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

Jim Carrey's career is a fascinating journey marked by versatility, comedic genius, and profound dramatic performances. Born on January 17, 1962, in Ontario, Canada, Carrey began his career as a stand-up comedian in Toronto before venturing into television. His big break came in 1990 with the sketch comedy show "In Living Colour," where his impressions and comedic timing garnered widespread acclaim.
Carrey's transition to film was seamless, with breakout roles in "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" (1994), "The Mask" (1994), and "Dumb and Dumber" (1994), solidifying his status as a comedic powerhouse. His physicality, rubbery facial expressions, and uncanny ability to inhabit absurd characters captivated audiences worldwide. Carrey's box office success continued with hits like "Liar Liar" (1997), "The Truman Show" (1998), and "Man on the Moon" (1999).
However, it was his portrayal of Andy Kaufman in "Man on the Moon" that showcased Carrey's dramatic depth and commitment to his craft. He immersed himself so completely in the role that he earned critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Throughout his career, Carrey's influence on artists and art lovers has been profound. His fearless approach to comedy, willingness to push boundaries, and dedication to his characters have inspired countless comedians and actors. Carrey's impact extends beyond entertainment; he's also an accomplished painter, using art as a form of expression and therapy.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Carrey's outspokenness on social and political issues has resonated with many. His candidness about his struggles with depression and the importance of self-discovery and authenticity have touched the lives of fans worldwide, inspiring conversations about mental health and personal growth.
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‪@johnnycarson‬

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.😊

[@markwegner6821]

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

[@ikzelerts]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@woundp.a.9905]

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

[@spitflamez]

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

[@rickfrenzy9556]

Actually, that is a porn

[@jeremylovesguitar]

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

[@CynthiaLamb-jf2md]

I loved him in IN LIVING COLOR 😂

[@adamroderick442]

The audience was in for a real treat that night!

[@I_Am_Become_Light]

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

[@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!!!

[@Siskos-pn7nd]

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

[@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.

[@CIS101]

Amazing. I was never a big fan of Jim Carrey, but I admire his talent, and he seems like a great guy too.

[@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.

[@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.

[@007Yasir]

I loved him in The Mask.

[@colinmackinnon696]

Who didn't?

[@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.

[@kprimm1967]

His Muppets was spot on

[@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.

[@terrymckenzie8786]

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

[@davidtatro7457]

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

[@YouKevo]

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

[@petercarrington948]

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

[@CuentaCrunchyrrol]

If you come across this, please send your prayers for my physical and mental healing. Thank you for your support.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@markmyers3066]

Just "STUPID" funny, love Jim Carrey!

[@andrecusson5069]

He’s the Best!

[@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!!

[@paulstewart6203]

Everything between Elvis and Kermit was genius.

[@cliftonjarvis8010]

Johnny did not call him over 😢

[@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

[@tomwashingtonjr848]

Wow …❤Two GOATS❤ ❤Carson & Carey ❤

[@applemos6714]

Good singer too!

[@TRINI123A]

What talent!

[@billmagorian490]

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

[@jfx5054]

All impressions were amazing but I must say, imo the muppets' Rainbow Connection was funny, spot-on, & beautiful. First time ever seeing this. Shows he has reverence and adoration for Jim Henson and that he has a heart of gold in there. God bless Jim Henson, & Jim Carey Ty for sharing your talents w us

[@jknowstheway1462]

What a talent. I hope hes happy.

[@marcK599.]

Lol

[@Liz-re3ek]

Amazing man!! He was brilliant here!!!

[@tabbott429]

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

[@user-pb2bf2pb2c]

Great video! It was engaging from start to finish.

[@esthert6416]

He was amazing even that young.

[@Graemesbullys]

Started slow but ended up killing it

[@LouieArmstrong1244]

He has perfect expressions good impersonations to!

[@yellowguy4004]

The MFER right here was the 2Pac of comedy in the 90s. 😂 I miss those days. 😢😊

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@Ferruccio_Guicciardi]

4:02 the Clint Eastwood one was brilliant !

[@darwinmonzingo9738]

the man is the comedy genius of our lifetime

[@thomasm514]

Born to play the man on the moon

[@cheryl9389]

Physical humor is difficult 😂😂😂

[@akathecops]

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

[@thatguyoverthere555]

Great OG! Worth preserving.

[@hollywoodpotato5289]

Few saw it coming. Including myself. Didn’t get it. Good thing someone did.

[@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.

[@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

[@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...

