Jim Carrey paid an emotional tribute to ‘The Mask’ director Chuck Russell, who passed away on July 22 at his San Diego area home.Image credit (Instagram)

Jim Carrey has opened up about the passing of director Chuck Russell, who helmed the 1994 superhero comedy ‘The Mask’. The actor reminisced about working with Russell, calling it a defining moment of his creative career and praising the director’s unique ability to encourage artistic collaboration on set. Carrey shared an emotional tribute to the filmmaker, explaining how Russell’s warmth and creative vision still resonate with him and everyone involved with the iconic production.In a statement shared with PEOPLE on Friday, July 24, two days after Russell’s unexpected passing, Carrey expressed his deep admiration. “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,” the 64-year-old actor said. “The entire cast and crew were touched and inspired by his playfulness.“

Jim Carrey reflects on ‘The Mask’ as jewel of his creative life

Carrey elaborated on the lasting impact of the collaboration. “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.”

Jim Carrey called working with Chuck Russell on ‘The Mask’ a privilege and one of the jewels of his creative life.Image credit (Instagram)

In the 1994 film, Carrey played reserved bank teller Stanley Ipkiss, who discovers a mask that transforms him into a peculiar green creature capable of cartoonishly altering objects at will. The film also marked a significant career milestone for Cameron Diaz, who made her screen debut playing singer Tina Carlyle, Carrey’s onscreen love interest.

Chuck Russell passes away unexpectedly at San Diego area home

Russell passed away at his home in the San Diego area on Wednesday, July 22, according to his family. The local fire department was called to his residence Wednesday afternoon following reports of an unconscious male. A cause of death remains unknown at this time.

Chuck Russell’s directorial career spanned horror and action franchises

Known for his eclectic storytelling style, Russell made his directorial debut with 1987’s ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors’, which he also wrote. He followed the production with 1988’s horror film ‘The Blob’.

Director Chuck Russell, known for ‘The Mask’, ‘Eraser’ and ‘The Scorpion King’, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 65.Image credit (Instagram)

Following the success of ‘The Mask’, Russell continued to work with major action stars, collaborating with Arnold Schwarzenegger on 1996’s ‘Eraser’. He went on to direct ‘The Scorpion King’ in 2002, which was the first time Dwayne Johnson had a major role in a movie.He was a versatile director with the gift for genre-hopping (from horror to action-comedy) who could bring originality to all kinds of material.