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 energetic and slapstick performances. He began his career in the 1980s, gaining recognition on the sketch comedy show *In Living Color* (1990-1994). Carrey achieved film stardom through a series of successful comedies, including *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective*, *The Mask*, and *Dumb and Dumber*. His box office success led him to become the first comic actor to command a $20 million salary for film roles, starting with *The Cable Guy* (1996).
1979: Return to the Stage
In 1979, with more domestic stability, Jim Carrey returned to the stage with a more polished act, leading to his first paid gig.
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 grossed over $270 million worldwide, becoming a commercial success.
1996: The Cable Guy and $20 Million Salary
In 1996, the success of his films led to Carrey becoming the first comic actor to receive an upfront $20 million salary for performing in films, starting with The Cable Guy.
1997: Liar Liar Release and Acclaim
In 1997, Jim Carrey starred in Liar Liar, receiving praise for his performance as Fletcher Reede. He also earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor.
1998: Starring in The Truman Show
In 1998, Jim Carrey starred in The Truman Show, receiving critical acclaim for his dramatic role.
1998: The Truman Show Release and Success
In 1998, Jim Carrey starred in The Truman Show, receiving international acclaim and winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. The film grossed $264 million worldwide.
1999: Starring as Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon
In 1999, Jim Carrey starred as Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon, receiving critical acclaim for his dramatic role.
2000: 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.
2003: Bruce Almighty Release
In 2003, Jim Carrey starred in Bruce Almighty, which became a financial success grossing over $484 million worldwide.
2004: Eternal Sunshine and Lemony Snicket
In 2004, Jim Carrey starred in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, receiving critical acclaim and a BAFTA nomination. He also appeared in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, which was positively received.
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 award nominations for his performance.
2008: Horton Hears a Who! and Yes Man
In 2008, Jim Carrey voiced Horton in Horton Hears a Who!, a box office success. He also starred in Yes Man, which earned $225 million worldwide.
May 2014: Honorary Doctorate
In May 2014, Jim Carrey delivered the commencement address at Maharishi University of Management and received an honorary doctorate.
August 29, 2014: Canada Post 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 filed by Mark Burton and Brigid Sweetman were dismissed, with no further legal proceedings planned.
2018: Starring in Kidding
In 2018, Jim Carrey starred in the Showtime tragicomedy series Kidding, receiving Golden Globe nominations for his performance.
February 2020: Release of Sonic the Hedgehog film
In February 2020, the Sonic the Hedgehog film was released to positive reviews, with Jim Carrey's portrayal of Dr. Ivo Robotnik being highly praised.
2020: Starring in Kidding
In 2020, Jim Carrey starred in the Showtime tragicomedy series Kidding, receiving Golden Globe nominations for his performance.
April 2022: Release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Career-best opening weekend
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 his career to date.
