Career Timeline of Jim Carrey: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Jim Carrey built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Jim Carrey is a highly successful Canadian-American actor and comedian celebrated for his high-energy, physical comedic style. He has garnered significant recognition, including two Golden Globe Awards, and nominations for BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild Awards, highlighting his impact and talent in the entertainment industry.
1977: First Stand-Up Comedy Experience
In 1977, at the age of 15, Jim Carrey had his first stand-up comedy experience at Yuk Yuk's comedy club in Downtown Toronto. His act, chosen by his mother, did not go well.
1979: Return to the Stage
In 1979, Jim Carrey returned to the stage with a more polished act, leading to his first paid gig at the Hay Loft club in Scarborough for Can$20.
1980: Audition for Saturday Night Live
In 1980, Jim Carrey auditioned to be a cast member for NBC's Saturday Night Live but was not selected.
February 1981: Opening for Goddo at The Roxy Theatre
In February 1981, Jim Carrey was booed offstage while opening for the rock band Goddo at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie.
April 1981: Appearance on An Evening at the Improv
In April 1981, Jim Carrey appeared in an episode of the televised stand-up show "An Evening at the Improv".
September 1981: Main Role in Introducing... Janet
In September 1981, Jim Carrey landed one of the main roles in "Introducing... Janet", a made-for-TV movie that premiered on the CBC.
December 1981: Interest from Johnny Carson's Tonight Show
By December 1981, Jim Carrey was a well-known comic in Canada and received interest from Johnny Carson's Tonight Show.
June 19, 1982: Sold-Out Shows at Massey Hall
On June 19, 1982, Jim Carrey performed two sold-out shows at Massey Hall in Toronto.
April 1983: Performance at B.B. Magoon's and W5 Feature
In April 1983, Jim Carrey performed at B.B. Magoon's in Toronto and was featured on CTV's W5 newsmagazine program.
November 1983: Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Debut
In late November 1983, Jim Carrey debuted his impressionist act on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson as promotion for The Duck Factory sitcom.
January 1984: Debut of The Duck Factory
In January 1984, "The Duck Factory" sitcom was scheduled to debut; it eventually aired in April.
July 1984: Appearance on Late Night with David Letterman
In late July 1984, Jim Carrey made his debut appearance on NBC's "Late Night with David Letterman" after "The Duck Factory" had already been canceled.
November 1985: Release of Once Bitten
In mid-November 1985, "Once Bitten" was released and became a modest box-office hit despite poor reviews.
1986: SNL Audition Rejection
In the fall of 1986, Jim Carrey auditioned for SNL for the third time but was rejected again by Lorne Michaels, despite performing in front of returning cast members. Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman, who also auditioned, were hired instead. Carrey then decided to shift from impressions to observational and character humor, much to the displeasure of comedy club owners.
1990: Joining 'In Living Color'
In 1990, Jim Carrey became a regular cast member on the ensemble comedy television series 'In Living Color'.
February 1994: Release of 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective'
In February 1994, Jim Carrey starred in 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective', which grossed $72 million in the United States and Canada.
July 1994: Release of 'The Mask'
In July 1994, 'The Mask' was released, grossing $351 million worldwide. Morgan Creek Productions paid Jim Carrey $5 million to reprise his role as Ace Ventura.
December 1994: Release of 'Dumb and Dumber'
In December 1994, 'Dumb and Dumber' was released, grossing over $270 million worldwide. New Line Cinema offered Jim Carrey $7 million to make a sequel to 'The Mask' and paid him $7 million to appear in Dumb and Dumber.
1994: Impact of 'In Living Color'
By 1994, the popularity of 'In Living Color' helped Jim Carrey secure his first major film roles.
1994: Breakthrough Film Success
In 1994, Jim Carrey achieved breakthrough success as a film star, starring in box office hits such as "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective", "The Mask", and "Dumb and Dumber".
1995: Continued Box Office Success
In 1995, Jim Carrey continued his box office success with starring roles in "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls" and "Batman Forever".
1995: Batman Forever and Ace Ventura Sequel
In 1995, Jim Carrey portrayed the Riddler in 'Batman Forever', which was a box office success despite mixed reviews. He also reprised his role in 'Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls', which was a box office success but poorly received by critics. This sequel broke records, earning $212 million worldwide.
May 1996: Hosting Saturday Night Live
In May 1996, Jim Carrey hosted Saturday Night Live after establishing himself as a Hollywood film star.
1996: Record Salary for The Cable Guy
In 1996, Jim Carrey became the first comic actor to receive an upfront $20 million salary for a film, starting with "The Cable Guy".
1997: Success with Liar Liar
In 1997, Jim Carrey continued his success as a leading actor in the comedy "Liar Liar".
