The very talented Jim Carrey has starred in A LOT of successful films. We usually see him in hilarious roles such as "Stanley" in The Mask, and "Ace" in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. But back in 2004, he portrayed "Joel" in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, an introvert who after splitting from his girlfriend "Clementine" (Kate Winslet,) erases her from his memory.

Although Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was certainly a big success, Jim Carrey's career could have gone in a very different way in the mid-2000s. During that time the 59-year-old actor got a very interesting offer to star in a Christmas classic film but he turned it down. 

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Jim Carrey as "Joel Barish" in the 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

THIS is the iconic Christmas role Jim Carrey turned down

If you are into Christmas films you probably remember the fan-favorite movie Elf (2003). According to screenwriter David Berenbaum, the script for the movie dates back to 1993 and it was originally written with Jim Carrey in mind to take on the main role of "Buddy" aka "Elf."

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However, Jim Carrey decided to pursue different opportunities and turned down the role, which eventually was played by the hilarious Will Ferrell. The Elf script was reportedly on stand-by for a decade before Will accepted to portray the legendary character. Can you even imagine Jim Carrey as "Elf"? We certainly can! But we also have to agree with the fact that Will Ferrell did an amazing job!

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Will Ferrell as "Buddy" in the 2003 film Elf 
Jim Carrey is known for his role as "Ace Ventura" in 1994's 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective'.

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Buddy, the Christmas Elf 2003 production still

Quiz

What is the name of "Buddy’s" love interest?