Jim Carrey Bio, Age, Height, Family & Career
Jim Carrey stands as one of the most transformative figures in modern cinema—a rubber-faced comedian who redefined physical comedy before evolving into a respected dramatic actor capable of moving audiences to tears. From his breakthrough in 1994’s Ace Ventura: Pet Detective to his Golden Globe-winning turn in The Truman Show and his recent acclaimed performance as Dr. Robotnik in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, the Canadian-American star has spent four decades captivating global audiences. In February 2026, Carrey received France’s prestigious Honorary César Award, cementing his legacy as an international cinematic icon.
Quick bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Eugene Carrey |
| Profession / Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Producer, Artist, Author |
| Birth Date | January 17, 1962 |
| Age | 64 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birth Place | Newmarket, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American (U.S. citizen since 2004) |
| Famous For | Ace Ventura, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, The Truman Show, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind |
| Known For | Physical comedy, dramatic acting versatility, voice work as Dr. Robotnik |
| Ethnicity | French-Canadian, Scottish, Irish |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Height | 6′ 2″ (1.88 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (naturally; often graying) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Education | Agincourt Collegiate Institute, Northview Heights Secondary School (dropped out) |
| Religion | Raised Catholic; spiritual but not religious |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse(s) | Melissa Womer (1987–1995), Lauren Holly (1996–1997) |
| Children | Jane Erin Carrey (daughter, born 1987) |
| Relatives | John Carrey (brother, deceased 2019), Patricia Carrey (sister), Rita Carrey (sister, deceased 2024) |
| Hobbies | Painting, writing, spirituality, transcendental meditation |
| Employer / Organization | Various film studios; formerly Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount |
| Years Active | 1977–present |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $180 million (2026) |
Early Life & Education
James Eugene Carrey was born on January 17, 1962, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, to Kathleen (née Oram), a homemaker, and Percy Carrey, an accountant and jazz musician. The youngest of four children, Carrey grew up with three older siblings: John, Patricia, and Rita. The family surname was originally “Carré,” reflecting their French-Canadian heritage, mixed with Scottish and Irish ancestry.
Carrey displayed an irrepressible performative streak from early childhood. At age 10, he mailed his résumé to The Carol Burnett Show, hoping to land a spot on the variety program. During junior high at Northview Heights Secondary School, teachers granted him precious minutes at the end of each day to perform stand-up routines for classmates—provided he remained quiet throughout the rest of the school day.
However, adolescence brought severe hardship. When Carrey was 12, his father lost his accounting job, forcing the family to relocate from comfortable Newmarket to Scarborough, a Toronto suburb. The Carreys took security and janitorial jobs at the Titan Wheels factory, with young Jim working eight-hour shifts after school. The family’s financial collapse culminated in a period of homelessness, living out of a Volkswagen camper van before they could return to Toronto.
These formative struggles shaped Carrey’s comedic perspective and work ethic. He made his professional stand-up debut at Toronto’s Yuk-Yuk’s comedy club—a performance he later described as disastrous—but persisted in honing his craft. By 1979, at age 17, Carrey dropped out of high school and moved to Los Angeles, securing regular gigs at The Comedy Store where his impressions of celebrities like Michael Landon and James Stewart caught the attention of comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield, who signed Carrey as his opening act for an entire season.
Career Journey
The Stand-Up Years (1977–1990)
Carrey’s early career consisted of grinding through Los Angeles comedy clubs, developing his signature high-energy style and elastic facial expressions. His television breakthrough came with the short-lived NBC sitcom The Duck Factory (1984), where he played a novice cartoonist. Though the show failed, it provided valuable on-camera experience.
Film roles followed in quick succession: the vampire comedy Once Bitten (1985), francis ford Coppola’s Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), and the cult sci-fi comedy Earth Girls Are Easy (1988). It was during Earth Girls Are Easy that co-star Damon Wayans introduced Carrey to his brother Keenen Ivory Wayans, who was assembling the groundbreaking Fox sketch comedy series In Living Color.
Sketch Comedy Stardom (1990–1994)
Joining In Living Color in 1990 proved transformative. Carrey’s outrageous characters—including the dangerously inept Fire Marshal Bill and the masochistic bodybuilder Vera De Milo—introduced him to millions of American households. The show provided a platform for his physical comedy genius while he earned approximately $25,000 per episode.
Box Office Domination (1994–2004)
1994 marked the most explosive breakthrough year in Hollywood history. Carrey starred in three consecutive $100 million blockbusters: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (February), The Mask (July), and Dumb and Dumber (December). He earned $450,000 for The Mask, a figure that would soon seem microscopic compared to his future paydays.
