Jim Carrey
James Eugene Carrey (born January 17, 1962), known professionally as Jim Carrey, is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, impressionist, screenwriter, and producer. He is known for his highly energetic slapstick performances. Carrey first gained recognition in 1990 after landing a recurring role in the sketch comedy television series In Living Color. His first leading roles in major productions came with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), Dumb and Dumber (1994), The Mask (1994), and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995).
Early Life[edit]
Jim Carrey was born in Newmarket, Ontario, to Kathleen (née Oram), a homemaker, and Percy Carrey, a musician and accountant. He has three older siblings. Carrey was raised as a Roman Catholic and attended Blessed Trinity Catholic School in Toronto. He had a difficult childhood as his family had financial struggles; they even lived in a VW camper van on a relative's lawn for eight months.
Career[edit]
In 1981, Carrey's father helped him put together a stage act and drove him to Toronto to debut at Yuk Yuk's comedy club. After gaining confidence on stage, Carrey began to develop his impersonations, including Michael Jackson and James Stewart. He soon got a regular spot on the comedy circuit and was noticed by comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who signed him to open his tour performances.
Carrey's film debut was a minor role in All in Good Taste (1983). He gained attention as a cast member on the sketch comedy television series In Living Color from 1990 to 1994. His breakthrough roles were in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), The Mask (1994), and Dumb and Dumber (1994). These roles established Carrey as a bankable comedy star.
Personal Life[edit]
Carrey has been married twice. His first marriage was to former actress and Comedy Store waitress Melissa Womer, whom he married in 1987. They have a daughter, Jane Erin Carrey. The couple divorced in 1995. Carrey was married to his Dumb and Dumber co-star Lauren Holly from 1996 to 1997. He has also been in high-profile relationships with actresses Renée Zellweger and Jenny McCarthy.
Awards and Honors[edit]
Throughout his career, Carrey has received numerous awards and nominations, including two Golden Globe Awards and numerous MTV Movie Awards. He has also been recognized for his humanitarian work and activism.
