Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels starred in the hit 1994 comedy film Dumb and Dumber. The main point of interest in the film was the pairing of a rising comic talent like Carrey and a serious character actor like Daniels. Carrey had already proven his mettle in comedy with back-to-back comedy hits Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and The Mask earlier in the same year.
On the other hand, Jeff Daniels was known for his dramatic performances in films like The Purple Rose of Cairo, Terms of Endearment, and Gettysburg. Starring in an outrageous comedy like Dumb and Dumber seemed like a wrong decision at the time and Daniels’ agent warned him from making that mistake. However, Carrey assured him that everything was going to be okay.
Jeff Daniels Feared Dumb and Dumber Would Be The End of His Career
Jeff Daniels took a big career risk by taking a detour from his dramatic performances with the 1994 comedy film Dumb and Dumber. The actor had not done a proper comedy film before especially physical comedy where one’s actions and facial expressions were significant for the film to work. He worked alongside Jim Carrey in the Peter Farrelly-directed film as two dimwits who unknowingly get involved in a ransom deal.
As the film nears its 30th anniversary this year, Daniels reflected on how his agents were skeptical of his jump to comedy after receiving several accolades as a serious dramatic actor. The film’s infamous toilet scene where Daniels’ character has a hilarious blowout in the toilet was going to be the make-or-break moment of his career.
Daniels wanted to shake up his career with a comedy and his co-star supported him in his endeavor. When Daniels expressed his nervousness about the toilet scene, Carrey told him to not worry and that he had to just go all out with his performance and assured him that the film would turn out great. The actor told USA Today,
I had agents, who weren’t wrong, telling me, ‘You’re a serious actor. This is not the direction you need to be going. We’re going to stop this and get you off this movie.’ But I wanted to shake it up with a comedy. And I wanted to work with Jim Carrey…
It’s one thing to read the toilet scene, but then the day comes, and we’re actually going to do the toilet scene. I told Jim [Carrey], ‘This is either the beginning of my career or the end of it.’ Jim, who is fearless, told me, ‘It’s going to be great. You’ve just got to go all the way with it.’
The film revitalized Daniels’ career and introduced audiences to the genius comedic side of Daniels that no one knew before. The film was a hit with audiences and grossed $246 million against a $17 million budget (via The Numbers). A sequel Dumb and Dumber To was released in 2014 and was also commercially successful.
Jeff Daniels Has Nothing But Fond Memories From Shooting Dumb and Dumber
It has been almost 30 years since the release of Dumb and Dumber, the classic 90s comedy that catapulted both Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels‘ careers. Daniels recently reflected on his experiences of making the film in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
The actor joked that he and Carrey are still stupid like their characters Lloyd and Harry. Daniels stated that he loved doing the film and working with Carrey and the Farrelly brothers. He has nothing but fond memories of making the film. The actor said,
And we’re still that stupid. That was great. I loved doing that movie. I love Jim [Carrey], the Farrelly brothers and yeah, I have nothing but fond memories of that.
Daniels further revealed that there are no plans currently for a reunion project with Carrey on the horizon. But he shared a heartwarming message for Carrey, referencing his character Lloyd and how much he loves him. Daniels currently stars in the Netflix show A Man in Full, based on Tom Wolfe’s novel of the same name.
Fans can watch/rent Dumb and Dumber on Apple TV+.
