Jim Carrey Makes His Debut on National Television | Carson Tonight Show

[@YouKevo]

His facial impressions of Clint Eastwood and James Dean were astonishing.

[@BePresent.]

ABSOLUTELY unreal 😂😂😂😂 like scarily so

[@deborahgibson1609]

I know, like he was really morphing into those characters!

[@DaPablol]

Clint Eastwood was SPOT-ON!

[@mayhem5235]

It's like he can self deepfake

[@redwar7253]

Cleant was top

[@hrebec97]

The hours, weeks, months, and years of preparation for a nine minute sketch. It’s takes real guts to do that. My total respect goes out to him. Hope he finds peace in his older years.

[@Phredbo]

I agree He is is quite the master of facial disguises I use to watch him on living color He was hilarious😄

[@exclamationpointman3852]

I just wonder what he is up to or what he is even thinking now?! He went from being very vocal about life, then when Elon brought Twitter & he shut down his account and disappeared! That's no way to go about things. I wish him well regardless.

[@Phredbo]

Well he's got the right to believe what he wants I still admire Neil Young though I don't agree with his taking all his music off Spotify not do I agree with his political philosophies Doesn't mean I don't love Rocking in the freeworld

[@exclamationpointman3852]

@@Phredbo yes, sir. That is fair. I always try to make that a distinction and admire people from a safe distance because... everybody is different. We must respect that.

[@ayokay123]

@@exclamationpointman3852 Ever see his artwork? He's a pretty damned talented artist.

[@sparra3819]

Firstly, that his face is able to contort to those extremes is incredible. Secondly, that he hits each mark with perfection, transitioning from one to the next, and without seeing and fixing in a mirror, speaks to an intense training regimen. Quite the artist, and athlete.

[@thisisfutile]

I had a friend who wanted to be an actor, so he practiced facial expressions in the mirror...countless hours. Until he demonstrated, I didn't fully understand what it meant. He would turn his face away, then say, "this is fear", then he'd whip his head around with an unbelievable look of fear on his face. It instantly gave me a feeling of fear. He did angry and happy, among a few others. I didn't realize just how intense an actor makes their face until he did this.

[@sparra3819]

@@thisisfutile Ah, it does seem they practice so much that it becomes muscle memory.

[@Jetty-g6e]

Jim Carry can do so many things with his face and body and he mixes it with realism and animation. As we discovered later, his talent was unmeasurable.

[@arconeagain]

Carrey.

[@brighteyes6585]

He would have been amazing in Roger Rabbit movies... I loved Christopher Lloyd for his role, but I'm pretty sure Jim Carrey would do great as someone toony also.

[@davidsc4680]

the control of his facial muscles is insane

[@Turco949]

In the comedy circuit in LA, he was referred to as "Rubber Face"

[@JimmyJamesJimbo]

Finally someone else is as hard as I am

[@diotiprotegge7614]

you should see what he does with his ass lmfao

[@lancevanarsdale4978]

His Clint Eastwood is pretty spot on 😂

[@MCU_Wizard]

@@JimmyJamesJimboAyo 😂

[@0-by-1_Publishing_LLC]

That Clint Eastwood face impression was frighteningly good!

[@danfoster-hy8mo]

Pretty amazing

[@arconeagain]

What about James Dean? Looked like AI.

[@stevenbledsoe4186]

Yeah, James Dean was perfect!

[@DonWinslow-cn7zx]

I love the scene in 'Bruce Almighty' when Jim did his Clint impression, again. 😭🤣😂🙂

[@0-by-1_Publishing_LLC]

@@DonWinslow-cn7zx Yes, that was a full-blown version of Eastwood.

[@FDguy343]

The debut of a comedy giant. So glad this was recorded. The man the legend.

[@VoteScientist]

I remember when he appeared with Swoosie Kurts. She called him "Over Actor". Made in jest, but what an understatement. A laugh I haven't ever forgotten.

