Jim Carrey leads tributes to The Mask director Chuck Russell
Jim Carrey has paid tribute to The Mask director Chuck Russell, following his sudden death at the age of 74.
Jim Carrey has paid tribute to The Mask director Chuck Russell, following his sudden death.
The 74-year-old film filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer – who was best known for directing the films Eraser, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, The Blob, The Mask, Eraser, and The Scorpion King – was found dead in his San Diego, California, home, earlier this week.
Jim told TMZ in a statement: “I consider it a privilege to have worked with Chuck Russell, who, during the shooting of The Mask, created an ebullient, childlike atmosphere of wonder and camaraderie on his set.
"The entire cast and crew were touched and inspired by his playfulness. Every one of us has been many years blessed by that buoyant and timeless moment. I consider The Mask one of the jewels of my creative life. Thank you, Chuck."
TMZ first reported the death, revealing that a local fire department was called to Russell’s home earlier this week following a report of a medical emergency involving an unconscious male.
His death was confirmed to Variety by his attorney. A cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Russell started in the film industry as an executive producer on the 1981 slasher Hell Night, starring Linda Blair.
He went on to write the 1984 sci-fi movie Dreamscape, starring Dennis Quaid before making his directorial debut with 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, which he also wrote.
He recently spoke to PEOPLE about the lasting legacy of his 1996 film Eraser starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a US marshal opposite James Caan and Vanessa Williams.
Celebrating the movie’s 30th anniversary, he said: “It feels terrific. I’ve had 4Ks made of a few of my films. And I’m thrilled new audiences are discovering Eraser and The Mask. It goes on and on and all the way back to my first film, which was the third Elm Street: Dream Warriors. There seems to be ongoing fans and new audiences for these films, and I’m very proud of it.
“That’s the magic of filmmaking. And not to be corny about it, but that’s the one thing that, as a filmmaker, I don’t think you ever get over it, is we put our hearts and minds, and everything we’ve got into these movies and then to see an audience respond to it while I sit in the back is really an amazing experience.”
Russell’s final film was Witchboard, a 2024 horror about a cursed game that awakens a dark force. He is survived by his wife, Ania Zeyne, and three children.
