 27 years apart in age. Jim was married twice, to Jacqueline Drew and Jane Varney, but had no children. Janet has never been married, but has dated several actors, such as Chris Hardwick and Riki Lindhome.
Jim and Janet Varney also have different backgrounds and influences. Jim grew up in a working-class family and was inspired by comedians like Jonathan Winters, Jackie Gleason, and Laurel and Hardy. Janet grew up in a middle-class family and was influenced by comedians like Carol Burnett, Gilda Radner, and Steve Martin.
The Verdict: Are Jim and Janet Varney Related?
According to Wikipedia, Jim and Janet Varney are not related. They are not siblings, cousins, or any other kind of relatives. They just happen to share a common surname that is fairly common in England and Scotland. They also happen to share a common passion for comedy and acting that has led them to similar paths in their careers.
However, that does not mean that they are not fans of each other’s work. In fact, Janet has expressed her admiration for Jim on several occasions, such as on her podcast The JV Club , where she interviewed Jim’s nephew Justin Lloyd, who wrote a biography of his uncle called The Importance of Being Ernest: The Life of Actor Jim Varney. She also posted a tribute to Jim on her Instagram account on his birthday in 2019, calling him “one of my heroes”.
So, while Jim and Janet Varney are not related by blood, they are certainly related by spirit. They are both talented comedians who have brought joy and laughter to millions of people with their unique characters and performances. And they are both proud Kentuckians who have made their mark on the entertainment industry.