[@peter9962]

Haha, I remember seeing him that evening with my wife. We laughed and laughed. She said, “I know we’re going to see this guy again!” Boy, was she ever right about that.😊

[@aaronhhill]

I said the same thing about Edward Norton when I saw him in Primal Fear with Richard Gere. The end of that movie ... I knew he was gonna be a great actor.

[@heidi579]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alwayshatin3973]

Thanks, Peter!

[@markwegner6821]

Jim stayed the same and the world was impressed. 💎 Genuine genius. 💎

[@petercarrington948]

Jim is a force of nature and a very clever, intelligent, artistic actor. Love him! A genuine genius!

[@exclamationpointman3852]

I'm just listening to that song at the end and wasn't looking at him: mad respect to his vocal transformation. We always think of his physical performance, but that is a real vocal performance.

[@ebsmokymtn9445]

His stint on 'In Living Color' was fabulous. Incredible talent.

[@billwillard6828]

My buddy was the soundman on In Living Color and I can remember him telling me about this guy who "was from deep left field". Fireman Bill is still one of the funniest characters in television history.

[@sirmitch1]

​@@billwillard6828 🔥 Fire Marshall Bill🧯

[@kramerbassplayer]

​@@billwillard6828 fire Marshall bill

[@kramerbassplayer]

​@@billwillard6828 😂fire marshall bill ruled

[@Kostly]

stint? lol Jim Carrey was an original on there for a long time. hardly a stint.

[@RetroDad0]

Jim was something else and we will never have another in our lifetime. When Ace ventura came out, it was like nothing weve seen before in comedy.

[@sonnylambert4893]

I was 18 years old and in college went with a new girlfriend to see Ace Ventura and we sat in the front row and laughed until we cried.He took the comedians of the 50s and 60s and 70s to a whole Nother level

[@thisisfutile]

Ace Ventura movie was the first time I had ever seen him; I was in my early 20's. I went on a date, with my now wife, and I created quite a scene. I'm ALWAYS the type to be respectful, meaning I stay quiet and seated in the movie theater, but I lost complete control during that movie. I was laughing so uncontrollably...screaming laughter, crying laughter, running nose, all of that. I left with a huge headache. My wife still mentions it from time-to-time, "I'm surprised we didn't get escorted out." I couldn't believe what I had just experienced. What a way to be introduced to this legend of comedy.

[@CommodoreVic20]

You make him sound like he's dead

[@squirrelsinjacket1804]

Jim Carrey was the Charlie Chaplin of the modern era.

[@heidi579]

💯

[@sovereignruler]

Jim Carrey was a superstar long before they discovered him; we're just lucky they found him. The rest, as they say, is history. Also, it's fitting that he was given the green light on Johnny Carson's show, a comedic genius in his own right. Bravo!

[@BePresent.]

Even the glint in Clint Eastwoods eyes were absolutely spot on😂😂😂😂

[@I_Am_Become_Light]

Yep. That kid's got a future in show business.

[@deborahhernandez7785]

❤😂

[@paulachampagne9615]

This world would be a better place with more people like Jim Carrey in it. Thank you for the hours of joyful intertainment you have given us. Bless you.

[@torilea8104]

When I was young I couldn t stand him, funny now as I have gotten older I can see what an incredible talent he has, I also have listened to his philosophy on life and he is not only very talented but a truly awakened and inspiring man.

[@ericschroeder8932]

Johnny gave him the “OK”, which is huge. I would’ve thought he waved him over to sit down. What an AMAZING talent.

[@ebby_ebby]

I don't know half the people he's talking about but still find these impressions hilarious!

[@egrffin8534]

Some i don't know the names of but i could certainly tell the faces. He is incredible with his impressions.!

[@sparra3819]

His birth year is the same as mine, and I'm recognizing all the characters, many being of his/mine parents' era, but are who we would have frequently seen on television.. back in the day..

