Introduction
John R. Cherry III is an American film director and screenwriter, most notable for directing movies starring Jim Varney as 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 only appearances in "Ernest" films were Ernest Goes to Africa as a customer and Ernest in the Army as Sergeant Ben Kovsky.
He was the executive vice president of the Nashville-based Carden and Cherry advertising agency, for which the "Ernest" character was developed. He is currently the founder and Co-chairman of the board of "The National Fine Arts Title Registry".
A native of Nashville, Cherry attended the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. He currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife.
He has 3 children: Josh and Emilie from a previous marriage and his son Chapman from his current marriage with Ruthie Cherry.
Cherry's son, Josh appeared in Ernest in the Army as Corporal Davis.
Filmography
- Pirates of the Plain (1999)
- The All New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy in 'For Love or Mummy' (1999)
- Ernest in the Army (1998)
- Ernest Goes to Africa (1997)
- Slam Dunk Ernest (video) (1995)
- Ernest Rides Again (1993)
- Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
- Ernest Goes to Jail (1990)
- Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
- Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)
- Hey, Vern, Win $10,000 (video) (1987)
- Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam (1986)
- The Ernest Film Festival (video) (1986)
- Knowhutimean? Hey Vern, It's My Family Album (video) (1983)