History of Jim Carrey in Timeline
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.
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.
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, with his father's support. His act, featuring conventional impersonations, did not go well.
1979: Return to the Stage
In 1979, after the family's financial situation improved, Jim Carrey returned to the stage with a more refined act, leading to his first paid gig at the Hay Loft club and eventually to regular paid shows at Yuk Yuk's.
1980: Saturday Night Live Audition
In 1980, Jim Carrey auditioned for NBC's "Saturday Night Live" but was not selected.
February 1981: Opening Act for Goddo
In February 1981, Jim Carrey was booed offstage as the opening act 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: Premiere of Introducing... Janet
In September 1981, "Introducing... Janet", a made-for-TV movie starring Jim Carrey, premiered on CBC and drew more than a million viewers.
December 1981: Interest from The Tonight Show
By December 1981, Jim Carrey, already well-known in Canada, gained interest from Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show", largely due to his reputation in Canada, and was awaiting a United States work permit.
June 19, 1982: Sold-Out Shows at Massey Hall
On June 19, 1982, Jim Carrey, while touring as the opening act for Rodney Dangerfield, performed two sold-out shows at Massey Hall in Toronto.
April 1983: Performance at B.B. Magoon's
In late April 1983, Jim Carrey returned to his hometown of Toronto to perform at B.B. Magoon's theatrical venue for three consecutive nights, and was featured on CTV's W5 newsmagazine program.
November 1983: The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Debut
In late November 1983, Jim Carrey debuted his impressionist act on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" as a promotional appearance for "The Duck Factory" sitcom, which was about to air nationally in the United States. He performed rapid-fire impressions, but was not invited to sit on the couch with Carson afterwards.
1983: Carrey dates Linda Ronstadt
In 1983, Jim Carrey dated singer Linda Ronstadt for eight months.
January 1984: The Duck Factory Debut
Originally scheduled for January, "The Duck Factory" sitcom debuted in April 1984 on NBC.
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", a teen horror sex comedy starring Jim Carrey, was released and became a modest box-office hit despite negative reviews.
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.
March 28, 1987: Carrey marries Melissa Womer
On March 28, 1987, Jim Carrey married former actress and Comedy Store waitress Melissa Womer.
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.
February 1994: Release of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
In February 1994, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, starring Jim Carrey in the lead role, was released. The film grossed $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 grossed over $270 million worldwide. He also received his first Golden Globe Award nomination for his work in The Mask.
1994: Breakthrough Film Roles
In 1994, Jim Carrey starred in three box office hits: "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective", "The Mask", and "Dumb and Dumber", establishing him as a film star.
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.
1994: Carrey moves to Brentwood
Since 1994, Jim Carrey has lived in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
1995: Carrey and Womer divorce
In 1995, Jim Carrey and Melissa Womer divorced.
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. Both films were released in 1995 and became box office successes.
1995: Continued Box Office Success
In 1995, Jim Carrey starred in "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls" and "Batman Forever", continuing his run of box office successes.
May 1996: Hosting Saturday Night Live
In May 1996, Jim Carrey hosted "Saturday Night Live" after achieving fame as a Hollywood film star.
September 23, 1996: Carrey marries Lauren Holly
On September 23, 1996, Jim Carrey married his "Dumb and Dumber" co-star Lauren Holly, although the marriage lasted less than a year.
1996: The Cable Guy Salary
In 1996, Jim Carrey received an upfront salary of $20 million for his role in "The Cable Guy", making him the first comic actor to reach that milestone.
1996: Release of The Cable Guy
In 1996, Jim Carrey starred in The Cable Guy, for which he became the first comic actor to be paid an upfront salary of $20 million. He also starred in the music video for the film's closing song, "Leave Me Alone" by Jerry Cantrell.
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".
1997: Leading Role in Liar Liar
In 1997, Jim Carrey starred in the comedy "Liar Liar", continuing his success as a leading actor.
1998: Starring in The Truman Show
In 1998, Jim Carrey starred in "The Truman Show", receiving critical acclaim and winning a Golden Globe Award for his performance.
1999: Carrey engaged to Renée Zellweger
From 1999 to 2000, Jim Carrey was engaged to his "Me, Myself and Irene" co-star Renée Zellweger.
1999: Starring in Man on the Moon
In 1999, Jim Carrey starred as Andy Kaufman in "Man on the Moon", winning a Golden Globe Award.
2000: Carrey engaged to Renée Zellweger
From 1999 to 2000, Jim Carrey was engaged to his "Me, Myself and Irene" co-star Renée Zellweger.
2000: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
In 2000, Jim Carrey starred in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", adding to his list of successful comedies.
2000: Starring 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, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for the latter.
2002: Carrey in a relationship with January Jones
In 2002, Jim Carrey was in a relationship with January Jones.
2003: Starring in Bruce Almighty
In 2003, Jim Carrey starred in Bruce Almighty, playing a television newsman who receives God's omnipotent abilities. The film became a financial success, earning over $484 million worldwide.
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: Starring in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
In 2004, Jim Carrey starred in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", receiving a BAFTA Award nomination and another Golden Globe nomination.
2004: 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 and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. He received a Golden Globe nomination and his first BAFTA Award nomination for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
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.”
2005: Carrey meets Jenny McCarthy
In 2005, Jim Carrey met model and actress Jenny McCarthy.
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 film grossed $200 million with a profit of $100 million.
June 2006: Carrey publicly confirms relationship with Jenny McCarthy
In June 2006, Jim Carrey publicly confirmed his romantic relationship with Jenny McCarthy.