[@BWater-yq3jx]

I'd long forgotten who Brezhnev was, but remembered as soon as Carrey did the impression.

[@FU05241960]

One of them was from a 60's TV show called My Three Sons that no one remembers. The last song was Sesame Street characters, Kermit the frog and so forth.

[@woundp.a.9905]

A star is born! This is the kinda of act you see, and you know they're gonna be big.

[@Siskos-pn7nd]

One of my favorite comedians and artists. So versatile, so talented. What a gift to humanity.

[@niemandschuldet]

His FIRST appearance on television? He has balls of steel, a well balanced mindset and is a great talent! Well done!

[@ZorshaAndHerPharaoh]

American telivision. He'd done stand up comedy on tv in canada before.

[@lordralph9277]

The talent on display here is off the charts. Just imagine trying to perform this routine ... incredible and he didn't seem to be out of breath

[@ZorshaAndHerPharaoh]

Cocaine helps

[@davidtatro7457]

What's most amazing about him is that he got a lot better at these over time.

[@thebeast6951]

That 'I was himmm' after Elvis was actually terrifying. You could see right through Jim at that moment that he'd lost his mind perfecting that. Wow

[@FU05241960]

That was freaky, like the soul of Elvis really just exited his body.

[@ikzelerts]

For many fans of comedy Jim is at the top of the list.

[@jacobg6528]

Lol wtf?

[@apokalypthoapokalypsys9573]

Yeah - the 6-year-old kids who are still entertained by this horrid overacting that's bound to give everyone else second-hand embarrassment.

[@jeremylovesguitar]

Geez that quick transformation to Clint Eastwood was incredible. Went from Jim Carrey to Clint Eastwood in .08 seconds.

[@martinarnold4999]

neat watching this 1/3 century later. the audience must have been like who is this bizarre creature, but after a few minutes it dawns on you he's interesting, wholesome, talented, and definitely fresh

[@susanleckie8032]

I was fortunate enough to win 2 tickets to his last Canadian performance in London Ontario. I took my mom and it was a wonderful night, he did impressions and physical gags but there was something about him that was special- you could tell. After his final bow i went to the stage and happened to catch him before he left. I wished him all the best in his move to the States. I didnt know him at all before that show, so its been really cool watching him as a performer through the years.

[@dos3622]

What year was that?

[@susanleckie8032]

@dos3622 it would have been probably 1981-82. I was around 21 and had won the tickets by calling in to a radio show "first person to call in- Laughing!" Easy! Lol

[@spitflamez]

In Loving Color is what made him famous, he really stepped into stardom on that show.

[@rickfrenzy9556]

Actually, that is a porn

[@miketalas7998]

Man, just to get out there and make a fool of yourself is half, maybe 99% of your success! What a crazy talent! Jim Carrey took us on a wild ride!!!

[@darylkanofski9327]

Why are there people who don't like him, I think he's great

[@everquestfan]

Jim was a God in the 90's

[@retroloungemusic]

I think everybody laughed at Jim at one time or another.

[@BlinkinFirefly]

He may be a genius in performing arts. But as a person...he hasn't been the greatest. He's left a trail of devastation in many relationships. Including being guilty of infidelity. One lover committed suicide. He's reckless in relationships and has a toxic sense of grandiosity

[@chuckroast5675]

Well half the of country hates him because he's a far left lib who's constantly running his mouth about politics.

[@vivalarazausarmyvet4453]

Politics. He triggers the people on the right. You know how sensitive they tend to get.

[@broavonyl5997]

Wow I'm amazed at the negativity in these comments. Art and talent has many many forms, and obviously some aren't your style. It's nice if you're able to recognize effort and talent even if you don't like the result. But if you're not, just walk away and go about your day. Having to explicitly express your negativity and spite is really unnecessary. This dude obviously was acting with passion, and he's good at his style. He deserved his break if you ask me.

