Bill Byrge, an actor who appeared in many of the “Ernest” comedy films as “Bobby,” died on Thursday at the age of 92 in Nashville, Tenn.
Byrge’s cousin, Sharon Chapman, confirmed his death in a Facebook post.
“My cousin, Bill Byrge, passed away in the Nashville area today at 12pm. He was a beautiful soul who made people laugh without even trying. He was the ‘Bobby’ character in several Ernest movies with Jim Varney. I always teased him of being a ‘star’ in our family. He deserved it as raised poor, but his momma taught him love, respect, and faith which he showed to everyone,” Chapman wrote.
“Heaven gained a sweet soul today. Love you, Billy. See you soon!” Chapman added.
Popular on Variety
Byrge was born in Tennessee in 1932. He started out working at the Metro Nashville Public Library prior to pursuing a film career. In 1985, he portrayed a gas station attendant in “Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam,” which starred Jim Varney. Byrge went on to appear alongside Varney as the character Bobby in the 1988 film “Ernest Saves Christmas” and TV show, “Hey, Vern, It’s Ernest!,” 1990’s “Ernest Goes to Jail,” 1991’s “Ernest Scared Stupid” and 1994’s “Ernest Goes to School.”
Within the “Ernest” franchise, Varney played the title character Ernest P. Worrell, which he conceived along with advertiser Carden & Cherry. John R. Cherry III directed most of the “Ernest” films.
Chapman told TMZ that Byrge resumed working as a librarian following Varney’s death in 2000.