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 Canadian-American actor and comedian renowned for his high-energy, slapstick performances. He gained prominence through the sketch comedy series *In Living Color* in the early 1990s. Carrey transitioned into a major film star with a string of successful comedies, including *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective*, *The Mask*, and *Dumb and Dumber*. This success led to him becoming the first comic actor to command a $20 million salary for films like *The Cable Guy*.
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 with his father's support. His initial performance, featuring impersonations, was not well-received.
1979: Return to the Stage
In 1979, after the family's financial situation improved, Jim Carrey returned to the stage with a more polished act. This led to his first paid gig at the Hay Loft club in Scarborough for Can$20.
1980: SNL Audition
In 1980, Jim Carrey auditioned to be a cast member for NBC's Saturday Night Live but was not selected by the new executive producer Jean Doumanian.
February 1981: Opening for Goddo at The Roxy Theatre
In February 1981, Jim Carrey, at age nineteen, was booed offstage while opening for the rock band Goddo at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie, leading him to refuse to perform the second night.
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: Premiere of Introducing... Janet
In September 1981, "Introducing... Janet", a made-for-TV movie featuring Jim Carrey, premiered on the CBC, drawing over a million viewers in Canada. This marked Carrey's first acting role, playing Tony Maroni.
December 1981: Interest from The Tonight Show
By December 1981, Jim Carrey, already well-known in Canada, was reportedly receiving interest from Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. He was awaiting a United States work permit, largely due to his reputation in Canada.
June 19, 1982: Sold-Out Shows at Massey Hall
On June 19, 1982, Jim Carrey, while touring North America as Rodney Dangerfield's opening act, performed two sold-out shows at Massey Hall in Toronto.
April 1983: Performance at B.B. Magoon's and W5 Feature
During late April 1983, Jim Carrey returned to Toronto to perform at B.B. Magoon's on Bloor Street. While in town, CTV's W5 aired a nationally broadcast feature on Carrey in Canada.
November 1983: The Tonight Show Debut
In late November 1983, Jim Carrey debuted his impressionist act on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson to promote "The Duck Factory". He performed various impressions, though he was not invited to sit on the couch with Carson afterward.
January 1984: The Duck Factory Scheduled Debut
In January 1984, The Duck Factory sitcom was originally scheduled to debut, but was eventually released in April.
July 1984: The Duck Factory Cancellation and Letterman Appearance
In July 1984, NBC canceled "The Duck Factory". Later that month, Carrey made his debut appearance on NBC's Late Night with David Letterman.
November 1985: Release of Once Bitten
In mid-November 1985, "Once Bitten" was released, becoming a modest box-office success despite receiving poor reviews.
1986: Audition for SNL
In the fall of 1986, Jim Carrey auditioned for SNL's upcoming season for the third time. He performed for Lorne Michaels, Dennis Miller, Jon Lovitz, and Nora Dunn, but was rejected. Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman, who also auditioned, were hired. Carrey then shifted his comedy act away from impressions to observational and character humor.
1990: Joins In Living Color
In 1990, Jim Carrey became a regular cast member of the ensemble comedy television series In Living Color. The popularity of the series helped him to land his first few major film roles.
February 1994: Release of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
In February 1994, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, starring Jim Carrey, was released, grossing $72 million in the United States and Canada.
July 1994: Release of The Mask
In July 1994, The Mask, starring Jim Carrey, was released and grossed $351 million worldwide.
December 1994: Release of Dumb and Dumber
In December 1994, Dumb and Dumber, starring Jim Carrey, was released and became a commercial success, grossing over $270 million worldwide. Carrey also received his first Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor for his work in The Mask.
1994: Continues on In Living Color; Gains Film Roles
In 1994, Jim Carrey continued as a regular cast member of In Living Color, leveraging the show's popularity to secure his first major film roles.
1994: Breakthrough Film Roles
In 1994, Jim Carrey starred in a string of box office hits including "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective", "The Mask", and "Dumb and Dumber", which catapulted him to film stardom.
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: Stars in Batman Forever and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
In 1995, Jim Carrey portrayed the Riddler in Batman Forever, which was a box office success despite mixed reviews. He also reprised his role as Ace Ventura in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, which was a box office hit but poorly received by critics.