[@Deejaay83urj38]

I thought you were talking about Carrey hiself. Does that apply to him? His scathing slanderous obsession towards those He doesn't agree with is nothing short of disturbed. To even pour out his hate in his drawings. Wow. Weird

[@broavonyl5997]

@@Deejaay83urj38 I have no idea what you're talking about, but yea I was talking about Carrey's capabilities shown here.

[@afterburner2869]

Negativity? What negativity? Everything I’ve read here is overwhelmingly positive and supportive of what we just saw . I have no idea where you are seeing negativity, especially enough to comment on.

[@wfk3rd]

His Kermit stinks, he’s like a kid in his bedroom.

[@2024_Quick-yw6kq]

@@Deejaay83urj38 He's a nut job.

[@sheasolo]

What a complete Maniac. One of a kind.

[@joeyblogsy]

Nope

[@zacharynash-pate291]

I never knew how much effort Jim put into his career. It makes sense why he would crash the way he did. He tried alot harder and was able to to do things I don't think anyone else in the business was able to do. Bravo Jim.

[@DragonballG.]

Jim Carey is the only impressionist I’ve seen who can completely transform the shape of his face. Incredible talent.

[@saptack53]

Dude is a reptile.

[@rainsseason9617]

Phil Cool did that, too.

[@helenmiller3331]

Never saw any one that can change their face! He’s amazing!

[@callycharles2515]

It is utterly amazing what Jim Carrey can do with that face of his. He is the master!!!!!!!!!!!

[@adamroderick442]

The audience was in for a real treat that night!

[@towerofresonance4877]

I would have never expected such perfection!

[@eriksmith2514]

I saw Man on the Moon in a theatre in San Francisco with my dad when the film came out. Several times I was the only one in the theatre laughing. It was a bizarre experience. The biggest one of those lone-laughing times was during the scene where Kaufman (played by Carrey) comes onstage to do stand-up at a university and the students chant "Latka! Latka! Latka!" Understandably pissed, Kaufman sits down, pulls out a copy of The Great Gatsby, and reads the entire book. When he finishes, the school auditorium is empty except for a few sleeping students and one surf dude (obviously not a student) who applauds and says, "That was great, dude!" I couldn't stop laughing at the irony of it. My dad, who hated the film from start to finish, was getting pissed, so I went into the aisle. I sat there laughing and clapping while the rest of the theatre audience was silent. I've never had an experience like that in a movie theatre before or after.

[@ytzpilot]

His impression of Elvis on here reminded me of Kaufman, but to be honest Kaufman did it better. Jim played Kaufman really well in that movie I laughed and cried too it was probably his best role

[@miloskuzmanovic]

There is a story I have heard how he got that role. He invited director and producers to his house for audition. In his home theater he played the video. Everybody were like ok that's the video of Andy Kaufman what's the point? He explained that thats him as Andy Kaufman...

[@daytrippingcalifornia3270]

I wonder if the Great Gatsby was on purpose. That book is shit. Everyone worth their salt literarily thinks so. Treated them to a steaming pile of tripe. Good on Andy.

[@deborahhernandez7785]

I had an experience like yours, only with a Steve Martin film. I enjoyed Steve's sense of humor, so I took my best friend to see The Jerk. I laughed so much, but she never laughed and told me later that she "just didn't get it". Oh, well! 😂

[@paulstewart6203]

Everything between Elvis and Kermit was genius.

[@kprimm1967]

His Muppets was spot on

[@terrymckenzie8786]

I remember seeing his first show and knew he was going for stardom

[@zibam982]

Eastwood and Jimes Dean was hilarious. It's called talent. And takes guts to demostrate it.

[@remycorbeil5220]

From jim to clint eastwood to jim to kermitt to miss piggy to kermit to bert to kermitt to jim. That is one hell of a talented guy.

[@aerrae5608]

Holy crap man, I always just see him in movies but to see him literally just shift right in front of one's eyes...