The salary escalation was unprecedented:
- 1994: $350,000 for Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
- 1995: $7 million for Dumb and Dumber and $15 million for Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
- 1996: $20 million for The Cable Guy—making him the first actor in history to command that figure for a single film
This $20 million benchmark became Carrey’s standard for the next decade, applied to Batman Forever (1995), Liar Liar (1997), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), and Bruce Almighty (2003). His smartest financial move came with Yes Man (2008), where he exchanged upfront salary for 36.2% of profits, resulting in a $35 million payday.
Dramatic Transformation (1998–2004)
While maintaining his comedy dominance, Carrey pursued dramatic legitimacy. The Truman Show (1998) earned him the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama, while Man on the Moon (1999)—his transformative portrayal of Andy Kaufman—won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) brought BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations, cementing his reputation as a serious dramatic talent.
Recent Years and Retirement Reversal (2010–2026)
After 2010’s Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Carrey significantly reduced his film output, focusing on painting, writing, and spiritual exploration. He announced retirement in April 2022, stating he was “taking a break” from Hollywood.
However, financial realities and creative opportunities brought him back. Carrey admitted to the Associated Press in 2024: “I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly,” explaining his return for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024), for which he earned approximately $12 million. The film grossed over $490 million worldwide, proving his continued bankability.
In February 2026, Carrey received the Honorary César Award at France’s 51st César Awards ceremony in Paris, delivering portions of his acceptance speech in French and acknowledging his “sublime companion” and family members present, including his daughter and grandson.
Personal Life
Marriages and Relationships
Carrey’s romantic life has been marked by high-profile relationships and personal tragedy. He married waitress Melissa Womer in March 1987; their daughter Jane Erin Carrey was born six months later in September 1987. The marriage ended in divorce in 1995.
His second marriage to Dumb and Dumber co-star Lauren Holly lasted less than a year (September 1996 to July 1997). Subsequent relationships included Renée Zellweger (his Me, Myself & Irene co-star), Jenny McCarthy (2005–2010), and makeup artist Cathriona White.
Tragedy struck in September 2015 when White died from a prescription drug overdose ruled a suicide. Carrey served as a pallbearer at her funeral in Ireland. White’s estranged husband and mother later filed wrongful death lawsuits against Carrey, which were eventually dismissed.
Family Losses
The Carrey family has endured significant hardship. Older brother John died in 2019 at age 60 from aplastic anemia, a rare blood condition. Carrey dedicated his 2020 novel Memoirs and Misinformation to John’s memory. In late 2024, older sister Rita—a Canadian radio host and author—passed away at age 68.
Creative Pursuits
Beyond acting, Carrey has emerged as a serious visual artist. His political cartoons and paintings gained viral attention, though his 2018 portrait resembling Sarah Huckabee Sanders sparked controversy. His 2017 documentary I Needed Color explored his artistic process. He is also an author, having published Memoirs and Misinformation (2020), a satirical novel co-written with Dana Vachon.
Awards & Achievements
Major Awards
- Golden Globe Awards (2 wins, 5 nominations)
- 1999: Best Actor – Drama (The Truman Show)
- 2000: Best Actor – Musical or Comedy (Man on the Moon)
- Nominations for The Mask, Liar Liar, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Kidding
- MTV Movie & TV Awards
- MTV Generation Award (2006)
- Multiple wins for Best Comedic Performance, Best Male Performance, Best Villain
- César Awards (France)
- 2026: Honorary César Award for lifetime achievement
Other Honors
- Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France, 2010)
- Canada’s Walk of Fame (2005)
- Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Man on the Moon (1999)
- Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (Multiple wins)
- People’s Choice Awards (Multiple wins for Favorite Comedic Star)
Notable Nominations
- BAFTA Award for Best Actor (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2005)
- Screen Actors Guild Award (Man on the Moon, 2000)
- Primetime Emmy Award (Kidding, 2019)
Physical Statistics
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (naturally; often appears gray/white) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Build | Slim/Athletic |
| Distinctive Features | Extremely flexible facial muscles, rubbery body movements, expressive eyes |
Quotes
“I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”
“Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the light that shines through this form. Risk being seen in all of your glory.”
“Desperation is a necessary ingredient to learning anything, or creating anything. Period. If you ain’t desperate at some point, you ain’t interesting.”
Controversies
Carrey’s career has not been without turbulence:
Political Artwork (2018): His unflattering portrait of White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, captioned “This is the portrait of a so-called Christian whose only purpose in life is to lie for the wicked,” drew criticism from conservative media and praise from liberal circles.
