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 and American actor and comedian celebrated for his high-energy, slapstick performances. He has garnered significant recognition for his work, including two Golden Globe Awards, along with nominations for BAFTA Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Carrey's career spans both comedic and dramatic roles, establishing him as a versatile and prominent figure 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 Toronto. His act, chosen by his mother, bombed, leading him to doubt his potential as a professional entertainer.
1979: Return to the Stage
In 1979, after his family's financial situation improved, Jim Carrey returned to the stage with a more polished act. He landed his first paid gig at the Hay Loft club and later returned to Yuk Yuk's, building his reputation as a comedian.
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 Act for Goddo
In February 1981, Jim Carrey was booked as the opening act for the rock band Goddo at The Roxy Theatre in Barrie, but he was booed offstage. Also in February 1981, a review appeared in the Toronto Star, praising him as a star.
April 1981: Appearance on An Evening at the Improv
In April 1981, Jim Carrey appeared on 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. He played Tony Maroni, a struggling impressionist comic.
December 1981: Interest from The Tonight Show
By December 1981, Jim Carrey, already a well-known comic in Canada, was receiving interest from Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, largely due to his reputation in Canada.
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, marking a successful return to his hometown.
April 1983: Performance at B.B. Magoon's and W5 Feature
In late April 1983, Jim Carrey performed at B.B. Magoon's in Toronto for three consecutive nights. During that time, CTV's W5 aired a feature on him nationally in Canada.
November 1983: Tonight Show Debut
In late November 1983, Jim Carrey debuted his impressionist act on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' as a promotional appearance for the sitcom 'The Duck Factory'.
January 1984: The Duck Factory Scheduled Debut
In January 1984, 'The Duck Factory' sitcom was originally scheduled to start airing.
July 1984: Debut on Late Night with David Letterman
In late July 1984, Jim Carrey made his debut appearance on NBC's 'Late Night with David Letterman'. By this time, 'The Duck Factory' had already been canceled.
November 1985: Release of Once Bitten
In mid-November 1985, 'Once Bitten', starring Jim Carrey, was released and became a modest box-office hit despite receiving poor reviews.
1986: Audition for SNL
In 1986, Jim Carrey auditioned for SNL for the third time, performing for Lorne Michaels but was rejected again. Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman, who auditioned alongside Carrey, were hired. Carrey then changed his comedy style, adding observational and character humor to his act.
1990: Joined In Living Color
In 1990, Jim Carrey became a regular cast member of the ensemble comedy television series In Living Color.
February 1994: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Release
In February 1994, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, starring Jim Carrey, was released and grossed $72 million in the United States and Canada.
July 1994: The Mask Release
In July 1994, The Mask, starring Jim Carrey, was released and grossed $351 million worldwide.
December 1994: Dumb and Dumber Release
In December 1994, Dumb and Dumber, starring Jim Carrey, was released and became a commercial success, grossing over $270 million worldwide.
1994: In Living Color until 1994
From 1990 to 1994, Jim Carrey was 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.
1994: Breakthrough Film Star
In 1994, Jim Carrey achieved breakthrough success as a film star with roles in 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective', 'The Mask', and 'Dumb and Dumber', all of which were box office hits.
1995: Continued Film Success
In 1995, Jim Carrey continued his success with starring roles in 'Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls' and 'Batman Forever', solidifying his position as a leading actor.
1995: Batman Forever and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
In 1995, Jim Carrey portrayed the Riddler in Batman Forever and reprised his role as Ace Ventura in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls. Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls earned $212 million worldwide.
May 1996: Hosting Saturday Night Live
In May 1996, after achieving fame as a film star, Jim Carrey hosted 'Saturday Night Live'.
1996: First $20 Million 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: The Cable Guy Release
In 1996, Jim Carrey starred in The Cable Guy, directed by Ben Stiller. The film was a satirical black comedy where Carrey played a menacing cable TV installer. Despite mixed reviews, the film grossed $102 million worldwide.
1997: Liar Liar Release
In 1997, Jim Carrey starred in Liar Liar, playing Fletcher Reede, an unethical lawyer unable to lie due to his son's wish. Carrey's performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
1997: Leading Role in Liar Liar
In 1997, Jim Carrey starred in the comedy 'Liar Liar', which was another success for him as a leading actor.
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.
1998: The Truman Show Release
In 1998, Jim Carrey starred in The Truman Show, receiving international acclaim and winning a Golden Globe Award. The film grossed $264 million worldwide.
1999: Starring in Man on the Moon
In 1999, Jim Carrey starred as Andy Kaufman in 'Man on the Moon', winning another Golden Globe Award for his performance.
1999: Man on the Moon Release
In 1999, Jim Carrey starred in Man on the Moon, portraying comedian Andy Kaufman. He received his second Golden Globe for this role.
2000: Starring in How the Grinch Stole Christmas
In 2000, Jim Carrey starred in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', continuing his success as a leading actor in comedies.
2000: Me, Myself & Irene and How the Grinch Stole Christmas Release
In 2000, Jim Carrey starred in Me, Myself & Irene and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He received a Golden Globe nomination for How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
2003: Bruce Almighty Release
In 2003, Jim Carrey starred in Bruce Almighty, playing a TV newsman who receives God's abilities. The film grossed over $484 million worldwide.
2003: Leading Role in Bruce Almighty
In 2003, Jim Carrey starred in the comedy 'Bruce Almighty', adding to his list of successful leading roles.
