“It is with a sad heart that I have to tell Bill’s fans that he passed today at 12:00PM.”
His cousin Sharon Chapman also posted a Facebook tribute to Byrge.
She wrote,
Byrge was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1937, Byrge initially worked as a librarian for the Nashville Public Library before unexpectedly finding his way into acting.
His big break came in 1985 when he was cast in Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam, marking the beginning of his collaboration with Jim Varney and the Ernest series. Byrge played Bobby, one-half of the comedic duo Chuck and Bobby, who brought lighthearted moments to films like Ernest Goes to Camp, Ernest Saves Christmas, Ernest Goes to Jail, and Ernest Scared Stupid. His silent, deadpan humor and expressive face made him a fan favorite.
Outside of acting, Byrge was known for his kind and unassuming nature. Despite his fame, he preferred a quiet life and often returned to his roots in Nashville. Per TMZ, he stopped acting in 2000 when “Ernest costar Jim Varney passed away from lung cancer. Byrge returned to his work as a librarian.
Rest In Peace.
