One of the most well-known comedians in the world, Jim Carrey’s admirers are curious as to what became of him.
It is rather difficult to comprehend just how big of a star Jim Carrey was unless you were born and raised in the 1990s.
The dude was definitely unique and a total force of nature. Any acting school would theoretically argue that his extravagant performances, heightened gestures, and overall larger-than-life persona shouldn’t work.
Who is Jim Carrey?
Comedian and actor James Eugene Carrey was brought into the world in Canada on January 17, 1962. Carrey, who is notable for his overflowing comedic performances.
His roles as the Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the comedy Me, Myself, & Irene (both in 2000) brought him more recognition in the 2000s.
Other films that he appeared in included Bruce Almighty (2003), Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004), Fun with Dick and Jane (2005), Yes Man, Horton Hears a Who! (both 2008), and A Christmas Carol (2009).
Despite being primarily associated with comedy parts, Carrey has achieved success in dramatic performances as well.
Starring in the Emmy-nominated made-for-television movie Doing Time on Maple Drive (1992) was his first major hit.
Carrey became well-known for his starring roles in Man on the Moon (1999) and The Truman Show (1998), for which he won Golden Globes.
Later, in 2004, Carrey starred in the psychological science fiction romantic drama film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
This role is widely regarded as a career-defining one, and it earned him nominations for two awards: a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Prosthetic Makeup Challenges
Jim Carrey described the prosthetic makeup process for The Grinch as akin to “being buried alive.”
Transforming into The Grinch took around 3.5 hours most days, but the first day required almost nine hours. The extensive makeup routine became mentally taxing, leading Carrey to consider quitting the film.
Producer’s Unconventional Solution
To keep Carrey engaged in the project, producer Brian Grazer hired a CIA expert to train and advise the actor on enduring torture.
This unconventional approach aimed to help Carrey cope with the challenging makeup process, demonstrating the lengths taken to ensure the film’s success.
What happened to Jim Carrey?
Jim Carrey gave up on appearing in movies and made the decision to quit. Despite its mixed reception 23 years ago, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” remains a festive mainstay, with ‘Grinch’ merchandise filling stores.
Recent rumors about Jim Carrey reprising his role sparked excitement, but a spokesperson quickly debunked the speculation.
Amidst rumors of Jim Carrey returning as The Grinch, a spokesperson clarified there’s “no truth” to the stories.
A TikTok video sheds light on why Carrey might choose not to revisit the iconic character, revealing the immense toll the prosthetic makeup took on his mental health.
Jim Carrey made waves in April 2022 when he revealed he was thinking about retiring from performing in an interview with Access Hollywood. “Enough,” he declared. “I’ve accomplished enough. I’m sufficient.”
His remarks set up a whirlwind of conjecture and discussion on whether he would indeed retire from public life permanently.
Having accomplished so much in his work, Carrey seems happy with his lot in life and willing to pursue new interests like painting and spending time with family.
Impact on Carrey’s Mental Health
The TikTok account @filmupdatetime revealed Carrey’s struggle with the makeup process, causing him to contemplate quitting.
The ordeal prompted discussions about Carrey’s mental health during the filming of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Jim Carrey’s Coping Mechanisms
Appearing on The Graham Norton Show, Carrey disclosed the coping mechanisms he employed during the challenging makeup sessions.
Advised to “eat everything you say” to manage stress, Carrey also shared unconventional advice to “smoke as much as you possibly can” to prevent the costume from catching fire.
Despite the challenges faced during production, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” has solidified its place as a holiday classic.
The enduring popularity of the film, coupled with the presence of Grinch-inspired merchandise in stores like Primark, showcases its lasting impact on festive traditions.