FriJan 17

Jim Carrey

James Eugene Carrey, born on January 17, 1962, started his career as a comedic actor by performing impressions in the mirror. Today, he’s one of the most revered Hollywood comedians of all time. Known for his energetic performances, distinct facial impressions, and playful personality, Carrey’s first glimpse of success was in 1990, following his recognition for “In Living Color.” However, his profound success came from motion pictures. From “Ace Ventura” to “The Grinch,” “The Mask,” “Dumb and Dumber,” and so many other fantastic blockbuster films, Carrey’s talent is unmatched. He deserves to be celebrated on his special day.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

James Eugene Carrey

Nickname:

Jim

Birth date:

January 17, 1962

Age:

62

Zodiac Sign:

Capricorn

Height:

6' 1"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$184 million

James's Social Media:

Background

Jim Carrey is a household name in Hollywood. His unique talents have brought joy and laughter to the hearts of fans worldwide, and his success is inspirational to a diverse fan community. On January 17, 1962, Carrey was born in Toronto, Canada, to his musician father, Percy Carrey, and homemaker mother, Kathleen. He was raised Roman Catholic and had French, Irish, Scottish, and Canadian heritage. Carrey realized he had a talent for impressions at a young age. As a fearless Capricorn, Carrey wrote a letter to Carol Burnett of the “Carol Burnett Show” at age 10, pointing out his comedic prowess as an impressionist. Growing up, Carrey’s family struggled with poverty. They lived in a van before his father got employed as an accountant. Then he and his brother worked as janitors at a tire factory.

Carrey’s first experience as a stand-up comic was in 1977 when he was 15. In a bid to support his dreams, his father took Carrey to downtown Toronto where he debuted at a Yuk-Yuk’s Comedy Club. Carrey’s impersonations bombed, but it didn’t deter him. In 1979, he returned to the stage after moving to Jackson’s Point. This was when he got his first paid gig. Carrey’s early career as a 17-year-old went from open-mic nights to regular paid shows, gaining recognition in the process. He moved to Hollywood in 1983 and appeared on “The Tonight Show” that spring. The defining moment of his career was in 1990 after he appeared on the comedy series “In Living Color” from 1990 to 1994. Then the big bucks started rolling in. Carrey got the lead role in “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” released in 1994, “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber” all released the same year. He received his first Golden Globe Award nomination for ‘Best Actor’ for “The Mask.”

From there on out, Carrey’s success only seemed to grow. He played “The Riddler” in 1995, “The Cable Guy” in 1996, “Liar Liar” in 1997, and “Truman Burbank” in 1998. Carrey’s success was undeniable at this point. He became a comedic force in Hollywood with several more high-grossing movies under his belt, including our personal favorite, “The Grinch” (2018). Carrey shares his immense success with his daughter, Jane Erin Carrey, from his first marriage in 1987. The comedic genius has been married twice but is currently single.

Career timeline

1990
Carrey Lands His First Recurring Role

He gets a part in the sketch comedy T.V. series “In Living Color.”

1994
He Gets a Lead Role

Carrey gets the lead role in “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” — the film grosses $72 million.

2000
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

He is the title character and receives a Golden Globe nomination for his role.

2009
He Becomes a Voice Actor

Carrey voices Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol.”

2020
He Publishes a Memoir

Carrey publishes “Memoirs and Misinformation.”

Why We Love Jim Carrey

  1. He’s a phenomenal actor

    Most of his character’s facial expressions are all Carrey. Little or no special effects are involved. He’s such a great actor.

  2. He’s hilarious

    We all fell in love with Carrey because of his funny characters. There’s no way we can watch him without choking with laughter.

  3. He’s a philanthropist

    In 2005 Carrey founded The Better U Foundation (BUF). This foundation aimed at providing global food security by supporting the S.R.I.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He’s been mobbed

    Carrey was often attacked by crowds who expected him to do celebrity impressions.

  2. He wrote letters to Tupac Shakur

    In 1995, when Shakur was imprisoned, Carrey wrote him letters to help him get through his sentence.

  3. He manifested his success

    In 1990, a struggling Carrey wrote himself a $10 million cheque and in 1994, his salary matched it.

  4. He has dual citizenship

    Carrey stuck with his Canadian citizenship even after becoming an American citizen in 2004.

  5. His face is flexible

    Carrey can mold his face to match his impression of literally anyone.

Jim Carrey FAQs

Is Jim Carrey sad?

In a 2017 interview, Carrey admitted to struggling with clinical depression in his past.

Is Jim Carrey tall?

Carrey stands tall at 6ft 1 inch, which is tall.

What’s Jim Carrey’s tragedy?

His ex-girlfriend’s husband sued him in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Jim Carrey’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2025 January 17 Friday
2026 January 17 Saturday
2027 January 17 Sunday
2028 January 17 Monday
2029 January 17 Wednesday