Mt. Rushmore- Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is a legend. When he steps into a role, he steps FULLY into it. His roles are typically eccentric, over the top, and wacky. I think there are very few actors who have as many iconic roles as Carrey so lets honorably mention some roles that didn’t quite make the cut. First and foremost I want to highlight his role as Joel Barish in ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ which is definitely the most notable exclusion, but I just felt like the role itself doesn’t have the iconicity of some of his other roles, even though it is one of his top acting performances. Other honorable mentions include; The Riddler in ‘Batman Forever,’ Cable Guy in ‘The Cable Guy,’ Fletcher Reede in ‘Liar Liar,’ Andy Kaufman in ‘Man on the Moon,’ Bruce Nolan in ‘Bruce Almighty,’ Horton the Elephant in ‘Horton Hears a Who,’ Carl Allen in ‘Yes Man,’ Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol,’ Lloyd Christmas in ‘Dumb and Dumber,’ & Dr. Eggman Robotnik in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog.’
Stanley Ipkiss in ‘The Mask’- Can we talk about how in 1994 Carrey has this, the following film, & ‘Dumb and Dumber’ all released? That’s legendary. This superhero comedy let Carrey run wild with his signature slapstick comedy as Stanley, a man who dons the title mask to become a loud, rambunctious, fourth-wall breaking trickster.
Ace Ventura in ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’- This is another film that just lets Carrey run wild with his signature comedic style. He’s over the top and wild as the titular pet detective investigating the disappearance of the Miami Dolphins porpoise mascot. This film helped garner a huge following for Carrey, specifically in the young male demographic. Carrey also starred in the ‘95 sequel, ‘Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.’
The Grinch in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’- Some may find it crazy that I put this over Carrey’s other ‘94 role of Lloyd in ‘Dumb and Dumber’ or his 2004 role as Joel in ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.’ Those people need to go watch the Grinch again. Like many Christmas movies that have reached the level of love/rewatch that this one has, just about every line is quotable. Carrey is still able to display his signature body language & facial expressions under pounds of make up, making this one of his most iconic roles.
Truman Burbank in ‘The Truman Show’- Last, but not least, we have what I consider Carrey’s best role. ‘The Truman Show’ is an absolutely stellar film, in large part to the concept, and in just as large of a part to Carrey’s performance. This is a more subdued performance than others on this list (& most of the actors filmography), but nonetheless just as impactful, if not more so on the emotional side.
