Evidence suggesting he enjoyed it:
* He was incredibly committed to the character: Varney meticulously crafted Ernest's persona, from the physicality to the voice. He even developed a backstory and personal life for Ernest, demonstrating a genuine investment.
* He was successful: Ernest P. Worrell became a cultural phenomenon, bringing Varney significant fame and fortune. This success would likely have been rewarding for him.
* He was a skilled comedian: Varney was a talented performer, and he clearly enjoyed making people laugh. He often expressed that his goal was to entertain audiences, and Ernest provided him with a platform to do that.
Evidence suggesting he might have found it challenging:
* Ernest was a demanding role: Playing Ernest required a constant stream of energy and physicality. This could have been tiring and possibly even stressful for Varney.
* He had to fight for recognition: While Ernest was popular, Varney often faced criticism from those who viewed the character as silly or lowbrow. This could have been discouraging.
* He struggled with addiction: Varney's later years were plagued by substance abuse, which likely influenced his personal and professional life.
Ultimately:
It's likely that Varney experienced both the joys and the challenges of playing Ernest. While he may have found the character's popularity and comedic freedom rewarding, the physical and mental demands, as well as the occasional criticism, may have taken a toll.
It's important to remember that we only see the public persona of a celebrity. Without personal accounts from Varney himself, we can only speculate about his true feelings.