Most parents would not take too kindly to their kids dropping out of school at such a young age, but Carrey’s parents knew his talents would shoot him into stardom eventually.
His father, Percy Carrey, was his number one fan and would even help the young comedian prepare his acts for the Toronto club’s stage. Carrey tried his hand at the famous Canadian standup comedy club called “Yuk Yuk’s.” It looked like he would be on his way.
Money Troubles
Jim Carrey has over the years achieved mega-star status as a millionaire comedian, but of course, things that like don't happen overnight. The Carreys were riddled with financial issues. As a kid, he and his brother had to work to help support the family.
Young Carrey got a job at a tire factory where his father worked, but the money he was earning there just wasn't going to cut it. Things worsened for some time and the family ended up homeless and started living out of a van.
Big Decision, Little Jim
While trying to hold down the job, Jim Carrey hit the comedy scene in the hopes of making it big. He auditioned for films, tried stand-up, whatever he could that would hone his skills for the big leagues.
It also turned out that school was just getting in the way, which is why he dropped out at 16 years old.
Not an Instant Hit
You would think a young Jim Carrey would just hop on stage and become an A-lister the next day. Not exactly. In fact, on stage at the 'Yuk Yuk's," Carrey would find that the comedy world is pretty cut-throat.
His impressions totally bombed, and the crowd was not into it. It would be a few more years until he got it right.
Getting it Right
It took some time for him to find the rhythm, but when it that happened, he was up, up, and away. As Carrey started to show some promise in the local comedy scene in Toronto, it became evident that he was destined for bigger things.
Soon Carrey would have to head out to Hollywood and make a name for himself.