Jim Carrey is one of the biggest comedy superstars of all time. He has starred in memorable films and television shows. Learn more about Jim Carrey below.
Canadian Comedian
Carrey was born on January 17, 1962. He is from Canada. Very early in his life he discovered his talent for doing impressions. He practiced his impressions in the mirror, and he surprised himself how accurate they were. Carrey’s family struggled with money for his entire childhood. As a teenager, Carrey would leave school to help support his family. He would work low paying jobs, while also working as a standup comedian. As time went on, standup comedy began paying good money. Carrey had a high level of energy on the stage. His physical movements and broad comedy made him perfect for a live audience.
Hollywood Bound
He found so much success doing comedy in Canada, that as a teenager, he decided to try his luck at the entertainment center of the world, Hollywood. Carrey would find early success appearing in films and TV shows in supporting roles. Standup comedy was also working well for him in the states.
In Living Color
In Living Color would debut in 1990. It was a massive hit right from the start. Carrey was one of the breakout stars. His impersonations, character work and energy were all displayed on the sketch comedy show. When the show ended in 1994, Carrey would start working on films.
Comedy Icon
His first major project as a leading man, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), was a box office smash. It shocked Hollywood by becoming a surprising blockbuster and helped put Carrey on the map as a comedic leading man. The role of Ace Ventura, which included over the top slapstick humor, which was often juvenile, and crude, would help to establish his onscreen persona.
A String Of Hits
1994 was a legendary year for Carrey. Ace Ventura was not his only smash hit released that year, Dumb and Dumber and The Mask were all released in 1994 and all were surprising hits. Carrey was easily the biggest movie star on the planet in 1994. He would continue that streak in 1995 when Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995) came out. He also played the Riddler in Batman Forever (1995). His career was on fire, and Carrey could do anything he wanted in Hollywood.
Transitioning As An Actor
In 1998, after a string of comedy films, Carrey would headline his first dramatic project, The Truman Show. Carrey was brilliant in the film, and he showed a side of himself nobody had seen before in films. It would lead to Carrey spending the rest of his career balancing serious projects with lighthearted ones.
Legendary Career
Jim Carrey has had a legendary career. A career that is far from over. He will go down in history as one of our greatest comedians.
- Adam C. Better
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