Some ad campaigns live on in our hearts and minds -- think of "That's a spicy meatball" or "show us your pizza rolls". And the Ernest and Vern commercials created by today's Legend Jim Varney sure fit the bill. A talented mimic as a child, Jim started performing early in life, becoming a regular on shows including Johnny Cash and Friends and Fernwood 2 Night. In 1980, career lightning struck when Jim unveiled Ernest, a nosy and noisy neighbor who carried on conversations with Vern, an unseen foil. And, since every great character deserves a great catch phrase, Ernest would wrap up every spot with a perfectly delivered "KnoWhutIMean?" The spots were so popular they led to 9 Ernest movies, starting with Ernest Goes to Camp in 1987. The Ernest shtick began to fade out after a few years, but Jim diversified with tv roles and a turn as Jed Clampett in the movie version of The Beverly Hillbillies. To young fans, Jim is likely best known as the voice of Slinky Dog in the first two Toy Story movies. Not a bad way to be remembered, KnoWhutWeMean? As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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The Ernest P. Worrell character was Jim's bread and butter and this bit from the first Ernest movie shows why. This one's for everyone who had to receive a shot at camp. https://youtu.be/3QZI68azimM?si=Kf3sezm7D1-5TCyF

The Beverly Hillbillies movie received very mixed reviews, but Jim did a fine job channeling the zen wisdom of patriarch Jed Clampett. https://clip.cafe/the.../well-i-reckon-done-what-done/

In 1995 Jim scored the role of Slinky Dog in the first and second Toy Story movies. Always loyal, Slink was a trusted aide to Woody - and a frequent target of insults hurled by Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles). https://youtu.be/3Cq_o0hJII0?si=DJFLOXxJt1XWla89

Happy (almost) New Year you hosers! This time out we honor two true Canadian icons -- Bob and Doug -- the McKenzie Brothers! OK, it's Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas from the classic SCTV late night show, but boy did their characters "take off" in the early 1980s. Originally devised as a bit to meet "Canadian content" requirements, The Great White North was nothing more than Bob and Doug sitting on a cheesy set, drinking Molson and smoking cigarettes, and riffing on all things Canadian. Moranis and Thomas originally viewed the bit as a protest of the Canadian content rules, but audiences went nuts for the duo and Bob and Doug in short order produced over 40 segments for SCTV as well as a feature movie (Strange Brew) and two comedy albums. Moranis and Thomas have reprised the roles on occasion, but not for a number of years. Maybe we could bribe them with a "jelly" for one more revival! As always, find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows!

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At the height of Bob and Doug mania the boys appeared on David Letterman, first in character than as themselves in a fine interview. https://youtu.be/u3niShPaKFY?si=tfeDNcmpv6h69lBd

Strange Brew has become a cult classic over the years with lots of Canadian in-jokes, none more prominent than their love of donuts. Try this trick the next time you need some info. https://youtu.be/tKFgfdtKdys?si=H4vxlj1yGaTENtxJ

Bob and Doug returned for a Canadian tv special on the 24th anniversary of Strange Brew. Geddy Lee from Rush -- who sang with them on their 1981 hit single "Take Off" -- was there to pay respects. https://youtu.be/N5twcRZ5Bi8?si=FFPGI9ISE_Ds25B4&t=1809

Say hello to Imogene Coca, a mainstay of television's first golden age who delighted audiences over a career spanning four decades. Originally a Broadway actor and a headliner in Manhattan nightclubs, Imogene started her tv career with small roles before she was added to the cast of Your Show of Shows. Her work with co-star Sid Caesar is the stuff of legend, and it earned her both an Emmy in 1952 and a Peabody award in 1953. After that classic series wrapped, Imogene remained a popular guest star on variety shows and sitcoms, as well as an Emmy-winning reunion with the Your Show of Shows cast. She brought her career full circle in 1978 with a juicy (and Tony-nominated) role in the musical "On the Twentieth Century." As always, find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.