1998: Starring in The Truman Show
In 1998, Jim Carrey starred in "The Truman Show", receiving critical acclaim for his performance and winning a Golden Globe Award.
1999: Portrayal of Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon
In 1999, Jim Carrey played Andy Kaufman in "Man on the Moon", earning a Golden Globe Award for his performance.
1999: Starring in 'Man on the Moon'
In 1999, Jim Carrey starred in 'Man on the Moon', portraying comedian Andy Kaufman. He received critical acclaim and his second consecutive Golden Globe but was not nominated for an Academy Award. He also received his first Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Best Actor.
2000: Starring in 'Me, Myself & Irene' and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'
In 2000, Jim Carrey starred in 'Me, Myself & Irene', which received mixed reviews but had box office success. He also starred in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', receiving both praise and criticism, along with a Golden Globe nomination.
2000: Starring in How the Grinch Stole Christmas
In 2000, Jim Carrey starred in the comedy "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".
2003: Leading role in Bruce Almighty
In 2003, Jim Carrey played the leading role in the comedy film "Bruce Almighty".
2004: Starring in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
In 2004, Jim Carrey starred in "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events".
2004: Starring in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events'
In 2004, Jim Carrey starred in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', receiving critical acclaim for his performance as Joel Barish. He also starred in 'Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events', based on the children's novels, which was also positively received. Jim Carrey received another Golden Globe nomination and his first BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor.
2004: Starring in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
In 2004, Jim Carrey starred in the romantic drama film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", receiving a BAFTA Award nomination and another Golden Globe nomination.
2005: Starring in 'Fun with Dick and Jane'
In 2005, Jim Carrey starred in the remake of 'Fun with Dick and Jane' with Téa Leoni. The movie grossed $200 million, resulting in a profit of $100 million.
2007: Starring in 'The Number 23'
In 2007, Jim Carrey reunited with Joel Schumacher to star in 'The Number 23', a psychological thriller. The film received negative reviews from critics.
2008: Leading Role in Yes Man
In 2008, Jim Carrey continued his career with a leading role in the comedy film "Yes Man".
2008: Voice Acting in 'Horton Hears a Who!' and Starring in 'Yes Man'
In 2008, Jim Carrey voiced Horton the Elephant in 'Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!', which was a box office success. He also starred in 'Yes Man', which received mixed reviews but was a box office success, earning $225 million worldwide.
January 2009: Premiere of 'I Love You Phillip Morris'
In January 2009, Jim Carrey starred in 'I Love You Phillip Morris', which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He portrayed Steven Jay Russell, a con artist who falls in love with his fellow inmate. The film received largely positive reviews.
February 2010: Wide Release of 'I Love You Phillip Morris'
In February 2010, 'I Love You Phillip Morris', starring Jim Carrey, received a wide release.
January 2011: Hosting Saturday Night Live Again
In January 2011, Jim Carrey hosted Saturday Night Live again.
2011: Carrey exhibits painting in art show
In 2011, Jim Carrey exhibited the painting "Nothing to See Here" in an art show in Palm Springs at the Heather James Fine Art Gallery.
2011: Starring in 'Mr. Popper's Penguins'
In 2011, Jim Carrey starred in 'Mr. Popper's Penguins', playing Tom Popper Jr., a realtor who becomes the caretaker of penguins. The film received mixed reviews upon release.
April 2012: Dumb and Dumber sequel announced
In April 2012, Peter Farrelly announced that Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels would return for a 'Dumb and Dumber' sequel, 'Dumb and Dumber To', with a planned September 2012 production start.
September 2012: Planned production start for Dumb and Dumber sequel
In September 2012, production was planned to start for the 'Dumb and Dumber' sequel, 'Dumb and Dumber To', starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels.
October 1, 2012: Jim Carrey to reprise role in Dumb and Dumber sequel
On October 1, 2012, it was announced that Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels would reprise their roles in the 'Dumb and Dumber' sequel, with the script completed.
March 2013: Announces children's book and releases parody music video
In March 2013, Jim Carrey announced he wrote a children's book titled 'How Roland Rolls'. On March 25, 2013, Carrey released a parody music video with Eels titled "Cold Dead Hand" through Funny or Die, lampooning American gun culture.
March 2013: Release of 'The Incredible Burt Wonderstone' and Appearance in 'Kick-Ass 2'
In March 2013, Jim Carrey starred in 'The Incredible Burt Wonderstone', which underperformed at the box office. Around the same time, he appeared in 'Kick-Ass 2' but retracted support for the film due to its level of violence in light of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
September 2013: Release of 'How Roland Rolls'
In September 2013, Jim Carrey self-published his children's book, 'How Roland Rolls'.
