Jim Carrey's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Jim Carrey. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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*.

Sections (5)

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

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.

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.

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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.

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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".

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May 1996: Hosting Saturday Night Live

In May 1996, after establishing himself as a Hollywood film star, Jim Carrey hosted Saturday Night Live.

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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".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

August 29, 2014: Honored with Limited-Edition Postage Stamp

On August 29, 2014, Jim Carrey was honored by Canada Post with a limited-edition postage stamp featuring his portrait.

January 25, 2018: Dismissal of Wrongful Death Lawsuits

On January 25, 2018, both wrongful death lawsuits against Jim Carrey were dismissed, and attorneys confirmed there would be no further legal proceedings.

2018: Starring in Kidding

In 2018, Jim Carrey starred in the Showtime tragicomedy series "Kidding", receiving his seventh Golden Globe nomination.

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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.