JIM CARREY PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE THE MASK DIRECTOR CHUCK RUSSELL, CALLS FILM 'ONE OF THE JEWELS' OF HIS CREATIVE LIFE. (PHOTO).

 Jim Carrey pays tribute to late The Mask director Chuck Russell, calls film 'one of the jewels' of his creative life

Jim Carrey has paid tribute to director Chuck Russell following the filmmaker's death at the age of 74, reflecting on their work together on the 1994 film The Mask.

In a statement obtained by Page Six, Carrey said he considered it a privilege to have worked with Russell, describing the atmosphere the director created during production.

"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," Carrey said.

He added that Russell's approach had a lasting impact on those involved in the production.

"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."

Carrey concluded his tribute by thanking Russell and describing The Mask as "one of the jewels of my creative life."

Russell died on June 22 in San Diego, according to his wife, Ania, who confirmed his death to The New York Times.

During his career, Russell directed films including A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987), The Blob (1988), The Mask (1994), Eraser (1996) and The Scorpion King (2002). His most recent project was the 2024 film Witchboard, for which he served as writer, director and producer.

The Mask was released in 1994, the same year Carrey also starred in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Dumb and Dumber.