Damon Wayans on the Moment He Knew Jim Carrey Was Unstoppable: ‘Standing Ovations Every Night’

Damon Wayans and Jim Carrey’s paths crossed in a significant way during the early 1990s, shaping both their careers. As a key member of the In Living Color cast, Wayans played a pivotal role in introducing Carrey to a wider audience. This collaboration, which included their work on the groundbreaking sketch comedy show as well as the 1988 film Earth Girls Are Easy, gave Wayans a front-row seat to witness Carrey’s comedic development and natural talent. In a recent interview on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Wayans reflected on Carrey’s extraordinary abilities, offering an insightful perspective on his early career and unmatched comedic skills.

Discovering Carrey’s Potential

During the podcast interview, which aired in April 2025, Wayans shared his initial recognition of Carrey’s potential, emphasizing that it didn’t take long for him and In Living Color creator Keenen Ivory Wayans to see that Carrey was a standout talent. “I truly knew he was special, special, and it didn’t take Keenen long to go, ‘He’s the guy,’” Wayans recalled. He pointed out that Carrey stood out even in a highly competitive field of aspiring actors, many of whom were vying for similar roles in Hollywood. This early recognition underscores Wayans’ confidence in Carrey’s unique abilities, marking him as a force to be reckoned with in comedy.

Carrey’s Mastery of Impressionism

One of the most striking elements of Carrey’s talent that Wayans highlighted was his mastery of impressionism. Wayans recounted their shared experiences in comedy clubs, where Carrey’s performances would often leave audiences in awe. “Me and Jim used to be in the comedy clubs. Jim Carrey is a master impressionist,” Wayans said. “He does like Sean Penn, like weird, like Michael Landon. He would get standing ovations in the comedy club, doing a 20-minute set. Now, any comedian will tell you that’s damn near impossible.” The rare skill to command such an impact in a live comedy setting was not lost on Wayans, who praised Carrey’s ability to captivate audiences and earn standing ovations with his unique takes on famous personalities.

However, Wayans also shared that Carrey had a complicated relationship with his impressionist talents. “He hated doing the impressions ’cause people thought that’s all he did,” Wayans added, acknowledging the pressure Carrey felt to break free from being labeled just an impressionist. Despite this, Wayans clearly viewed Carrey’s talent in this area as extraordinary, emphasizing how his ability to impersonate figures from a variety of fields demonstrated his versatility as a performer.

Carrey as a Transformative Figure

In the podcast, Wayans also compared Carrey’s influence in comedy to that of Eminem in the music world, noting, “He’s our Eminem.” This metaphor not only underscores Carrey’s breakout success but also positions him as a transformative figure in the comedic landscape. Just as Eminem revolutionized hip-hop with his unique style and raw talent, Carrey brought a fresh energy and creativity to comedy that made him a cultural icon. Wayans’ comparison reinforces the idea that Carrey wasn’t just a successful comedian—he was a game-changer who left an indelible mark on the industry.

Additional Insights into Carrey’s Energy and Playfulness

While Wayans focused largely on Carrey’s natural comedic talent, other anecdotes further illuminate the actor’s infectious energy and personality. Damon Wayans Jr., in an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Spotlight With Jessica Shaw, shared lighthearted stories about Carrey’s interactions with the Wayans family, describing him as “just wild.” Though this description is more about Carrey’s off-stage persona, it aligns with Wayans’ broader commentary on Carrey’s dynamic, larger-than-life presence, which contributed to his comedic appeal.

Carrey’s Career Trajectory

Wayans’ early recognition of Carrey’s potential was ultimately validated as Carrey’s career skyrocketed after In Living Color, leading to major film roles in The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. These films solidified Carrey’s status as a comedic powerhouse. Wayans’ admiration for Carrey’s stand-up and impressionist skills suggests that he appreciated Carrey’s raw talent, which was evident long before his film career took off. This perspective highlights Carrey’s evolution as a performer, from his days in the comedy clubs to his success in Hollywood.

Conclusion

Damon Wayans’ reflections on Jim Carrey provide valuable insight into the early years of one of comedy’s most influential figures. From Carrey’s mastery of impressions to his transformative impact on the comedy world, Wayans paints a picture of a natural talent who was destined for greatness. Their shared experiences in the comedy clubs and on In Living Color helped shape Carrey’s career, and Wayans’ praise further solidifies Carrey’s place as a comedic legend. As Wayans aptly put it, Carrey is not just a funny man—he’s a transformative force in the world of comedy.