During the 1990s and the 2000s, Jim Carrey was one of the biggest names in Hollywood.
He may have not been a heartthrob like Leo, Brad, or George, but his consistently funny performances and impersonations help cement him as one of the most legendary comedic actors.
And Carrey had the salary to match: for his role in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, he was paid a whopping $20 million, making him one of the best-paid actors of that year.
But things have been quiet on the Jim Carrey front lately. Apart from a stint as the villain in the Sonic movies, we haven't heard much from the funnyman –until he announced in 2022 his plans to retire.
And now, the comedic legend is celebrating his 62nd birthday with a rare social media appearance.
Here's everything you need to know about Jim Carrey and the end of his career.
READ MORE: Save $150 on brand-new Samsung Galaxy S24 before it hits shelves
What happened to Jim Carrey?
Jim Carrey decided to retire after losing his passion for acting in films.
"I just didn't want to be in the business anymore. I didn't like what was happening, the corporations taking over and all that," Carrey revealed in 2018, in conversation with The Hollywood Reporter.
READ MORE: Catherine hospitalised for up to two weeks after surgery
Following his 2014 film Dumb and Dumber To, which was a critical failure, he took a step back, only appearing in smaller budget films for a couple of years.
He made something of a comeback in 2018, starring in and producing the comedy drama series Kidding, followed by a role as the villain in the Sonic movie adaptations.
However, after the release the second Sonic film in 2022, Jim Carrey revealed that he was taking another break from acting, with plans to retire.
"I feel like I have enough, I've done enough, I am enough," he told Access Hollywood. "I really like my quiet life," he added, describing his new passion of painting.
"It depends. If the angels bring some sort of script that's written in gold ink that says to me that it's going to be really important for people to see, I might continue down the road, but I'm taking a break."
What is Jim Carrey doing now?
Jim Carrey's last project was Sonic 2, and it's not likely he'll return to the big screen any time soon.
Carrey has focused on other projects besides acting in recent years. In 2020, he published a surrealist novel, Memoirs and Misinformation, co-written with novelist Dana Vachon. The story follows a fictionalised version of the actor, and is a commentary on fame and his sense of self.
The Yes Man star is also an accomplished painter, releasing a six-minute documentary in 2017 that featured him creating an artwork. In 2022, he minted an NFT based on one of his paintings.
READ MORE: Schwarzenegger 'detained' at airport over luxury item
He's also shared his own political cartoon drawings since 2017, which have received a fair amount of backlash. He had an exhibition of his cartoons in LA in 2018, which featured 108 of his drawings.
Carrey recently celebrated his 62nd birthday alongside his comedy pals, hosting a dinner dubbed 'The Laugh Supper!'
David Spade, Adam Sandler, Jimmie Kimmel and Howie Mandel were amongst the comedians in attendance, with pictures posted to Instagram.
Cary Elwes wished the Ace Ventura star a happy birthday: "Happy Birthday to this wonderful guy who brings smiles and laughter where ever he goes. Have a beautiful day, Jim!"
Jim Carrey movies and TV shows
Carrey is usually typecast as a comedic actor, though he has explored a handful of dramatic roles over his career.
He had three films come out in 1994, all of which were huge hits that propelled him to A-list fame: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask and Dumb and Dumber.
Other notable movies through his career include:
- Batman Forever
- Liar Liar
- The Truman Show
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Bruce Almighty
- Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Sonic The Hedgehog
READ MORE: Best Jim Carrey movies and performances ranked
Jim Carrey's relationship history
Jim Carrey has dated a handful of high-profile celebrities over the years.
In 1987, he married former actress Melissa Womer, and the pair welcomed a child the same year. They divorced in 1995.
In 1996, Carrey wed his Dumb and Dumber co-star Lauren Holly, though the marriage lasted less than one year.
Carrey was engaged to actress Renée Zellweger from 1999 to 2000, and after they split he was briefly linked to January Jones.
READ MORE: Jim Carrey calls ex Renée Zellweger the 'great love of my life'
His next high-profile relationship came after meeting actress and model Jenny McCarthy in 2005. They dated for five years but ultimately split up in 2010.
From 2012 to 2015, Carey dated Irish makeup artist Cathriona White. Their relationship ended when she died from a prescription drug overdose in 2015 that was ruled a suicide.
In 2019, Carrey attended the Golden Globes red carpet with his then-girlfriend Ginger Gonzaga; the couple split less than a year later.
Jim Carrey's children
Jim Carrey has one daughter, who he shares with his ex-wife Melissa Womer. Her name is Jane Erin Carrey, and she was a contestant on American Idol in 2012.
Jane is also an actress, starring in projects with her dad including Kidding and Dumb and Dumber To.
READ MORE: Music legend dies following 'long illness'
Jim Carrey net worth
The actor's net worth is around USD$180 million, or AUD$275 million.
He was one of the highest paid actors in the 2000s, netting $20 million for How The Grinch Stole Christmas, $35 million for 2008's Yes Man, and another $20 million for the first instalment of Sonic.
READ MORE: Footloose star dies after health battle
He wasn't always that well paid, though. In 1994, before he had reached peak fame, Carey earned US$540,000 (AUD $820,000) to star in The Mask.
Has Jim Carrey ever won an Oscar?
Not only has Carrey never won an Oscar, but he's never been nominated.
Some believe that his performances in The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind were Oscar-worthy, but he's never been recognised by the Academy.
He has won two Best Actor Golden Globes, for The Truman Show and Man on the Moon.
Brad Pitt was the second highest-paid actor in 2022 View Gallery
