Creator of Jim Varney’s Ernest, John Cherry, Dies at 73

Veteran filmmaker John R. Cherry III has passed away. It is reported that John Cherry, the Nashville advertising executive who created the “Ernest” character, died on Sunday. He was 73. Cherry was executive vice president and co-namesake of the Nashville-based Cardin and Cherry advertising agency, for which the “Ernest” character was developed. Jim Varney portrayed Ernest for 15 years, moving from advertisements to feature movies.

Cherry passed away Sunday morning after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease; he was kind, amazingly funny, generous, and had a heart of gold. In addition to being a brilliant writer, he was also an amazing artist, a skilled fisherman, and an all-around amazing human being.

Our thoughts go out to them along with the rest of Cherry’s friends and other loved ones at this painful time. His contributions to film will never be forgotten as someone responsible for bringing so much laughter to millions throughout the world. Rest in peace!! John Cherry.

The early life of John Cherry, Who was he??

John R. Cherry III was born on October 11, 1948, and sadly passed away on May 8, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee, United States.

john cherry family

Professionally he is aligned as a Director, Producer, and Writer. He was an American film director and screenwriter, most notable for creating the character of Ernest P. Worrell. He based the character on a man who worked for his dad who thought that he knew everything but did not know anything. His zodiac sign is Libra.

The net worth of John R Cherry III

 Cherry’s main source of income is as a Director, writer, and producer. His total Net Worth at the moment of the 2022 year is about $150.3 Million.

Also Read: EMU Football Assistant Coach, Fred Reed, Passes Away at aged 54

Relationship of Cherry

He used to live in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife. He had 3 children: Josh and Emilie from a previous marriage and his son Chapman from his current marriage with Ruthie Cherry. Cherry’s son, Josh also appeared in Ernest in the Army as Corporal Davis.

Talking about his early family there is no discussion about his mom, dad, and other siblings yet on the internet.

The career of John Cherry

As we all know, he was the executive vice president and co-namesake of the Nashville-based Cardin and Cherry advertising agency, for which the “Ernest” character was developed. He based the character on a man who worked for his father, about whom Cherry said, that he thought he knew everything but did not know anything. Ernest was portrayed for 15 years by Jim Varney, who at the time of the character’s debut was an up-and-coming stand-up comic.

Then, after a string of successful commercials and sketches, Cherry directed a television series “Hey Vern Its Ernest” and several other movies are to his name. Cherry made three cameo appearances in his own films: in Slam Dunk Ernest as a basketball spectator, Ernest Goes to Africa as a customer and Ernest in the Army as Sergeant Ben Kovsky. In addition to Varney, Cherry also introduced the comic duo of Chuck and Bobby Gaillard, Seatrain, and Bill Byrge respectively, who were integrated into the Ernest films as supporting characters.

In conclusion, finally Cherry retired the Ernest character after Varney’s declining health made it impossible for him to continue in the role where Varney died in 2000. He directed two other films without Ernest: For Love or Mummy, a collaboration with Larry Harmon that sought to reintroduce the long-deceased Laurel and Hardy comic team with new actors with Hardy portrayed by Seatrain, and Pirates of the Plain, for which Cherry had intended to include Varney but could not.

Education of John

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Cherry attended the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. However, it’s unknown about his higher studies.

Social media Status of John

There has been no mention of his social media accounts on the internet yet.

Body Appearances of John Cherry III

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Some of the Interesting facts on him

First NameJohn R. Cherry
NameJohn R. Cherry III
Complete Family NameJohn R. Cherry III
BornOctober 11, 1948
Birth DayOctober 11
Birth PlaceNashville, Tennessee
Nationality / CountryAmerican
Zodiac SignPisces
Popular Asfilm director and screenwriter
Occupationfilm director and screenwriter
Years    active

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