Jim Carrey paid tribute to his Mask director Chuck Russell, who died Wednesday at age 74.
“I consider it an honor to work with Chuck Russell, who during the filming of the film Mask, created a joyful, child-like atmosphere of wonder and camaraderie on set,” Carrey said in a statement. “The entire cast and crew were touched and inspired by his playfulness.
“Each of us,” he continued, “over the years, has been blessed with this joyful and eternal moment. Mask one of the pearls of my creative life. Thanks, Chuck.”
Mask was one of the early peaks of Kerry’s career along with Ace Ventura: Pet Detective And Dumb and Dumberall released in 1994. The comedy starred Carrey as a mild-mannered bank teller who discovers that an enchanted mask can transform him into a green-faced trickster superhero, capable of transforming himself and his surroundings with cartoon-like ease.
In addition to starring Carrey, The Mask marked the screen debut of Cameron Diaz. The box office hit was nominated for an Oscar for the visual effects of George Lucas’s Industrial Light and Magic.
Russell died July 22 at his home in the San Diego area. The cause of death has not been released, but he was pronounced dead after the local fire department responded to his home for a reported medical emergency.
Russell’s other films included A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, The Blob, Eraser And Scorpio King.
Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, “The Mask” (1994)
New Line Cinema/Everett Collection