Jim Carrey was born in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada on January 17, 1962. Carrey is easily one of the most successful comedic actors in history, coming to public prominence in the 1990s with film ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.’
Before becoming a box office sensation, Jim Carrey got his start by performing at local comedy clubs in his hometown of Toronto – including the YukYuk club. He infamously auditioned for Saturday Night Live but didn’t make the cut by showrunner and creator Lorne Michaels – instead, honing his craft in stand-up and through a series of late-night talk show appearances. Jim eventually ended up on the sketch show In Living Color which paved the way for his box office success.
Following Ace Ventura, Jim showed off his iconic slapstick style in The Mask with Cameron Diaz. Other major movies included Dumb and Dumber with fellow Canadian Mike Myers, Batman Forever and Liar Liar. The success didn’t stop in the 2000s, with movies like Bruce Alimighty and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Jim has been married twice: he was first wed to Melissa Womer in 1987. The pair welcomed their only daughter, Jane, in 1987. Jim and Melissa split in 1995, and he then married Lauren Holly in 1996. However, that union lasted just a year. The Sonic star has yet to walk down the aisle a third time, but he was in a long-term romance with Jenny McCarthy from 2005 – 2010.
Scroll through the gallery to see photos of Jim!
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Jim Carrey gets a star
Crollalanza/Shutterstock
Jim Carrey molds his handprints to be on display at the Grauman’s Theatre in 1995. The event was part of his ceremony where he was also awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
March 31, 2022, 11:44PM 2 of 12
Jim Carrey in ‘The Mask’
New Line/Dark Horse/Kobal/Shutte
Jim Carrey wears green makeup in The Mask. The 90s comedy flick went on to become one of his most iconic film roles.
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Jim in ‘The Mask’
New Line/Dark Horse/Kobal/Shutte
Jim Carrey is seen as Stanley Ipkiss (aka The Mask) in The Mask. Cameron Diaz also starred in the 1994 flick.
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Jim Carrey in ‘Dumb and Dumber’
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Jim Carrey stars in Dumb and Dumber. The comedy flick starred fellow Canadian Mike Meyers.
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Jim Carrey in ‘Ace Ventura’
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Jim Carrey makes a funny face durring an outtake from Ace Ventura. The film was his box office breakout, kicking off a string of comedy classics from the actor.
March 31, 2022, 11:44PM
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Jim Carrey at the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ premiere
Jim Ruymen/UPI/Shutterstock
Jim Carrey attends a special screening of the adventure film Sonic the Hedgehog at the Regency Village Theatre on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Jim plays evil genius Dr. Robotnik with plans for world domination in the family-friendly flick.
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Jim Carrey promotes ‘Sonic the Hedgehog
Magnus Sundholm/Shutterstock
Jim Carrey is all-smiles at the Sonic the Hedgehog photocall in Feb. 2020. The superstar reprised his role as Dr. Robotnik in the sequel, released in April 2022.
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Jim Carrey at the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ premiere
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Jim Carrey is seen on the red carpet of the Sonic the Hedgehog film premiere in London on Jan. 30, 2020.
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Jim Carrey laughs during a TCA summer tour
Frank Micelotta/Picturegroup/Shu
Jim Carrey is all-smiles during the Showtime Kidding TV show panel, which was on the TCA Summer Press Tour in Aug. 2019. He stayed casual in all black.
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Jim Carrey at the BAFTAs
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutt
Jim Carrey arrives at the 2018 BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Oct. 2018. He was stylish in a gold brocade blazer.
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Jim Carrey heads to ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
Shutterstock
Jim Carrey is seen outside of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 6, 2018. The actor wore a white leather moto jacket for his appearance.
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Jim Carrey at the 51st Cesar Film Awards
Getty Images
Jim was given the Honorary Cesar Award at the 51st Cesar Film Awards at L’Olympia on February 26, 2026 in Paris, France.
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