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', marking another significant role in his career.
2004: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events Release
In 2004, Jim Carrey starred in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Carrey's performance in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind earned him a Golden Globe nomination and a BAFTA Award nomination.
2004: Starring in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
In 2004, Jim Carrey starred in the romantic drama 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', receiving a BAFTA Award nomination and another Golden Globe nomination.
2005: Fun with Dick and Jane Release
In 2005, Jim Carrey starred in the remake of Fun with Dick and Jane, which grossed $200 million.
2007: The Number 23 Release
In 2007, Jim Carrey starred in The Number 23, a psychological thriller, which was panned by critics.
2008: Leading Role in Yes Man
In 2008, Jim Carrey appeared in 'Yes Man', continuing his presence in comedy films.
January 2009: I Love You Phillip Morris Premiered at Sundance Film Festival
In January 2009, Jim Carrey starred in I Love You Phillip Morris, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
February 2010: I Love You Phillip Morris Wide Release
In February 2010, Jim Carrey's film I Love You Phillip Morris, which premiered in January 2009, received a wide release.
2011: Carrey exhibits painting "Nothing to See Here"
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: Mr. Popper's Penguins Release
In 2011, Jim Carrey starred in Mr. Popper's Penguins, playing Tom Popper Jr. The film received a mixed reception.
April 2012: Dumb and Dumber Sequel Announcement
In April 2012, Peter Farrelly announced that Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels would return for a Dumb and Dumber sequel.
September 2012: Planned Production Start for Dumb and Dumber To
In September 2012, production was planned to start for the Dumb and Dumber To sequel.
October 1, 2012: Announcement of Carrey and Daniels Reprising Roles in Dumb and Dumber To
On October 1, 2012, it was announced that Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels would be reprising their roles in Dumb and Dumber To.
March 2013: Announced children's book and released parody music video
In March 2013, Jim Carrey announced he had written a children's book titled How Roland Rolls and on March 25, 2013, he released a parody music video with Eels through Funny or Die titled "Cold Dead Hand".
March 2013: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and Retraction of 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 due to its level of violence.
September 2013: Release of How Roland Rolls
In September 2013, Jim Carrey self-published and released his children's book, How Roland Rolls.
November 2014: Dumb and Dumber To Release
In November 2014, Dumb and Dumber To was released.
2014: Appearance in Dumb and Dumber To
In 2014, Jim Carrey appeared in 'Dumb and Dumber To', a sequel to his earlier hit film.
2015: Producer on Rubble Kings
In 2015, Jim Carrey was a producer on the documentary film Rubble Kings.
2016: Carrey started creating political cartoons
From 2016 to 2018, Jim Carrey's Twitter feed consisted of pen-and-ink drawings which were featured in his IndigNation exhibition in 2018.
June 2017: Carrey speaks at Homeboy Industries event
In June 2017, Jim Carrey delivered a speech at a Homeboy Industries event, where he said, “I want to speak to the fact that I believe that this room is filled with God, and that you are heroes to me and I admire you.”
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", for which Jim Carrey served as the executive producer. The show chronicles a group of stand-up comics in 1970s Los Angeles.
August 2017: Carrey shares political cartoon drawings
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 and releases documentary
In 2017, Jim Carrey revealed that he had been painting for the past six years. In 2017, Carrey 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 about his passion for art, was released online in the summer of 2017. Also in 2017, "Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond" premiered at The Venice Film Festival and was later picked up by Netflix; the film documented the behind-the-scenes of "Man on the Moon".
June 2018: Carrey cast as Dr. Ivo Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog film
In June 2018, Jim Carrey was cast as Dr. Ivo Robotnik, the main antagonist of the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series, in a film adaptation of the franchise.
October 23, 2018: Carrey's IndigNation exhibition opens in Los Angeles
On October 23, 2018, Jim Carrey's drawing repertoire culminated in an exhibition titled IndigNation, which opened at the Maccarone Gallery in Los Angeles and featured 108 pen-and-ink drawings from Carrey's Twitter feed from 2016 to 2018.
2018: Starring in Kidding
In 2018, Jim Carrey starred in the Showtime tragicomedy series 'Kidding', earning his seventh Golden Globe nomination.
February 2020: Release of Sonic the Hedgehog film with Carrey as Dr. Ivo Robotnik
In February 2020, the film adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog, starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Ivo Robotnik, was released to positive reviews.
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, stating that he had a six-week deal. Alex Moffat succeeded Carrey in portraying Biden during the cold open of the episode hosted by Kristen Wiig on the same day.
2020: Role as Doctor Eggman in Sonic the Hedgehog
In 2020, Jim Carrey began his role as Doctor Eggman in the 'Sonic the Hedgehog' film series.
2020: Continued role in Kidding
In 2020, Jim Carrey continued his role in the Showtime tragicomedy series 'Kidding'.
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, stating he has done enough and is enough but would return to acting if the right script came along.
April 2022: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 released with Carrey reprising his role
In April 2022, Jim Carrey returned for Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which grossed $72 million at the US box office in its opening weekend, marking the best opening of 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. He will also play Ivo Robotnik’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik.
December 2024: Carrey clarifies retirement plans and openness to continue role in Sonic films
In December 2024, Jim Carrey clarified in interviews that he planned to "power rest" rather than retire, while also stating that he was open to continuing his role in the Sonic film series.
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