[@LeBa-zd6wt]

he's good, but the best Elvis impression were done by Andy Kaufman

[@BWater-yq3jx]

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

[@BWater-yq3jx]

And Clint. 🤯

[@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?)

[@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.

[@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.

[@sheasolo]

What a complete Maniac. One of a kind.

[@joeyblogsy]

Nope

[@gaylet7483]

Amazing that he sounds AND looks like the characters.

[@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.

[@user-oc8el9ve5f]

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

[@johnatetello4341]

what a talented individual an absolute legend.

[@PenPineappleApplePen007]

Jim was and always has been the crème de la crème.

[@exclamationpointman3852]

The fact that he was bombing at first and the crowd totally didn't get it.... It was like that scene in the Blues Brothers when they started out with zero response until they were on their feet. Astonishing! I don't think it would have happened without Johnny's big endorsement in the beginning, though.

[@user-sn5qk4kq3y]

He has always been GREAT.

[@johnwalker4642]

Cameras and screens changed civilisation. .

[@Mike-gm2lu]

I always loved your comedy. Freek .😂

[@richardbrady8211]

He is a rare talent and a deep man.

[@terrymckenzie8786]

He is going through a lot of emotional turmoil now over Hollywood crap.

[@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.

[@peterome9789]

Gotta love jim!!!

[@karenlbellmont6560]

I watched JC as a kiddo and I missed this one. I do ET everyday!!!

[@jaxonboys3366]

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

[@rodwilliams4170]

What a legend!! Bravo!!!

[@footfault1941]

Taking his time for the world to discover him & to find the way to his performance. Time's come!

[@mckessa17]

Jim was dirt poor growing up in Canada. Made it big, good for him.

[@aimbeck8867]

an EPIC birth....of .. a ....LEGEND.....in. .class his very only. own category. .. . . J.C...

[@kevinmiller3258]

He not only plays his character, He becomes his character. His ability to transform his physical and mental body is on supernatural levels. I wish one day to meet him. And to his critics, Name someone past or present who can come close?

[@karmen11.12]

And that's what let to that check he wrote to himself come reality. Years of preparation. When I closed my eyes I could completely be at that Muppet show, grew up with and lived in Croatia. So unique and talented. And then he retired saying he's done enough, he has enough, he is enough. Amazing.

[@tommyrawlings3046]

GENIUS

[@joeyblogsy]

No

[@Traderjoe]

Our standards for humor have drastically changed as evidenced by this performance and the audience reaction

[@johnnoreau3570]

This comedy is what I do everyday. Voices and inflections or impersonations. I’ve been told I need therapy for talking in other voices 🤦‍♂️😅

[@Kat-I-am3333]

@@johnnoreau3570 Why aren't you showcasing your talent on your channel? 🧚🏼

[@Billy89663]

Thank You for posting this but why would you not give the date of this performance?

[@krististanley8508]

Apparently it was Thanksgiving Day 1983.

[@jimh4005]

The character Fire Marshal Bill Burns he played on the show, "In Living Color" would always make me laugh out loud.

[@driver3605]

I'm amazed that this wasn't the end of his career.

[@1TightMinute]

His show “the duck factory” was one of the worst things I’d ever seen in my life and then he did this dumb vampire movie called “once bitten.” His impressions got him on Rodney dangerfield’s HBO show. picture this but three times as long at one point he just pretended to be a dog or a cat. It was a long time ago but I remember It was beyond bizarre. When I saw they cast him for “in living color,” I was like not that idiot. However, he turned out being pretty good.

[@TravisMcGee151]

@@1TightMinuteya gotta admit he’s got brass balls.

[@barbaraflowers759]

I really enjoyed Liar Liar and The Truman Show. He was great in Man On The Moon too. Not an Andy Kaufman fan but Carrey embodied the character.

[@user-ye3xk8gt2g]

Thank you for the great content! 🇨🇦

[@Blackwater06]

Reminds me very much of Robin Williams, in that it's so over the top I never found either of them funny. Robin's best roles were serious, not comedic IMO. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is probably Jim's best role. People like what they like, some people think he's hilarious....I watched the entire thing with a straight face, but that's true for pretty much every standup routine I've ever watched save for Rodney Dangerfield, that dude was hilarious.

[@kevinmiller3258]

Rodney was just being himself, but that's all he could do. You make Jim, who probably is one of the most versatile, intelligent entertainers of our lifetime sound like some B-rated movie actor

[@snivelinj7612]

...and he had a huge future ahead of him. Hell, he was so funny and such a capable comic.