2007: Starring in The Number 23
In 2007, Jim Carrey starred in The Number 23, a psychological thriller. The film was panned by critics.
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.
2008: Starring in Yes Man
In 2008, Jim Carrey starred in the comedy "Yes Man".
January 2009: Premiere of I Love You Phillip Morris at Sundance Film Festival
In January 2009, I Love You Phillip Morris, starring Jim Carrey as Steven Jay Russell, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
2009: Carrey questions vaccination merits
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 Jenny McCarthy, advocating for the removal of "toxic substances" from children's vaccines.
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.
April 2010: Carrey and McCarthy end their relationship
In April 2010, Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy ended their romantic relationship.
October 2010: McCarthy notes remaining good friends with Carrey
In October 2010, Jenny McCarthy noted that she and Jim Carrey had remained good friends after their breakup.
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.
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 a family of penguins.
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, Dumb and Dumber To.
September 2012: Planned production start of Dumb and Dumber To
In September 2012, the production of Dumb and Dumber To was planned to start, but it was delayed.
October 1, 2012: News about Dumb and Dumber To script completion
On October 1, 2012, it was reported that the script for Dumb and Dumber To was complete and that Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels would be reprising their roles.
2012: Carrey meets Cathriona White
In 2012, Jim Carrey met Cathriona White, a makeup artist from County Tipperary, Ireland.
March 2013: Announcement and writing of children's book
In March 2013, Jim Carrey announced that he had written a children's book titled How Roland Rolls.
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 and appeared in Kick-Ass 2. He retracted support for Kick-Ass 2 due to its level of violence, in light of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
March 25, 2013: Release of 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: Release of How Roland Rolls
In September 2013, Jim Carrey self-published his children's book, How Roland Rolls.
2013: Carrey's girlfriend, Cathriona White, marries Mark Burton
In 2013, Cathriona White, who was dating Jim Carrey on and off, married Mark Burton in Las Vegas.
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.
August 29, 2014: Honored by Canada Post with a limited-edition postage stamp
On August 29, 2014, Jim Carrey was honored by Canada Post with a limited-edition postage stamp featuring his portrait.
November 2014: Release of Dumb and Dumber To
In November 2014, Dumb and Dumber To was released.
2014: Dumb and Dumber To Release
In 2014, Jim Carrey appeared in "Dumb and Dumber To".
2014: Appearance on Monty Python's Best Bits
In 2014, Jim Carrey appeared on "Monty Python's Best Bits (Mostly)" and discussed the influence of Monty Python on his comedy.
July 1, 2015: Carrey criticizes California's vaccination law
On July 1, 2015, Jim Carrey criticized California Governor Jerry Brown, calling him a "corporate fascist" for enacting a vaccination law that disallowed religious and philosophical exemptions. Carrey's anti-vaccination stance was met with criticism.
September 28, 2015: Cathriona White found dead
On September 28, 2015, Cathriona White, Jim Carrey's girlfriend, was found dead from a prescription drug overdose, ruled as a suicide.
2015: Cathriona White dies while dating Carrey
In 2015, Cathriona White died, while still married to Mark Burton but dating Jim Carrey.
2015: Producer on Rubble Kings
In 2015, Jim Carrey was a producer on Rubble Kings, a documentary film.
September 19, 2016: Burton files wrongful death lawsuit against Carrey
On September 19, 2016, Mark Burton filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jim Carrey, alleging Carrey used his wealth and celebrity to illegally obtain and distribute prescription drugs involved in White's death.
October 2016: Sweetman files wrongful death lawsuit against Carrey
In October 2016, Brigid Sweetman, Cathriona White's mother, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jim Carrey.
2016: Carrey shares political cartoons on Twitter
From 2016 to 2018 Jim Carrey shared 108 pen-and-ink drawings on 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 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.
August 2017: Carrey shares political cartoons
Beginning in August 2017, Jim Carrey began sharing his own political cartoon drawings, including controversial renderings of Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Donald Trump.
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.
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".
January 25, 2018: Wrongful death lawsuits against Carrey dismissed
On January 25, 2018, both wrongful death lawsuits filed against Jim Carrey by Mark Burton and Brigid Sweetman were dismissed.
June 2018: 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: 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.
2018: Starring in Kidding
In 2018, Jim Carrey starred in the Showtime tragicomedy series "Kidding", earning his seventh Golden Globe nomination.
January 2019: Carrey attends Golden Globes party with Ginger Gonzaga
In January 2019, Jim Carrey attended the Golden Globes party accompanied by his then-girlfriend Ginger Gonzaga.
March 31, 2019: Carrey sparks controversy with Mussolini drawing
On March 31, 2019, Jim Carrey's drawing criticizing fascism by depicting Benito Mussolini's death sparked international controversy, drawing criticism from Mussolini's granddaughter.
February 2020: Sonic the Hedgehog film released to positive reviews
In February 2020, the "Sonic the Hedgehog" film, in which Jim Carrey portrayed Dr. Ivo Robotnik, was released to positive reviews. Carrey's performance was 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", due to the completion of his six-week deal. Alex Moffat replaced Carrey.
2020: Continued role in Kidding
In 2020, Jim Carrey continued to star in the Showtime tragicomedy series "Kidding".
2020: Role as Doctor Eggman
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 creating 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 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.
April 2022: Carrey returns for Sonic the Hedgehog 2
In April 2022, Jim Carrey returned for "Sonic the Hedgehog 2", which had a successful opening weekend, grossing $72 million at the US box office. It was the best opening of Jim Carrey's career.
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". Carrey will also play Ivo Robotnik's grandfather, Gerald Robotnik.
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.
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