Began acting in local theater at age eight (date approximate)

Played first professional acting role, as Puck in a regional production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Completed an acting apprenticeship with the Barter Theatre

Moved to New York City with $65 dollars

Worked as a stand-up comedian

Appeared in dinner theater productions of "Death of a Salesman", "The Homecoming" and "Guys and Dolls"

Appeared in the Southern Dairy ad campaign as Sgt. Glory for five years

Introduced signature character of Ernest P Worell in TV commercials

TV series debut, "Johnny Cash and Friends"

Co-starred in the TV series, "Operation Petticoat" and "The New Operation Petticoat"

Appeared in the "Fernwood Tonight" spinoff, "America Tonight"

Played a regular character on the short-lived series, "Pink Lady"

First appeared in commercials as the character Ernest P. Worrell

Co-starred in the ill-fated series, "The Rousters"

Feature acting debut, "Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam"

First feature in a leading role, "Ernest Goes to Camp", as Ernest P Worrell

Starred in the children's TV series, "Hey Vern, It's Ernest"

Reprised signature role in "Ernest Saves Christmas"

First film in a lead role other than Ernest, "The Beverly Hillbillies"

Provided voice of Slinky Dog in the computer-generated animated film "Toy Story"

Diagnosed with lung cancer; in September underwent surgery to remove two-thirds of right lung; followed up with radiation treatment

Publicly disclosed battle with cancer (November)

Reprised vocal role as Slinky Dog in the sequel "Toy Story 2"

Final screen role in "Daddy and Them" (filmed in 1998), directed by Billy Bob Thornton; screened at Montreal; released theatrically in 2002