[@stevenshaneyfelt]

i don't remember the last time I witnessed 9 minutes of pure genius

[@CynthiaLamb-jf2md]

I loved him in IN LIVING COLOR 😂

[@jaxonboys3366]

I felt as if I was watching the muppets. That's incredible talent.

[@darwinmonzingo9738]

the man is the comedy genius of our lifetime

[@chennis134]

I went through a Jim Carrey moving watching phase a couple of years ago. He is one of the silliest actors I know (in a good way)

[@007Yasir]

I loved him in The Mask.

[@colinmackinnon696]

Who didn't?

[@bradkarlzahn-bp6jx]

I say the same thing as Stanley Ipkiss every time I see a gorgeous girl....."she would Never..." 😂

[@Clem-Kadiddlehopper]

I remember watching this when it first aired on Johnny Carson many years ago on Thanksgiving Day 1983. It's just as impressive today...

[@Graemesbullys]

Started slow but ended up killing it

[@danmyers9372]

Didn’t get invited to the couch by Johnny which was the ultimate sign of acceptance. I don’t think I Johnny knew what to think of him.

[@terrymckenzie8786]

Probably out of time.Last act of night.

[@j.vonhogen9650]

"the ultimate sign of acceptance"? Really? By whom, Johnny Carson?? Are you kidding?? Don't you know that Johnny Carson never showed any love for his wives, his children, his grandchildren, his colleagues or his friends? Don't you know that Johnny Carson never accepted his biracial granddaughter and that he even disowned her because of her ethnicity (allegedly)? Don't you know he actively and publicly tried to destroy the reputation of American hero, DA Jim Garrison, despite his accomplishments, his integrity and his incredible courage? Nobody needed Johnny Carson's acceptance! Johnny Carson was a horrible man, a dishonest husband, a terrible father and a disloyal friend. He was also an aggressive alcoholic who was incapable of showing any empathy. Johnny Carson was a miserable and hateful man who just happened to be a successful talkshow host. He wasn't the saint many people believe he was.

[@GaryIrving-x5o]

Let's be honest, it wasn't a very good appearance. He looked too needy and still came off as an amateur, a good amateur, but not someone who deserves anything more than polite encouragement.

[@aspenrebel]

OMG! When did Johnny ever give anyone that much time? That was a long time.

[@Kat-I-am3333]

It wasn't up to Johnny. He was not the boss of that show...

[@aspenrebel]

@@Kat-I-am3333 ha!!

[@irenedow5665]

Canadian comedy is unique. We here are under snow half the year so I get why Carey spent so much time watching tv and his mirror.

[@tabbott429]

People hating on a guy for his 1st appearance on TV? Comical! Jim Carrey was an awesome actor/comedian IMO.

[@kalechristianson5207]

it was about time Jim was unleashed on this world. Amazing, to this day. One of a kind without a doubt. I grew up with his comedies and im honored to have them

[@craigpotvin6897]

His movies as ace are so funny,no one messes with the do LOL

[@chickenbeek]

"and a little bit different", way to undersell it Johnny. >D

[@scooteranthony6297]

Wow, I’ve never seen his Elvis impression. That was damn good.

[@OgDj2024]

A genius and legend in his own time RESPECT! ✊🏾

[@famljw3095]

Damn, I really miss my childhood sometimes. Once in a while, I'd lay down with my parents if I couldn't sleep. And I knew it was late because, the news was over and Johnny Carson was on. Wish I could go back for just a moment.

[@VivienneFinch]

Carrey is a legend. Always loved him. Genius!!❤🎉

[@meshica7]

When The Mask came out my mother commented "He really did need much makeup, did he?" meaning of course that his face was like a special effect all its own.

[@Kat-I-am3333]

I think you left out an important word in your comment. (Not?)

[@theothersideofthestory1594]

Jim Carey is one of a kind. It’s almost scary how talented he is.

