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 Canadian and American actor and comedian celebrated for his energetic and slapstick performances. He has garnered significant recognition, including two Golden Globe Awards, and has been nominated for BAFTA Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards, solidifying his status as a prominent figure 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, who would become a Canadian and American actor and comedian known for his energetic slapstick performances, was born.

1986: Audition for SNL

In 1986, Jim Carrey auditioned for SNL's upcoming season for the third time, but was rejected again. He sensed doing impressions was a career dead-end and started developing a new live comedy act, opting to add observational and character humor.

September 6, 1987: Birth of daughter Jane Erin Carrey

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

1990: Cast member of In Living Color

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

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1994: Regular cast member of In Living Color, major film roles

In 1994, Jim Carrey was a regular cast member of In Living Color. The popularity of the series helped him land his first few major film roles.

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1994: Carrey moves to Brentwood

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

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

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

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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 expresses religious beliefs

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 early life and mentioned that if his show business career hadn't succeeded, he would likely be working at the Dofasco steel mill in Hamilton, Ontario.

2011: Carrey exhibits painting in Palm Springs

In 2011, Jim Carrey exhibited his 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 at Maharishi University of Management

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

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 admiring those present.

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 as the executive producer. The show chronicles stand-up comics in 1970s Los Angeles, drawing on Carrey's experiences.

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2017: Carrey reveals his passion for painting

In 2017, Jim Carrey revealed that he had been painting for the past six years. He also released a six-minute documentary titled "I Needed Color", which showcased 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. The first, "I Needed Color", was released online and focused on his passion for art. The second, "Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond", premiered at The Venice Film Festival and was later picked up by Netflix. It documents the behind-the-scenes filming of "Man on the Moon".

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October 23, 2018: IndigNation exhibition opens

On October 23, 2018, Jim Carrey's exhibition titled "IndigNation" opened at the Maccarone Gallery in Los Angeles. It featured 108 pen-and-ink drawings from Carrey's Twitter feed from 2016 to 2018.

February 2021: Carrey discontinues political cartoons

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

April 2022: Carrey considers retirement

In April 2022, Jim Carrey announced he was considering retirement from acting, stating he had "done enough" and was "enough."

April 2022: Carrey releases 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 includes original voiceover.

November 2022: Carrey banned from entering Russia

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

December 2024: Carrey clarifies comments on retirement

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.