Kentucky Motion Picture & Television Hall Of Fame Announces First Three Inductees

Lexington's very own acting icon Jim Varney.

The Kentucky Motion Picture & Television Hall of Fame in partnership with The Lancaster Grand Theater in have confirmed who will be the first three inductees into the 2020 inaugural class of the Hall of Fame.

“We are excited to be able to move into phase two, which is starting to name the honorees whom will be included into the inaugural class. We will be announcing several individuals over the next few weeks. Public nominations are also now open through our website www.KYHallofFame.org. We have heard from so many people over the last few weeks. Support for the Hall of Fame has been flooding in, and I would like to thank everyone. We could not do this without the support of the people the Hall of Fame is intended to serve.” Executive Director Anthony Hudson said.

The first confirmed member of the 2020 Inaugural Class of the Kentucky Motion Picture and Television Hall of Fame is legendary Lexington actor Jim Varney. 

Varney, an Emmy winning actor from Lexington is known throughout the world for his roles as Ernest P. Worrell in all of the Ernest films, Slinky Dog in the first two Toy Story films, Jed Clampett in the big screen adaptation of The Beverly Hillbillies, and many more iconic roles. From his stage beginnings on the Lafayette High School stage in Lexington through his performances on the iconic Pioneer Playhouse stage to his time is Hollywood, Jim always stayed true to his Kentucky roots being proud of his Kentucky heritage and returning often to his Bluegrass family no matter how famous he had become. 

“Jim Varney was truly a worldwide ambassador of the Bluegrass Spirit. A positive role model who spread goodwill wherever he went, even when while sometimes struggling with his own demons. Jim worked tirelessly with children’s charities and hospitals while maintaining the rigorous schedule that Hollywood demands of its premier stars. We are humbled and proud to honor his life as the first inductee into the Kentucky Motion Picture & Television Hall of Fame.” stated Hudson. 

The second confirmed member of the 2020 Inaugural Class of the Kentucky Motion Picture Hall of Fame is long time Louisville resident and leading Kentucky independent filmmaker Chase Dudley. 

Louisville director, actor, and producer Chase Dudley directing a scene from his feature film “Marvelous Mandy" (2016).

Since 2008 Chase has produced and directed 8 feature films and racked up many filmmaking awards along the way. He has worked with virtually every working actor and film crew member in the state of Kentucky. His films have been seen at leading film festivals all across the country winning awards at nearly every viewing. Many of his films including “Past Due”, “Payton’s Burden”, and “Marvelous Mandy” have all received worldwide distributions deals exposing audiences way beyond our Bluegrass borders not only Chase’s vision and works, but also of the pure skill that the Kentucky filmmaking industry has to offer. 

“Wow, this was totally unexpected. It is great to see that the Independent film industry is finally be looked at and showcased alongside of all the great studio projects. Thank you for thinking of me.” Said Chase Dudley upon receiving the news of his inauguration confirmation.” 

Hall of Fame board member Harry Pagoulatos said, “Independent filmmaking is without a doubt the hardest form of the art. Budgetary and resource restrictions pile on many added layers of difficulty to those artists whom attempt to tell their stories without major studio backing. These visionaries have to truly think outside of the normal filmmaking box to achieve the same level of quality storytelling audiences are expecting. Many try and fall short of the mark; Chase Dudley has time and time again proven despite any initial setbacks, a production of any budget and resource can not only meet but exceed all expectations to provide world class storytelling that will live on for as long as films are watched. He is truly a legend of the craft in his prime.” 

Rounding out the first three confirmed inductees for the 2020 Kentucky Motion Picture & Television Hall of Fame is Middlesboro native and television legend Lee Majors. 

Lee Majors accepting his confirmation for induction letter from HOF Executive Director Anthony Hudson.

While most actors are lucky to ever have one iconic television series in their credits, Lee Majors seems to create them with every project he touches. The Big Valley’s Heath Barkley, The Six Million Dollar Man’s Col. Steve Austin, The Fall Guy’s Colt Seavers, and Ash Vs. The Evil Dead’s Brock Williams are just a few of the iconic roles brought to life by Majors. Much like fellow Hall of Fame inductee Jim Varney, Major honed his acting skills at the iconic Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, KY before tackling Hollywood. Throughout Lee’s fifty-five year career, he has appeared in every form of the art. Television, stage, film, and voice over work has all seen Lee Majors make his mark. At eighty years old, Lee Majors continues to bring life to new characters that will be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come. 

“It is a great honor to be included in the Hall of Fame,” Majors said while accepting his confirmation of inauguration letter. 

The Kentucky Motion Picture & Television Hall of Fame in the planning stages for several events and inauguration ceremonies to take place at the Grand Theater to celebrate the works of our inductees. All the latest news can be found by visiting our website www.KYHallofFame.org.