Jerry Lawler Thought He Was Facing Kaufman Again—But It Was Jim Carrey, Lost in the Role

In 1999, Jim Carrey stunned audiences with his transformative portrayal of Andy Kaufman in Miloš Forman’s Man on the Moon. Known primarily for his high-energy comedic roles in films like Ace Ventura and The Mask, Carrey took an extraordinary dive into the complex world of Kaufman—so deep that his immersion unsettled even his co-stars, most notably professional wrestler Jerry Lawler. The 2017 documentary Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond offers a revealing behind-the-scenes look at how Carrey’s method acting blurred the line between actor and character, creating an intense atmosphere on set and an unforgettable performance.

Becoming Andy Kaufman—And Then Some

Carrey’s commitment to embodying Kaufman went beyond the usual acting techniques. From the moment filming began, he refused to answer to “Jim Carrey,” insisting instead on being called “Andy” or even Kaufman’s abrasive alter ego, Tony Clifton. This total surrender of self was no mere acting choice—it was a profound psychological transformation. In Jim & Andy, Carrey reflects, “I was no longer Jim Carrey. I was Andy.” Behind-the-scenes footage reveals Carrey interacting with Kaufman’s family and friends as if he truly were the late comedian, a dedication that both moved and disoriented those around him.

Director Miloš Forman described the experience as “uncanny,” noting that Carrey’s immersion created a surreal and sometimes unsettling environment where reality and performance became indistinguishable.

Jerry Lawler’s Unnerving Encounter

The actor most affected by Carrey’s deep dive was Jerry Lawler, the wrestling legend who played himself in the film. Lawler had a real-life history with Kaufman, whose 1980s wrestling antics included a staged but wildly convincing feud with Lawler that captivated fans.

One moment captured in The Ringer interview highlights the intensity of Carrey’s performance: during a wrestling scene, Carrey, fully in character as Kaufman, spat water in Lawler’s face—a direct reenactment of a real-life provocation. Lawler admitted the experience was “spooky,” as Carrey’s authentic mannerisms and taunts made him unsure if he was confronting Jim or the real Andy Kaufman again. “I didn’t know if I was dealing with Jim or Andy,” Lawler said, describing how the line between actor and character vanished.

The Highs and Lows of Method Acting

Jim & Andy also delves into Carrey’s personal struggles at the time of filming, including a difficult divorce and existential doubts about fame and identity. These inner battles deepened his connection to Kaufman, whose own career blurred the boundaries of reality and performance.

Carrey’s method acting went so far as to improvise as Tony Clifton on set, antagonizing the crew and sometimes losing control of his actions. Danny DeVito, a co-star, recalled Carrey’s behavior as both “brilliant and disruptive,” noting how his refusal to break character slowed production but gave the film a raw authenticity.

A Performance That Haunts

Carrey’s immersion in the role earned him a Golden Globe and a place among cinema’s most daring performances, but it came at a personal cost. The documentary captures his struggle with the psychological toll of losing himself so completely. For Jerry Lawler, Carrey’s portrayal forced a resurfacing of a complicated and emotionally charged chapter of his own life.

Together, Man on the Moon and Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond offer a rare glimpse into the power—and peril—of method acting, where an actor’s commitment transcends performance to become something closer to possession.