Before Jim Carrey became the household name we know today, the legendary comedian had a few idols who inspired him along the way. Among them were the timeless talents of Dick Van Dyke, Jimmy Stewart, Jackie Gleason, and Art Carney from "The Honeymooners." But the person who truly shaped Jim’s career and worldview was his late father, Percy Carrey. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Jim, now 56, revealed how much his father influenced him. "He was an amazing, incredible character," Jim said. "Even today, I draw on his spirit when I create characters. He had a way of connecting with people—after just five minutes of talking to him, you felt like you'd known him for 50 years."

Back in the early days of Jim's career, when he was performing stand-up comedy in Canada, Percy played a pivotal role in his son's journey. Not only did Percy help Jim develop his act, but he also chauffeured him to his very first gig in Toronto. It’s almost as if Jim was living out his father’s unfulfilled dreams. "I remember watching him in our living room, holding court with everyone around," Jim recalled fondly. "People would leave laughing so hard they couldn’t breathe, saying, 'Percy, you missed your calling!'"

Jim's Rise to Fame and the Legacy of His Father

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From Stand-Up Comedy to Superstardom

Percy passed away in 1994, the same year Jim skyrocketed to fame with blockbuster hits like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber. Since then, Jim has continued to evolve as an actor, exploring both comedic and dramatic roles. His latest project, the Showtime dramedy Kidding, sees him playing a TV star grappling with personal and professional crises. When asked about his career trajectory, Jim explained, "People tend to cling to what works, but I’ve never been comfortable staying in one place for too long."

Pushing Boundaries and Finding Strength in Challenges

For Jim, growth comes from stepping outside his comfort zone. "I believe in keeping things moving," he said. "Everything happens for a reason, even if it feels scary at first. If you embrace it, no matter how intimidating, you can grow stronger because of it." This philosophy mirrors the essence of his iconic character Ace Ventura, who might quip, "Alrrriighty then!" in response to life's twists and turns.

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