Wayans Jr. Shares Hilarious and Terrifying Story of Jim Carrey’s Wild Car Windshield Prank!

Jim Carrey, the iconic comedian and actor known for his outrageous humor, once pulled off a prank that left a lasting impression on a young Damon Wayans Jr. The prank, which occurred in the late 1980s or early 1990s, showcases Carrey’s unpredictable and larger-than-life comedic style, a trait that has made him a household name.

Damon Wayans Jr., now a well-known actor and comedian with roles in New Girl and Happy Endings, was just a child at the time, possibly 5 or 6 years old, when Carrey—who had been working with his father, Damon Wayans Sr., on various projects like In Living Color—decided to make a memorable mark on him. The prank took place during a late-night drive when the Wayans family was waiting for a gate to open. What happened next, as recounted by Wayans Jr. in an interview on SiriusXM’s The Spotlight With Jessica Shaw in October 2024, was nothing short of unexpected.

Carrey, in true chaotic fashion, dropped out of a tree onto the windshield of the Wayans family car. Wayans Jr. described the moment vividly, recalling Carrey sliding down the glass, his face smearing in the process. The spectacle was so outlandish that it even prompted Wayans Sr. to turn on the windshield wipers in an attempt to clear the “mess” on the glass, adding a humorous touch to an already absurd situation.

The prank left Wayans Jr. laughing in hindsight, describing Carrey as “just wild.” This comment perfectly encapsulates Carrey’s reputation for being a “human cartoon,” known for his high-energy performances and unpredictable antics. For Wayans Jr., this prank became one of his earliest and most memorable experiences, highlighting the comedic genius that would later inspire his own career in comedy.

The prank also caught the attention of Wayans Sr., who jokingly commented during the interview that his children thought Carrey was funnier than he was. Wayans Jr. responded humorously, suggesting that Carrey’s comedic approach was “more desperate,” a playful jab at Carrey’s relentless commitment to making people laugh.

This funny, slightly terrifying moment was widely covered by entertainment outlets, including People, Entertainment Weekly, Yahoo, and Cracked, following the release of the interview. The prank, described by Cracked as a “horror film-like” moment due to its eerie nighttime setting and Carrey’s sudden appearance, highlights the spontaneous nature of Carrey’s humor, a trait that was a hallmark of his time on In Living Color.

What’s particularly interesting about this prank is the setting and timing. The late-night moment, while waiting for a gate to open, adds a sense of surprise and improvisation to the event, emphasizing Carrey’s knack for creating chaos on the fly. It wasn’t a staged gag; it was an unplanned, in-the-moment act of absurdity that perfectly aligned with his reputation for impromptu humor.

For Wayans Jr., who was just a young child at the time, the prank became a formative experience. As he recalled it as one of his earliest memories, it’s clear that the incident left a significant mark, helping shape his later career in comedy. The unforgettable image of Carrey smeared on the windshield, paired with his father’s practical response, illustrates the lasting influence of Carrey’s comedic energy on those around him.

Ultimately, this prank stands as a testament to Jim Carrey’s unique ability to blend physical humor with unpredictability, leaving an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to witness his antics—including a young Damon Wayans Jr., who would go on to embrace the same comedic spirit.