Jim Carrey has spoken out following the death of The Mask director Chuck Russell, aged 74.
Russell died unexpectedly at his home in the San Diego area on Wednesday (22 July), his family told TMZ. The outlet reported that the local fire department had been called to his home amid reports of an unconscious male.
His death was confirmed by his attorney to Variety; a cause of death is yet to be disclosed.
Carrey played the wacky trickster at the heart of Russell’s hit 1994 film, which also starred Cameron Diaz in her film debut.
In a statement given to People magazine, Carrey called it a “privilege to have worked” with Russell, “who during the shooting of The Mask, created an ebullient, childlike atmosphere of wonder and camaraderie on his set”.
“The entire cast and crew were touched and inspired by his playfulness,” he said. “Every one of us has been many years blessed by that buoyant and timeless moment.”
Carrey concluded: “I consider The Mask one of the jewels of my creative life. Thank you, Chuck.”
Born in Park Ridge, Illinois, Russell got his start in the film industry as an executive producer on the 1981 slasher Hell Night, starring Linda Blair. He went on to write the 1984 sci-fi epic Dreamscape, starring Dennis Quaid.
Not long after, Russell made his directorial debut with the well-received 1987 film A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, which he also wrote.
In addition to The Mask, Russell directed the 1988 horror film The Blob, and 1996’s Eraser starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a US marshal opposite James Caan and Vanessa Williams.
He later worked with Kim Basinger and Christina Ricci on the 2000 horror film Bless the Child.
Russell was behind the camera for Dwanye Johnson’s star-making turn in The Scorpion King. Released in 2002, the action movie was the former wrestler’s first leading role after having played the same character in 2001’s The Mummy Returns.
He released his final film in 2024. A remake of the 1986 horror classic of the same name, Witchboard featured Stranger Things star Jamie Campbell Bower.
