Childhood and Education Journey of Jim Carrey in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jim Carrey. A timeline of key moments.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

January 17, 1962: Jim Carrey's Birth

On January 17, 1962, James Eugene Carrey, known as Jim Carrey, was born. He is a Canadian and American actor and comedian known for his slapstick performances.

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.

September 6, 1987: Jane Erin Carrey is born

On September 6, 1987, Jim Carrey and Melissa Womer's daughter, Jane Erin Carrey, was born.

1990: Joining 'In Living Color'

In 1990, Jim Carrey became a regular cast member on the ensemble comedy television series 'In Living Color'.

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1994: Impact of 'In Living Color'

By 1994, the popularity of 'In Living Color' helped Jim Carrey secure his first major film roles.

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1994: Carrey moves to Brentwood

Since 1994, Jim Carrey has lived in Brentwood, owning various properties in Los Angeles.

February 17, 1997: Carrey discusses law of attraction with Oprah Winfrey

On February 17, 1997, Jim Carrey discussed the "law of attraction" with Oprah Winfrey. He revealed he used visualization techniques as a struggling actor, including visualizing a $10 million check which later manifested in his "Dumb and Dumber" role.

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October 2004: Carrey receives U.S. citizenship

In October 2004, Jim Carrey received U.S. citizenship while remaining a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.

2004: Carrey identifies himself as Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian

In a 2004 interview with 60 Minutes, Jim Carrey reportedly said, “I'm a Buddhist, I'm a Muslim, I'm a Christian.”

2007: Hamilton Spectator Interview

In a 2007 interview with the Hamilton Spectator, Jim Carrey reflected on his potential career path had he not succeeded in show business, envisioning himself working at the Dofasco steel mill in Hamilton, Ontario.

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.

May 2014: Commencement Address and Honorary Doctorate

In May 2014, Jim Carrey delivered the commencement address at Maharishi University of Management and received an honorary doctorate.

2014: Appearing on Monty Python's Best Bits

In 2014, Jim Carrey, a long time fan of Monty Python, appeared on "Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)" and discussed the impact of the "Funniest Joke in the World" sketch.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

January 2019: Carrey attends Golden Globes with Ginger Gonzaga

In January 2019, Jim Carrey attended the Golden Globes 2019 Party with his then-girlfriend Ginger Gonzaga.

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 2021: Carrey discontinues political cartoons

In February 2021, Jim Carrey announced he would discontinue political cartoons.

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.

November 2022: Carrey banned from entering Russia

In November 2022, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs banned 100 Canadians including Jim Carrey from entering Russia as a reciprocity for the international sanctions which had been introduced due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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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