Anti-Vaccination Stance: During his relationship with Jenny McCarthy, Carrey supported controversial anti-vaccination claims, later distancing himself from the movement while maintaining concerns about vaccine additives.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits (2015–2018): The legal battles following Cathriona White’s death brought intense media scrutiny, though all charges were eventually dismissed.
Retirement Reversal (2024): His candid admission that financial necessity drove his return to Sonic 3 sparked debate about celebrity authenticity and financial management.
Salary & Net Worth
As of 2026, Jim Carrey’s net worth is estimated at $180 million, down from a peak of approximately $300 million in the early 2000s.
Career Earnings Breakdown
- Total Film Salaries: Over $300 million from acting fees and bonuses
- Peak Annual Earnings: Regularly $20 million per film (1996–2008)
- Highest Single Payday: $35 million for Yes Man (2008) through profit participation
- Box Office Impact: Films starring Carrey have grossed over $2.5 billion domestically, averaging $94 million per picture
Recent Earnings
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024): Approximately $12 million
- Verizon Fios Super Bowl Commercial (2022): $500,000–$2 million
- Endorsements (Samsung, XFINITY, Rolex): Multi-million dollar deals throughout career
Financial Philosophy
Carrey has been remarkably transparent about his relationship with money, stating in 2024: “I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly.” This honesty reflects his broader spiritual philosophy—he has spoken extensively about realizing that wealth and fame do not provide fulfillment, leading him to reduce his lifestyle and focus on creative rather than commercial pursuits.
Interesting Facts
- Homelessness: Before fame, Carrey’s family lived in a Volkswagen bus after his father lost his job, an experience he credits with developing his comedic resilience.
- The $10 Million Check: As a struggling comedian, Carrey famously wrote himself a check for $10 million for “acting services rendered,” post-dated for Thanksgiving 1995. He kept it in his wallet until achieving that exact fee for Dumb and Dumber.
- Method Acting Extremes: For Man on the Moon, Carrey stayed in character as Andy Kaufman (and Kaufman’s alter ego Tony Clifton) throughout production, leading to on-set tensions documented in the 2017 documentary Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond.
- Artistic Recognition: His paintings have been exhibited in galleries, with his political cartoons regularly featured in major publications.
- Musical Talent: Carrey is an accomplished musician, playing guitar and drums, and has performed with bands including The Rita Carrey Band (named after his late sister).
- Dual Citizenship: He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2004 while maintaining his Canadian citizenship.
- Grandfather: Carrey became a grandfather in 2010 when daughter Jane gave birth to Jackson Riley Santana.
Social Media Links
| Twitter/X | @JimCarrey | 18.8 million |
| @jimcarreyhere | 1.2 million | |
| Jim Carrey Official | 5.4 million | |
| YouTube | Jim Carrey | 500K+ subscribers |
Note: Carrey has significantly reduced his social media activity in recent years, focusing on artistic rather than promotional content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old is Jim Carrey in 2026? A: Jim Carrey is 64 years old, born on January 17, 1962.
Q: What is Jim Carrey’s net worth in 2026? A: His estimated net worth is $180 million, though it peaked at approximately $300 million in the early 2000s.
Q: Is Jim Carrey retired? A: Carrey announced retirement in April 2022 but returned for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024), citing financial needs. He remains semi-retired, selective about projects.
Q: How many times has Jim Carrey been married? A: Twice—first to Melissa Womer (1987–1995) and then to Lauren Holly (1996–1997).
Q: Does Jim Carrey have children? A: Yes, one daughter, Jane Erin Carrey (born 1987), who appeared on American Idol in 2012.
Q: What was Jim Carrey’s first $20 million movie? A: The Cable Guy (1996) made him the first actor to command $20 million for a single film.
Q: Has Jim Carrey won an Oscar? A: Despite two Golden Globe wins and critical acclaim for dramatic roles, Carrey has never won nor been nominated for an Academy Award—a fact often cited as one of Hollywood’s most notable Oscar snubs.
Q: What is Jim Carrey doing now? A: As of February 2026, Carrey continues selective acting work while focusing on painting, writing, and spiritual pursuits. He recently received France’s Honorary César Award.
Conclusion
Jim Carrey’s journey from a homeless teenager in Ontario to one of Hollywood’s highest-paid stars and respected dramatic actors represents one of entertainment’s most remarkable career arcs. With a net worth of $180 million in 2026, two Golden Globes, and now France’s prestigious César honor, his legacy spans both critical acclaim and commercial dominance. Yet Carrey’s greatest achievement may be his evolution from a man seeking validation through fame to an artist prioritizing authentic creative expression over financial gain—a transformation that continues to fascinate audiences worldwide.
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