The Role That Nearly Ended Jim Carrey’s Career Before It Began

Jim Carrey, one of the most iconic comedians of his generation, has always been known for his determination and willingness to fight for what he believes in. His career, spanning decades, is filled with collaborations with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, from comic legends like Jack Black and Will Ferrell to dramatic powerhouses like Kate Winslet and Morgan Freeman. However, Carrey’s commitment to his co-stars hasn’t always been smooth sailing—especially when it came to hiring a key actor for one of his breakout films, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

Carrey, who was relatively unknown at the time, had a vision for the film that included a bold decision: he wanted Sean Young to play Lois Einhorn, Ventura’s primary rival. This casting choice, however, was met with resistance from the studio. Young, an 80s pin-up star famous for her roles in Blade Runner and Wall Street, had seen her career take a downturn by the early 90s. Her reputation had been marred by a high-profile legal dispute and allegations of harassment, making her a controversial choice for the role. Despite this, Carrey saw something in Young that others didn’t.

As Young later recalled in an interview with The Daily Beast, it was Carrey’s steadfast belief in her that eventually secured the role. “Morgan Creek [the production company] wanted someone else, and Jim Carrey wanted me. And he fought for me. And I got the part,” Young shared. “He’s the only leading man who ever did that for me. Jim came in and said, ‘No, no, no. Whatever you’re hearing is bullshit. She’s great.’” Carrey’s determination to stand by his choice made all the difference, and Young was cast as the memorable—and controversial—Lt. Lois Einhorn.

The role of Einhorn was pivotal in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, a film that catapulted Carrey to superstardom. However, the character’s eventual reveal as Ray Finkle—combined with the film’s treatment of a transgender character—has been the subject of criticism in more recent years. What was once intended as comedic and outrageous has been revisited with a more critical lens, particularly in a cultural climate more aware of LGBTQ+ issues. Nevertheless, Young’s performance remains one of her most notable, despite the polarizing nature of the role.

Carrey’s decision to go to bat for Young is a testament to his conviction and loyalty to those he believed in, even if it meant jeopardizing his own career. At the time, Carrey was in a precarious position—his career was on the verge of taking off, but his fame had not yet reached the astronomical heights it would soon achieve. By sticking his neck out for a controversial choice, Carrey was taking a risk that could have backfired. But his confidence in Young’s talent paid off, and it helped deliver a performance that would be remembered for years to come.

Unfortunately, Young’s career couldn’t fully recover from her previous controversies. After Ace Ventura, she had a particularly bizarre moment when she auditioned for the role of Catwoman in Batman Returns—showing up in a full homemade costume. Later, in 2012, she was escorted out of an Oscars afterparty for allegedly causing a scene. Despite Ace Ventura offering a brief career boost, Young’s past scandals continued to overshadow her efforts.

Carrey’s role in Young’s casting is a key moment in his career, not just because of his support for his co-star, but because it showcased his integrity in a cutthroat industry. It was an act of defiance against the norms and expectations of Hollywood at the time—one that ultimately paid off both for Young’s career and for Carrey’s as he solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the film industry.

At a pivotal stage in his own ascent to stardom, Jim Carrey made a bold and admirable move, sticking to his principles and fighting for the talent he believed in. His determination to hire Sean Young despite the resistance from the studio is a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments in Hollywood come not from following the rules, but from breaking them in pursuit of something greater.