“Be ready, or he’ll burn your soul”: Jim Carrey Was Terrified of Morgan Freeman, Found It Extremely “Uncomfortable” To Work With Him

Jim Carrey, a celebrated actor, comedian, writer, and artist of Canadian-American origin, is renowned for his vibrant and offbeat portrayals on screen. He is particularly recognized for his comedic brilliance in iconic films such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber. Carrey’s versatility and distinct approach have garnered him a devoted following.

Jim Carrey

In the 2003 comedy-drama Bruce Almighty, Jim Carrey had the privilege of working alongside the esteemed actor Morgan Freeman. Their on-screen dynamic was exceptional, with Carrey portraying a man granted divine powers while Freeman took on the role of God. Their collective talent and magnetic presence made the film a memorable and enjoyable watch for viewers.

Jim Carrey Was Scared To Work With Morgan Freeman

During a BBC interview, Jim Carrey was inquired about his experience sharing the screen with the iconic Morgan Freeman, often referred to as a “movie God.” Carrey enthusiastically described his experience working with Morgan Freeman, praising his class and cool demeanor while also finding him a bit intimidating. He shared a humorous anecdote about Freeman playfully scaring the director, Tom Shadyac.

Jim Carrey and Morgan Freeman in a still from Bruce Almighty

Carrey remarked on Morgan Freeman’s magnetic presence, comparing him to a laser that pierces the soul, and how he had a playful yet uncomfortable way of raking Shadyac over the coals during filming.

“The first day I met Morgan, I walk up to him, shake his hand, and say, ‘Hi Morgan, this is so great, I’m so glad you’re doing this movie.’ And he says, ‘Nice to meet you too. Now, never touch me again.’ He’s just got that way about him. He’s like this laser that goes right to your soul. He raked Tom over the coals something awful through this whole movie – you knew he was joking, but it was still so uncomfortable. To me, he’s one of those guys that every actor is afraid of because you walk on screen with him and you’ve got to be ready. Be ready, or he’ll burn your soul.”

Freeman’s commanding presence on-screen made every actor keenly aware of being fully prepared to match his level of performance.

Jim Carrey Has Been To Some Dark Places

During the interview, Jim Carrey was also questioned about the dark places his character, Bruce, experiences in the film Bruce Almighty, and whether he had encountered similar challenges in his own life.

Jim Carrey candidly acknowledged that he had experienced dark places in his life, often related to love and heartbreak. He humorously pointed out that men often find themselves brought to their knees due to these emotions.

Jim Carrey

“Oh, yeah, sure. It’s always… generally about a woman and [laughs] love lost, or yearning for. That’s generally what brings men to their knees. There are absolutely, dark places that I’ve been to. I’ve been on my knees many times in my life, and the only way I ever get out of it is by looking at what I have, and what’s been given to me.”
Carrey emphasized that focusing on what he already has and being grateful for it was the key to overcoming those difficult times. Bruce Almighty is available for streaming on Peacock.