Jim Carrey
Actor, comedian, artist, author
Born
January 17, 1962
Birthplace
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
Nationality
Canadian-American
Net Worth
$180 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Ace Ventura; The Mask; Dumb and Dumber; The Truman Show; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Jim Carrey Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | James Eugene Carrey |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1962 |
| Age | 64 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Newmarket, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Profession | Actor, comedian, artist |
| Years Active | 1980-present (semi-retired) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Spouse | Previously married to Melissa Womer and Lauren Holly |
| Children | 1 daughter |
| Net Worth | ~$180 million |
| Known For | High-energy physical comedy, rubber-faced expressions, heartfelt dramatic performances |
Early Life & Background
Raised in a working-class family in Scarborough, Carrey started performing impressions at age 10. Financial difficulties forced him to work as a janitor while honing stand-up routines at Toronto's Yuk Yuk's. At 17 he moved to Los Angeles, landing a slot at The Comedy Store and eventually joining the cast of Fox's sketch hit In Living Color (1990-1994).
Career Journey
Breakthrough
1994 was Carrey's breakout year, headlining Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber. Their massive success made him the first actor to earn $20 million per film, with follow-ups like Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Batman Forever, and Liar Liar cementing his comedic superstardom.
Dramatic Evolution
Carrey surprised critics with poignant performances in The Truman Show (1998) and Man on the Moon (1999), winning two consecutive Golden Globes. He continued blending comedy and drama with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), often cited as his finest work, and family hits like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Bruce Almighty.
Recent Work & Art
Carrey voiced Dr. Robotnik in Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog films (2020, 2022) before announcing a break from acting. He now devotes time to painting, political cartoons, and writing. His 2020 semi-autobiographical novel Memoirs and Misinformation (co-written with Dana Vachon) explored fame and identity. In 2026 Carrey is curating an immersive art exhibit titled Waking Dreams to tour museums in Los Angeles and Toronto.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Ace Ventura: Pet Detective | Ace Ventura | Breakthrough feature |
| 1994 | The Mask | Stanley Ipkiss | Innovative VFX comedy |
| 1994 | Dumb and Dumber | Lloyd Christmas | Cult favorite |
| 1998 | The Truman Show | Truman Burbank | Golden Globe winner |
| 2004 | Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind | Joel Barish | Oscar-winning film |
| 2004 | Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events | Count Olaf | Family hit |
| 2019 | Kidding (TV) | Jeff Pickles | Showtime dramedy |
| 2020-2022 | Sonic the Hedgehog 1-2 | Dr. Robotnik | Franchise revival |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Drama | The Truman Show | Won |
| 2000 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Musical/Comedy | Man on the Moon | Won |
| 2005 | BAFTA Awards | Best Actor | Eternal Sunshine | Nominated |
| 2019 | Critics' Choice Awards | Best Actor in a Comedy Series | Kidding | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$180 million (2026)
Carrey accumulated wealth from blockbuster salaries, profit participation, stand-up tours, and voice work. He invests in art, real estate in Los Angeles and Maui, and philanthropic causes. Though semi-retired, residuals from Sonic and streaming platforms keep income steady.
Personal Life
Carrey holds dual Canadian-U.S. citizenship. He is an outspoken advocate for mental-health awareness, sharing his experiences with depression and practicing transcendental meditation. Carrey lives quietly in Los Angeles, painting daily and journaling, often posting his artwork online.
Philanthropy & Activism
He supports organizations like Give Kids the World, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Better U Foundation (which he founded to promote sustainable rice farming). His political cartoons highlight social justice and environmental issues, raising funds for voting-rights groups.
Social Media Presence
- Carrey occasionally shares art and reflections via @JimCarrey on Twitter and Instagram, though he has reduced posting since 2022 to maintain a mindful lifestyle.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Carrey auditioned to be a cast member on Saturday Night Live twice before In Living Color gave him a breakout.
- He once wrote himself a $10 million check dated 1995, later cashing it after landing Dumb and Dumber.
- Carrey is an accomplished painter; his pieces have exhibited at Maccarone Gallery in Los Angeles.
- He practices lucid dreaming and keeps dream journals for creative inspiration.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Carrey is finalizing his Waking Dreams art exhibition and collaborating on a documentary about creativity with filmmaker Michel Gondry. He continues to mentor young comedians privately and occasionally teases a cameo return for The Grinch or Mask franchises, though no film commitments are confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Jim Carrey?
Jim Carrey is a Canadian-American actor and comedian known for physical comedy and acclaimed dramatic roles in films like The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine.
What is Jim Carrey most famous for?
He is most famous for 1990s hits such as Ace Ventura, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber, along with later dramatic turns that showcased his range.
Is Jim Carrey active on social media?
Carrey keeps a low profile online but periodically shares artwork on Twitter and Instagram, often tied to social commentary.