‘I’m Retiring’: Jim Carrey, 61, on Leaving LA & Enjoying Quiet Life after Hearing He ‘Had 10 Minutes to Live’

• Jim Carrey once believed that he had only "ten minutes to live."
• This came after an emergency alert in Hawaii.
• Evidently, he made it through to several more years of life and has since announced that he is retiring from Hollywood.

Veteran actor Jim Carrey saw his life flash before his eyes following an emergency alert several years ago. Since then, he has teased retirement for a low-key life.

Carrey appeared on "The Howard Stern Show" in July 2020 to promote his book, "Memoirs and Misinformation," of which the cover had a screenshot photo of him from his computer.

The image was taken the moment he thought he was about to die. An emergency alert stated North Korea would send a missile to Hawaii, where he was at the time. However, it turned out to be fake. But Carrey was unaware of this then, and the picture shows him hearing the news about an incoming missile on the island. The movie star explained the photo was taken by someone who works for him:

"This is by my assistant Linda, who at the time was warning me that we had ten minutes to live. That the missiles were about to land, and she was clutching the phone so tightly, that she accidentally took a screenshot, and this is my face staring into the abyss."

At that moment, Carrey expressed that he slipped into a place of gratitude, reflecting on his fulfilling life. He described it as incredible. "It was more a wave of calm coming over me and a sense of 'Oh, that's strange. Huh, what a funny way for this all to end.' And that's the feeling I got," he said at the time.

Upon hearing about the alert, people panicked as they abandoned their vehicles on a highway, set to flee their homes. There were other public figures in Hawaii at the time.

Singer Diana Ross was on the island for her concert and described feeling "very frightened" about the ordeal. The legendary music star revealed she had to evacuate through the basement of the hotel where she was staying at the time and finally managed to get back to Los Angeles.

Basketball star Magic Johnson reportedly sought shelter amid the panic as a social media user revealed the businessman and other people there were all packed up in what was described as a "fall out shelter." Meanwhile, Carrey tried to decide what to do, revealing, "I tried to get off the island on the phone to my daughter and I couldn't get through."

He opted to sit and watch the ocean while thinking of all he could be grateful for. Two minutes later, he received a call from co-author Dana Vachon, who informed him the alert was a false alarm.

When discussing whether the experience changed him, the "Bruce Almighty" star said it is now a part of him and his book, adding, "When all is lost, then all is found."

Following such a terrifying experience, the Canadian announced, "I'm retiring, probably," in April 2022, during an "Access Hollywood" appearance, explaining:

"I'm taking a break. I really like my quiet life... And I really love my spiritual life... I have enough. I've done enough. I am enough."

But Carrey did not rule out a possible comeback, saying if he gets presented with a script that he would like to explore down the road, then he might consider a return:

Carrey Put His Home of 30 Years on the Market

Carrey also decided to list his longtime home in Los Angeles on the market in February 2023. He described it as his haven but admitted he had spent less time there and wanted someone else to enjoy it.

The comedian bought the property in 1994 for $3.8 million. The house, where he had lived for thirty years and which consists of five bedrooms and nine bathrooms, is 12,700 square feet and was listed for $28.9 million.

It is a one-story ranch abode in Brentwood, California, and features contemporary elements throughout the house, with more natural light coming inside.

The floors are polished brick and hardwood, and the ceilings are beamed with skylights. Multiple rooms, including living, dining, and family spaces, all feature fireplaces and stunning views. The house has several glass doors leading to a large courtyard patio. It also has a chef's kitchen with spacious cabinets and advanced appliances.

In addition, Carrey is reportedly among celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, Steven Tyler, and Willie Nelson, who own properties in Maui, Hawaii.

In May 2017, a custom-crafted home villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Maui was put on the market for $29 million. Built in 2004, the estate reportedly had famous neighbors, including Carrey and Tyler.

The property mentioned above is situated near the luxurious resort community of Wailea on the shores of Makena, and it features front-row views of the ocean.

Carrey is 61 years old and has been married twice. He was previously married to actress Melissa Womer from 1987 until 1995. The former couple welcomed a daughter together named Jane Carrey in September 1987.

The Hollywood star's second wife is actress Lauren Holly, with whom he had a short-lived marriage. The pair wed in 1996, divorced in 1997, and did not have kids together.

Carrey has one grandchild named Jackson, and he fondly talked about their relationship in an interview in April 2022. The father of one was discussing his film, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," when he was asked whether his grandchild was interested in the animated movie.

"Oh yeah, for sure he loves it," said the proud grandparent as he smiled. Carrey shared that Jackson usually defeats him while playing the game and often makes fun of him.

When asked whether they look alike from his perspective, "The Truman Show," star said there is undoubtedly a resemblance between him and his grandson, with whom he spends time playing video games.

Carrey further revealed his grandchild also took after him in terms of height, saying he is almost as tall as him and adding he is a funny youngster.