Jim Carrey Net Worth (Money & Salary)
to reports, Jim Carrey secured his first major film role in 1994’s “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” which marked the beginning of an impressive surge in his career. This breakthrough not only showcased his comedic talents but also established him as a box office draw. Following this success, he starred in several blockbuster films, further solidifying his status in Hollywood.
With the newfound fame, he became a household name, leading to a slew of lucrative deals and collaborations that contributed significantly to his wealth. Carrey’s financial success was characterized by his ability to transcend genres, appealing to both comedy and dramatic film enthusiasts, showcasing his diverse range as an actor.
Iconic Roles
Throughout his career, Jim Carrey has portrayed a variety of memorable characters, from the over-the-top antics of “Ace Ventura” to the poignant role in “The Truman Show.” He gained acclaim not only for his comedic performances but also for his ability to tackle serious roles, proving his versatility and depth as an actor. Films like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” highlighted his capacity to navigate complex emotional landscapes while maintaining his signature humor.
By consistently taking on diverse roles, Carrey managed to captivate audiences and critics alike, earning numerous accolades and further enhancing his reputation as one of the greats in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional endeavors, Jim Carrey’s personal life has also garnered media attention. Known for his eccentric personality, he has been open about his struggles with mental health and has spoken publicly regarding his battles with depression. His ability to share these experiences has resonated with many fans, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
Despite the ups and downs of fame, Jim remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, celebrated for both his incredible contributions to film and his candidness about life’s challenges.
According to legend, in 1985, a financially struggling and despondent Jim Carrey drove his old Toyota Camry into the Hollywood Hills. While gazing down at Los Angeles, he wrote a check to himself for $10 million “for acting services rendered,” dated ten years later, which he carried in his wallet. Spoiler alert – within those ten years, his dream materialized. After the passing of his father in 1994, Jim placed the check into his dad’s casket.
Success
Jim Carrey first experienced fame in 1990 on the Wayans brothers’ sketch comedy series “In Living Color.” It was through this show that he captivated viewers with characters such as the clumsy and masochistic Fire Marshal Bill. Carrey continued his role on In Living Color until its conclusion in 1995, but just before the show’s end, he made his significant film debut with “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.” This film became an instant success, catapulting him to stardom. That same year, he featured in two more blockbuster hits, “The Mask” and “Dumb and Dumber.” For his next project, “The Cable Guy,” he secured a staggering $20 million, setting a record for actor salaries at the time.
Among Carrey’s other remarkable comedic films are “Liar, Liar,” “Bruce Almighty,” “Me, Myself, and Irene,” and “Yes Man.” He has also acted in various dramas and dramedies, such as “The Truman Show,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “The Majestic,” “Man on the Moon,” and the thriller “The Number 23.” More recently, he portrayed Dr. Robotnik in both “Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020) and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (2022). “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” marked the highest opening weekend of his career, raking in $72 million at the US box office.
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Salary Highlights
Carrey’s initial significant paycheck originated from In Living Color, where he earned $25,000 per episode for a total of around $3.2 million from the show’s 127 episodes, equating to roughly $6 million in today’s currency.
In 1994, Jim received $350,000 for his role in the first Ace Ventura movie. After the film grossed $100 million from a budget of $15 million, he was subsequently paid $15 million for the sequel released in 1996. That same year, for “The Mask,” Jim earned $540,000, which went on to make $350 million in profit. His earnings for starring in “Dumb & Dumber” totaled $7 million.
Carrey was the first actor ever to surpass the $20 million base salary threshold, which he achieved with “The Cable Guy” in 1996. His $20 million payment comprised nearly half of the film’s overall budget. It’s worth noting that earning $20 million in the mid-1990s would be equivalent to approximately $34 million per film in today’s standards.
Following “The Cable Guy,” Jim continued to earn a base salary of $20 million for several other films, including:
- The Cable Guy
- Batman Forever
- Liar Liar
- Me, Myself & Irene
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Yes Man
For his role in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Jim was also granted a share of the merchandise sales. In the case of “Yes Man,” he received 36.2% of the profits, bringing his total earnings for that film to $35 million, marking one of the 30 largest paydays in film history.
Between 1994 and 2008, Jim accumulated an impressive $200 million from his various salaries.
and bonuses. Throughout the next decade, he accumulated an additional $100 million at a minimum. Currently, he has probably surpassed $300 million in film salary.
(Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for AFI)
Personal Life
Having been married twice, Jim Carrey first tied the knot with Melissa Womer from 1987 to 1995. They share a daughter, Jane Erin Carrey, who participated as a contestant on American Idol in 2012. In 1996, Jim entered into marriage with his Dumb & Dumber co-star Lauren Holly, although this union lasted less than a year. From 2005 to 2010, he was in a relationship with model/actress Jenny McCarthy. Following this, Carrey dated makeup artist Cathriona White from 2012 until her tragic passing from a drug overdose in 2015. More recently, he had a brief relationship with Ginger Gonzaga for less than a year in 2019.
Awards
Jim has received more than 40 prestigious awards throughout his career, among which are a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture for The Truman Show in 1999 and for Man on the Moon in 2000. Additionally, in 2006, Carrey received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for Children. He was awarded the Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award in 2013 for his children’s book, “How Roland Rolls.”
Brentwood Estate
Across the United States, Jim owns several properties, with his main residence being an extensive compound in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. The first purchase for this compound occurred in 1994 for $3.8 million (equivalent to about $6.6 million today). In 2000, he acquired an adjacent one-acre lot for $1.7 million. Presently, the estate features a sizable guest house, swimming pool, and tennis court, all secured by approximately 300 feet of fencing and hedges. The two-acre compound offers 13,000 square feet of living space. In February 2023, Jim put his Brentwood estate on the market for $28.9 million.
Other Properties:
He purchased a beachfront mansion in Malibu for $9.75 million in 2002. In 2011, he listed this home for sale at $18 million and ultimately found a buyer in 2013 for $13.4 million.
Additionally, Jim owns an apartment in New York City.
