Jim Carrey is Kidding
on why playing a grief-stricken kids’ entertainer struck a personal chord…
Hollywood star
Jim Carrey brings his comedy talents to TV as he takes the lead in Sky Atlantic’s Kidding, which starts this week with a double bill.
But don’t expect the goofball humour of his movie hits Ace Ventura: Pet Detective or Dumb and Dumber – this 10-parter is a much darker affair.
The story revolves around kind-hearted Jeff Pickles, the host of kids’ show called Mr Pickles’ Puppet Time.
After 30 years on air, the show remains as popular as ever. But 12 months after his teenage son, Phil, was killed in a car accident, Jeff is struggling to keep things together.
‘He’s trying to hang on to who he was before, but he’s been hit by an emotional freight train,’ says Jim, 56. ‘He’s a ticking time bomb.’
When Jeff suggests devoting an episode of Puppet Time to grief, his producer Seb (Frank Langella) worries that the show will take a hit.
‘Everybody is concerned that
Jeff is going to fall apart and take the show down with him,’ says Jim.
Kidding holds special meaning for Jim, as it comes three years after his ex-girlfriend Cathriona White’s suicide. The series is one of the first roles he has taken on since then.
‘Projects find you when you’re ready to express them,’ explains Jim. ‘Here, the life experience matched up.’
Ultimately, Jim believes that Kidding will bring a positive message to viewers – despite the heartache and pain.
‘In the middle of all the chaos, there is light and hope,’ he says. ‘Whatever you’re dealing with
– even if it’s terrifying – it can always make you stronger if you look at it in the right way.’