After starring in three major films in 1994, Dumb & Dumber, The Mask, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Jim Carrey rose to international stardom. Since then, the actor has starred in a string of movies, from Liar Liar to Bruce Almighty. Like many comedians, Carrey gives his all when he’s in front of the camera and is known for his energetic performances. He transforms into the characters he plays so much that it’s difficult to remember that he’s really just an actor!
Over the years, several interesting things have gone down behind the scenes of Jim Carrey’s most famous movies. From The Truman Show to How the Grinch Stole Christmas to A Series of Unfortunate Events, here are 15 sweet behind-the-scenes facts about Jim Carrey’s best movies.
15 Jim Carrey Insisted That Jeff Daniels Be Cast In Dumb & Dumber
There’s no pair more iconic than Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels playing Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne in Dumb & Dumber. But, Daniels was only cast in the first place because Carrey was already attached and insisted that he be in the movie. The producers offered Daniels only $50,000, hoping he’d turn them down.
14 Ace Ventura’s Voice Came From Carrey’s Stand-Up Routine
Ace Ventura is one of Jim Carrey’s most iconic characters. The memorable voice of the character actually comes from Carrey’s stand-up comedy routines. The famous line, “All righty, then,” actually came straight from Carrey’s stand-up material. Carrey’s touch transformed Ace Ventura into a character that was much more unique than he would have otherwise been.
13 Carrey Never Met Ed Harris While Filming The Truman Show
In 1998, Jim Carrey starred in The Truman Show. The film follows the story of an insurance salesman who discovers that his life is a television show and everyone in it is an actor. While Carrey plays Truman, Ed Harris plays Christoph, the creator and producer of the show. In real life, Carrey and Ed Harris never actually crossed paths while filming.
12 He Did Not Want To Make Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls Because He Doesn't Do Sequels
The second Ace Ventura installment, When Nature Calls, received mostly negative reviews from critics and fans. Sources claim that Jim Carrey did not want to make the movie anyway, as he does not usually like making sequels to his own movies. His co-star Simon Callow said it was awkward on set at times because Carrey didn’t want to be there.
11 Carrey Wanted To Do More Than 30 Takes For Some Scenes In Bruce Almighty
In the film Bruce Almighty, Jim Carrey (who starred alongside Jennifer Aniston) had the chance to play a role that most actors long for: God. Well, he played a man who receives God’s powers. The film required Carrey’s signature comedic skills and, in an attempt to get them perfect, Carrey sometimes insisted on doing more than 30 takes of certain scenes.
10 The Mask Didn’t Require A Lot Of CGI, Because Carrey’s Natural Body Movements Are Cartoonish
Jim Carrey is well known for his comedic talents. His body movements can be so cartoonish at times, that he is the perfect candidate for roles like Stanley Ipkiss in The Mask. The fantasy film, also starring Cameron Diaz, didn’t require as many CGI effects as it seems because Carrey is so naturally flexible and cartoonish as it is.
9 Carrey Broke Three Ribs While Filming Yes Man
Sometimes, being an actor hurts. Literally. While filming Yes Man, Carrey broke three ribs. It happened during the scene in the bar where Carl falls on his back after running into a waitress. Carrey performed the stunt incorrectly, which led to his injury. He broke his ribs when he hit the floor harder than he expected to.
8 Carrey Believes That A Christmas Carol Is An Incredible Film
Carrey might not be a fan of Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, but he does love many of the other projects he’s been part of. In particular, he has been open about how he thinks A Christmas Carol is “an incredible film” because the filmmakers and actors were so true to the book.
7 Carrey Based Part Of His Liar Liar Performance On His Own Father
Another one of Jim Carrey’s most famous movies is Liar Liar, where he plays the role of Fletcher Reid, a lawyer who makes a habit of lying at work and in life. In the film, Fletcher does a gag with his son called The Claw. This was something that his father used to do to him and his siblings.
6 Carrey Emptied The Studio Before Filming The Breastfeeding Scene In Me, Myself & Irene
In the 2000 black comedy film Me, Myself, & Irene, Carrey portrays a police officer who has a sinister alter ego that disrupts his life as he escorts a woman to New York. In one scene that involved Shannon Whirry breastfeeding, Carrey felt so embarrassed that he emptied the studio before filming each take.