[@markmyers3066]

Just "STUPID" funny, love Jim Carrey!

[@____DARK_____]

Jim was a special talent that cant be replicated...true gem of our generation

[@nordvegfigg7746]

If you'd ever seen him in Toronto before he headed off for America you would know this wasn't even his best stuff. This was his safe stuff. He was so off the wall in his early days in Toronto my sides would be sore from laughing so hard. He did a special here in Canada. I forget if it was on CBC or Global TV in Toronto. But if you can find it I will guarantee you will laugh your head off. An absolute genius. One of a kind.

[@akathecops]

Saw that live and we all knew instantly we were in the presence of genius.

[@Robert-bz6ox]

I love Jim Carrey. I truly do believe that he is one of the funniest people on this planet.

[@BWater-yq3jx]

When he turns around as Elvis, it's like he has a different face. Amazing.

[@BWater-yq3jx]

And Clint. 🤯

[@adamel-sawaf4045]

It’s like the adult version of making funny faces at a baby, love it!! 😂❤

[@striveprosper295]

The level of talent is wild as well as how much work he must have put in for this skit

[@TurtleManOfficial]

One of those brilliant comedians from the past. Smart and extremely talented.

[@Bee-r9k]

Can you imagine the world if everyone was like Jim Carrey! It would be a lovely place

[@andrecusson5069]

He’s the Best!

[@GuzonHobert]

Great video! It was engaging from start to finish.

[@retroloungemusic]

I respect Jim Carrey very much. His over the top humor goes over fantastically well with many, and it might be correct to say most, people. He tends to lose me at his extreme and wackiest moments. I do enjoy his humor when he more toned-down, which he clearly displays in this early act. This guy kept all of us laughing through the 90's with his comedy and movies.

[@esthert6416]

He was amazing even that young.

[@freddoflintstono9321]

That debut started a wild ride that has as yet not ended. Jim Carrey is brilliant 🥰

[@xs10z]

I like how Doc at 2:35 does not bother conducting his band... he's just tapping his foot. He knows they know how to play "Jailhouse Rock' without him standing there waving his arms like Paul Shaffer would do.

[@pc4mlc451]

His James Dean was impeccable. It looked like he had a completely differnet face!!

[@billmagorian490]

I agree I couldn't believe he looked as good he did.

[@1969EType]

He’s talented because he truly becomes the person for a moment. He makes you forget it’s Jim Carey but…none of this made me laugh. His films…made me laugh.

[@applemos6714]

Good singer too!

[@JeremyAustin-hw1qy]

To the people hating on jim carrey I'd like to see you try to do what he's done you probably wouldn't last

[@LarryScudder-u7c]

This is an incredible first Audition! He did very well in show business for many years!

[@tomwashingtonjr848]

Wow …❤Two GOATS❤ ❤Carson & Carey ❤

[@jknowstheway1462]

What a talent. I hope hes happy.

[@marcK599.]

Lol

[@asna07]

omg he was such a gem right from the word go now this kind of debut is not possible ever again love u jim and Thanks for everything every smile and laughter u gave us JC fan 4ever ❤

[@TRINI123A]

What talent!

[@Mahshod]

the way he practically MORPHED into James Dean is incredible

[@DragonballG.]

Amazing Jordan Peterson expression at 6:55.

[@MrBrindleStyle]

How are you doing with the script? Sure it would sell. Jim’s probably old enough and jaded enough by life and the world to play the lead.

[@li9291]

I see it!!

[@s.melodymartin-downs2870]

That’s a lot of TALENT!!

[@itsmelorims]

I started noticing Jim Carey on In Living Color and he was the fire chief, so hilarious...i never knew he was on the Johnny Carson show

[@skadooch64]

Crazy to think he went from this. To In Living Color, to The Grinch

[@pintados3041]

He's spot on on every Personalities' facial expression and voices. This man is super talented and a Genius. 💝💚🧡💖🌷