Jim Carrey Saddened By Death of ‘The Mask’ Director Chuck Russell

Jim Carrey is saddened by the sudden death of “The Mask” director Chuck Russell … and he’s explained why their connection was so profound.

Jim tells TMZ … “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.”

Jim continues … “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.”

As most fans know … Jim was catapulted into superstardom by his ’90s trio of blockbusters, beginning with “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” … then “The Mask,” followed with “Dumber & Dumber.”

TMZ broke the news … Chuck died unexpectedly at his San Diego-area home Wednesday … emergency crews responded for an unspecified medical emergency.

Russell enjoyed a distinguished career as a film director, screenwriter, and producer after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

He made his directorial debut with 1987’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” — and wrote and directed the cult horror film, “The Blob,” in 1988.

He not only directed “The Mask” … but also collaborated with George Lucas‘s Industrial Light and Magic to help create groundbreaking digital technologies that combined live-action performance with brand-new concepts in visual effects. In fact, his work on the film earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.

His final film was a remake of the 1986 film “Witchboard,” which he wrote and directed in 2024.

He is survived by Ania, his wife of 19 years; his three children, Logan, Riley, and Carlyn; former wife Patti Rao; and his sister Anne Jacob.

Russell was 74.