May 1996: Hosting Saturday Night Live
In May 1996, after establishing himself as a Hollywood film star, Jim Carrey hosted Saturday Night Live.
1996: Record-Breaking Salary
In 1996, Jim Carrey became the first comic actor to receive an upfront $20 million salary for a film role, starting with "The Cable Guy".
1996: Stars in The Cable Guy
In 1996, Jim Carrey starred in The Cable Guy, directed by Ben Stiller, receiving $20 million, making him the first comic actor to be paid an upfront salary of $20 million for a film. The film, a satirical black comedy, received mixed reviews, though grossed $102 million worldwide. He also starred in the music video of the film's closing song, "Leave Me Alone" by Jerry Cantrell.
1997: Starring in Liar Liar
In 1997, Jim Carrey starred in the comedy "Liar Liar", which contributed to his continued success as a leading actor.
1998: Starring in The Truman Show
In 1998, Jim Carrey starred in the dramatic role in "The Truman Show", receiving critical acclaim and winning a Golden Globe Award.
1999: Starring as Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon
In 1999, Jim Carrey starred as Andy Kaufman in "Man on the Moon", winning a Golden Globe Award for his performance.
1999: Stars in Man on the Moon
In 1999, Jim Carrey starred in Man on the Moon, portraying comedian Andy Kaufman. He received his second Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Best Actor.
2000: Starring in How the Grinch Stole Christmas
In 2000, Jim Carrey starred in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", adding to his list of successful comedies.
2000: Stars in Me, Myself & Irene and How the Grinch Stole Christmas
In 2000, Jim Carrey starred in Me, Myself & Irene and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Me, Myself & Irene received mixed reviews but was a box office success. Carrey played state trooper Charlie Baileygates. He also starred in How the Grinch Stole Christmas and received a Golden Globe nomination.
2003: Stars in Bruce Almighty
In 2003, Jim Carrey starred in Bruce Almighty alongside Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman. He played a television newsman who receives God's omnipotent abilities. The film earned over $484 million worldwide.
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", adding another significant role to his filmography.
2004: Stars 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 and a BAFTA Award nomination. He also starred in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, based on the children's novels.
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", earning a BAFTA Award nomination and another Golden Globe nomination.
2005: Stars in Fun with Dick and Jane
In 2005, Jim Carrey starred in the remake of Fun with Dick and Jane with Téa Leoni, which grossed $200 million.
2007: Stars in The Number 23
In 2007, Jim Carrey starred in The Number 23, a psychological thriller directed by Joel Schumacher. The film was panned by critics.
2008: Starring in Yes Man
In 2008, Jim Carrey starred in the comedy "Yes Man", continuing his presence in leading roles.
January 2009: Premiere of I Love You Phillip Morris
In January 2009, I Love You Phillip Morris premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, starring Jim Carrey as Steven Jay Russell. The film received positive reviews.
2009: Questioned vaccination in Huffington Post Article
In 2009, Jim Carrey wrote an article for The Huffington Post questioning the merits of vaccination. He also led a "Green Our Vaccines" march in Washington, D.C., with former partner Jenny McCarthy.
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, receiving largely positive reviews.
January 2011: Hosting Saturday Night Live
In January 2011, Jim Carrey hosted Saturday Night Live for a second time, showcasing his established success as a film star.
2011: Exhibited Painting
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: Stars in Mr. Popper's Penguins
In 2011, Jim Carrey starred in Mr. Popper's Penguins, playing Tom Popper Jr. The film received mixed reviews.
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.
September 2012: Planned Production Start for Dumb and Dumber To
In September 2012, production for the Dumb and Dumber sequel, Dumb and Dumber To, was planned to begin, with Jim Carrey set to reprise his role.
October 1, 2012: Carrey to Reprise Role in Dumb and Dumber To
On October 1, 2012, it was announced that Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels would reprise their roles in Dumb and Dumber To, with the script completed.
March 2013: Announces and Writes Children's Book
In March 2013, Jim Carrey announced that he had written a children's book titled How Roland Rolls. Carrey self-published the book.
