Jim Carrey was paid 140 times more than Jeff Daniels for 'Dumb And Dumber' after weeks of negotiations

At that time, Jeff Daniels' team told him not to take on the role as it may hinder his goal to win an Oscar

UPDATED JUN 22, 2023

Both Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels weren't exactly thrilled when they were offered roles in 'Dumb and Dumber' (Ben A. Pruchnie/Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The comedy blockbuster, 'Dumb and Dumber', could have been an entirely different film as Hollywood heavyweights Gary Oldman and Nicolas Cage were initially in the running for the lead roles. Surprisingly, even Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels were not exactly thrilled when they received their offers to star in the movie.

However, the story takes an intriguing turn when Carrey successfully negotiated a jaw-dropping salary that was 20 times more than the original offer. On the other hand, Daniels got a low salary and also was discouraged by his own team, who feared it would hinder his pursuit of an Oscar-worthy career. Little did they know that 'Dumb and Dumber' would go on to become one of the highest-grossing films of 1994.

Actors Jim Carrey (L) and Jeff Daniels arrive at the premiere of Universal Pictures and Red Granite Pictures' — Actors Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels arrive at the premiere of Universal Pictures and Red Granite Pictures' 'Dumb And Dumber To' on November 3, 2014 in Westwood, California (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Jim Carrey's big fat paycheck

During a Q&A, directors Bobby and Peter Farrelly spoke in detail about 'Dumb and Dumber'. Although the film turned into a cult classic, there were major hurdles at one point in time behind the scenes. Among them was getting Carrey onboard. He was initially offered $350,000, but he requested $400,000. This turned out to be a big mistake as the studio held off and once 'Ace Ventura' came out, Carrey's salary skyrocketed to 20 times higher than the initial offer. He was reportedly paid $7M.

Jim Carrey of — Jim Carrey speaks during the Showtime segment of the 2019 Summer TCA Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 2, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Peter reportedly said, "They offered him $350,000 to do the movie and he passed. He wanted like $400,000. And they held off. And then Ace Ventura came out, which was his first movie and it was number one. So the studio said… 'Okay, we'll give you the 400.' He said, 'No, I want 500.'" Carrey was able to pocket $7M for the role, and at the time, it was considered very high for a comedic actor.

Actors Jim Carrey (L) and Jeff Daniels attend the premiere of Universal Pictures and Red Granite Pictures' — Actors Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels attend the premiere of Universal Pictures and Red Granite Pictures' 'Dumb And Dumber To' on November 3, 2014 in Westwood, California (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

At the same, Daniels was heading in a completely different direction in his career. Known for his serious roles, he had set his sights on an Oscar.

'Please, anyone but him. Get a comedic actor!'

When the 'Dumb and Dumber' offer came knocking, Daniels was badly discouraged by his team, who warned him against taking on such a comedic role. Nevertheless, the actor felt it was time to shake things up. He reportedly said, "You know, I was doing a lot of dramas and heading towards an Oscars trail, whatever that is, and I just said, 'I'm not doing what I was five years ago; I'm not interested.' I am going to audition for that 'Dumb and Dumber thing.'"

Jeff Daniels accepts the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie award for 'Godless' onstage during the 70th Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

However, the transition wasn't smooth. The studio had reservations and wanted a comedic actor to star alongside Carrey. Consequently, they offered Daniels $50,000. Despite the low compensation, Daniels seized the opportunity to work with Carrey. Bobby said, "They said, 'Please, anyone but him. Get a comedic actor.' So they offered him, if I recall, 50 grand, which was, you know, Jim's getting seven mil, they offered him 50 figuring he'll say, 'No, I'm not taking that,' but he took it."

Actors Jim Carrey (L) and Jeff Daniels speak onstage during the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 24, 2014 in Inglewood, California. — Actors Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels speak onstage during the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 24, 2014 in Inglewood, California (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Daniels had some leverage thanks to Carrey, who was a staunch advocate for his casting. Daniels revealed, "There were comedians that wanted it, but he wanted an actor that would make him listen because he knew it was ping-pong, it was back and forth. So I just let him lead, and [Daniels’ character] Harry Dunne was like on a half-second delay to whatever [Carrey’s character] Lloyd would do."