October 2014: Hosting Saturday Night Live Once More
In October 2014, Jim Carrey hosted Saturday Night Live for the third time.
November 2014: Release of Dumb and Dumber To
In November 2014, Dumb and Dumber To, starring Jim Carrey, was released.
2014: Appearing in Dumb and Dumber To
In 2014, Jim Carrey appeared in the movie "Dumb and Dumber To".
2015: Producer on Rubble Kings
In 2015, Jim Carrey was a producer on 'Rubble Kings', a documentary film.
2016: Carrey draws political cartoons
From 2016 to 2018, Jim Carrey drew political cartoons for his Twitter feed.
June 2017: Carrey delivers speech at Homeboy Industries event
In June 2017, Jim Carrey delivered a speech at a Homeboy Industries event, expressing his belief that the room was filled with God and admiration for the attendees.
June 2017: Showtime airs "I'm Dying Up Here" with Carrey as executive producer
In June 2017, Showtime began airing the dramedy "I'm Dying Up Here," with Jim Carrey serving as the executive producer. The show chronicles a group of stand-up comics in 1970s Los Angeles and incorporates aspects of Carrey's own experiences.
August 2017: Carrey begins sharing political cartoons
Since August 2017, Jim Carrey has shared his own political cartoon drawings, including controversial renderings of then-White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and then-President Donald Trump.
2017: Carrey reveals painting passion
In 2017, Jim Carrey revealed that he had been painting for the past six years and released a six-minute documentary entitled, "I Needed Color", which showed him working in his studio.
2017: Carrey featured in two documentaries
In 2017, Jim Carrey was the subject of two documentaries. "I Needed Color," a short film about his passion for art, was released online in the summer. "Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond," chronicling the behind-the-scenes drama of "Man on the Moon," premiered at The Venice Film Festival and was picked up by Netflix.
June 2018: Carrey cast as Dr. Ivo Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog film adaptation
In June 2018, Jim Carrey was cast as Dr. Ivo Robotnik, the main antagonist in the film adaptation of the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series.
October 23, 2018: Carrey's "IndigNation" exhibition opens
On October 23, 2018, Jim Carrey's exhibition titled "IndigNation" opened at the Maccarone Gallery in Los Angeles, featuring 108 pen-and-ink drawings from his Twitter feed from 2016 to 2018.
2018: Starring in Kidding
In 2018, Jim Carrey starred in the Showtime tragicomedy series "Kidding".
March 31, 2019: Carrey sparks international incident with Mussolini cartoon
On March 31, 2019, Jim Carrey sparked an international event by posting a drawing criticizing fascism by depicting Benito Mussolini's death, which irked Mussolini's granddaughter Alessandra.
February 2020: Sonic the Hedgehog film released with positive reviews for Carrey's performance
In February 2020, the Sonic the Hedgehog film was released, garnering positive reviews, with Carrey's portrayal of Dr. Ivo Robotnik being particularly praised.
December 19, 2020: Carrey steps down from playing Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live
On December 19, 2020, Jim Carrey announced that he would step down from playing Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live, after a six-week deal. Alex Moffat succeeded him in the role.
2020: Continued role in Kidding
In 2020, Jim Carrey continued in Showtime's "Kidding", for which he received his seventh Golden Globe nomination.
2020: Role as Doctor Eggman in Sonic the Hedgehog
In 2020, Jim Carrey played the role of Doctor Eggman in the "Sonic the Hedgehog" film series.
February 2021: Carrey discontinues political cartoons
In February 2021, Jim Carrey announced he would discontinue political cartoons.
January 7, 2022: Carrey narrates The Weeknd's album Dawn FM
On January 7, 2022, Jim Carrey appeared as the narrator of The Weeknd's album Dawn FM.
April 2022: Carrey mints first art NFT
In April 2022, Jim Carrey announced that he had minted his first art NFT via the NFT platform SuperRare. The NFT is based on a painting entitled Sunshower, and is accompanied by original voiceover.
April 2022: Carrey considers retirement from acting
In April 2022, Jim Carrey announced that he was considering retirement from acting, stating he would only return if presented with an exceptionally important script.
April 2022: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 released, Carrey's best opening to date
In April 2022, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was released, grossing $72 million at the US box office in its opening weekend, marking the best opening of Jim Carrey's career to date.
February 2024: Carrey to reprise role as Dr. Ivo Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
In February 2024, it was announced that Jim Carrey would reprise his role as Dr. Ivo Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and would also play Robotnik’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. A script written in 24-carat ink was delivered to Carrey.
December 2024: Carrey clarifies 'power rest' plans
In December 2024, Jim Carrey clarified that he planned to "power rest" rather than retire, also stating that he was open to continuing his role in the Sonic film series.
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