March 2013: Stars in The Incredible Burt Wonderstone; Retracts Support for 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 retracted support for Kick-Ass 2, citing concerns about the level of violence after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
March 25, 2013: Releases Parody Music Video "Cold Dead Hand"
On March 25, 2013, Jim Carrey released a parody music video with Eels through Funny or Die, titled "Cold Dead Hand", lampooning American gun culture.
September 2013: Releases Children's Book How Roland Rolls
In September 2013, Jim Carrey released his self-published children's book How Roland Rolls.
May 2014: Delivers Commencement Address and Receives Honorary Doctorate
In May 2014, Jim Carrey delivered the commencement address at Maharishi University of Management and received an honorary doctorate for his achievements.
October 2014: Hosting Saturday Night Live
In October 2014, Jim Carrey hosted Saturday Night Live for a third time, reaffirming his status as a successful Hollywood actor.
November 2014: Release of Dumb and Dumber To
In November 2014, Dumb and Dumber To, starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, was released.
2014: Appearance in Dumb and Dumber To
In 2014, Jim Carrey appeared in "Dumb and Dumber To", marking one of his notable film roles since the 2010s.
2015: Producer on Rubble Kings
In 2015, Jim Carrey was a producer on Rubble Kings, a documentary film depicting events preceding and following the Hoe Avenue peace meeting.
June 2017: Delivered 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 admiring the attendees.
June 2017: Showtime Aired I'm Dying Up Here
In June 2017, Showtime began airing the dramedy series "I'm Dying Up Here", on which Carrey served as executive producer. The show is about stand-up comics in 1970s Los Angeles and incorporates aspects of Carrey's own experiences.
August 2017: Shared Political Cartoon Drawings
Since August 2017, Jim Carrey shared his own political cartoon drawings, including renderings of Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Donald Trump.
2017: Revealed Painting Hobby and Released Documentary
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" showing him working in his studio.
2017: Subject of two documentaries
In 2017, Jim Carrey was the subject of two documentaries: "I Needed Color", about his passion for art, and "Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond", chronicling the behind-the-scenes drama of "Man on the Moon".
June 2018: Cast in Sonic the Hedgehog movie
In June 2018, Carrey was cast as Dr. Ivo Robotnik in the film adaptation of the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series.
October 23, 2018: IndigNation Art Exhibition Opening
On October 23, 2018, Jim Carrey's exhibition "IndigNation" opened at the Maccarone Gallery in Los Angeles, featuring 108 pen-and-ink drawings from his Twitter feed.
2018: Starring in Kidding
In 2018, Jim Carrey starred in the Showtime tragicomedy series "Kidding", receiving his seventh Golden Globe nomination.
March 31, 2019: Posted Controversial Political Cartoon
On March 31, 2019, Jim Carrey sparked international event by posting a political cartoon criticizing fascism, which angered Benito Mussolini's granddaughter.
February 2020: Release of Sonic the Hedgehog film
In February 2020, the Sonic the Hedgehog film, starring Carrey as Dr. Ivo Robotnik, was released to positive reviews, with Carrey's performance being particularly praised.
December 19, 2020: Carrey Steps Down from 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 stint.
2020: Continued role in Kidding
In 2020, Jim Carrey continued to star in the Showtime tragicomedy series "Kidding", for which he had received a Golden Globe nomination in 2018.
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, a role he has continued to present.
February 2021: Discontinued 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: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 release
In April 2022, Carrey returned for Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which grossed $72 million at the US box office in its opening weekend.
April 2022: Released First Art NFT
In April 2022, Jim Carrey announced that he had minted his first art NFT via the NFT platform SuperRare, based on a painting entitled Sunshower.
April 2022: Carrey Considers Retirement
In April 2022, Jim Carrey announced that he was considering retirement from acting, stating he had done enough, but would return if the right script came along.
February 2024: Carrey to Reprise Role 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. Carrey also plays Ivo Robotnik’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik.
December 2024: Carrey Clarifies Retirement Plans
In December 2024, Jim Carrey clarified that he planned to "power rest" rather than retire, and remained open to continuing his role in the Sonic film series.
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