Actor Bill Byrge, known for his roles in the Ernest movies, has died aged 92.
His death was first confirmed in a Facebook post shared by his cousin, Sharon Chapman.
“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,” she said.
Watch the video above
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“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 mumma taught him love, respect, and faith which he showed to everyone.
“Heaven gained a sweet soul today. Love you, Billy. See you soon!”
Byrge was most renowned for his role as the character Bobby, who accompanied actor and comedian Jim Varney’s beloved character Ernest P. Worrell in films such as Ernest Saves Christmas, Ernest goes to Jail, Ernest Scared Stupid, and more.
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The character of Ernest first appeared in advertisements before it gained popularity as a pop culture icon, particularly with children, and transitioned to his own film and TV shows.
Byrge appeared in seven movies and one Ernest television show over his acting career, mostly playing the role of Ernest’s neighbour, Bobby, who was known for his funny faces.
Chapman shared more about her late cousin with People.
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She shared that Byrge has worked in a Nashville library for his entire career and was chosen for his most famous role after the producer spotted him “walking down the street one day”.
“If you saw Billy in person, I mean, he was a little character. He was a jokester at times. Anyways, Billy just had this way about him and you obviously noticed him automatically, no matter where he was at,” Chapman said adding that Byrge only took the job on the condition that he would not quit his day job.
“The other thing was he didn’t want to talk in the movies. He just didn’t,” she added, “And the producer says, with his looks and his little quirkiness and everything, he didn’t have to speak.
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“That’s what was funny about it. He had this way of making faces.”
According to Chapman, Byrge had never married and didn’t have any children, though he was “really good friends” with Deadpool & Wolverine actress Leslie Uggams.
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