Jim Carrey, a comedic icon, has consistently delivered memorable performances throughout his career. One such moment occurred during his hosting stint on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2014. In the Halloween episode of Season 40, Carrey transformed into ‘Helvis,’ a devilish Elvis Presley, leaving audiences in stitches. This article delves into Carrey’s spot-on Elvis impression, exploring the humor and creativity behind this unforgettable SNL moment.
Carrey’s ability to blend humor with iconic figures is a testament to his talent. His ‘Helvis’ performance is not just a simple impression; it’s a creative reimagining that showcases his comedic genius. The skit, filled with musical interludes and quirky humor, quickly became a fan favorite. Let’s explore the details of this hilarious performance and why it remains a standout moment in SNL history.
How to Watch Jim Carrey’s SNL Monologue
The episode aired on October 25, 2014. The Dumb and Dumber To star dressed up as a devilish version of Elvis Presley, or ‘Helvis,’ for his musical monologue. Watch Saturday Night Live on NBC and Peacock.
Jim Carrey’s Love for Halloween
Carrey professes his affection for Halloween, remarking, ‘I personally love Halloween. Everyone dresses up in crazy outfits and acts insane. It’s the one day of the year that I actually blend in!’ He clarified that his costume was ‘a bit of a hybrid,’ blending the King of Rock and Roll with a touch of devilish charm.
The ‘Helvis’ Concept: Heaven, Hell, and Peanut Butter
Carrey joked, ‘Now, we all know that Helvis went to heaven. That’s easy enough to prove. But while he was here, he did like to raise a little hell. He also really loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches, but eventually he came to an important realization: Man cannot live on fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches alone. I mean, what about dessert?’ This sets the stage for a hilarious musical number centered around a different kind of craving.
A Musical Ode to Pecan Pie
Backed by Season 40 cast members, including Kate McKinnon, Taran Killam, Cecily Strong, and Sasheer Zamata, Carrey’s Helvis launches into an elaborate musical number all about pecan pie. This performance will have you singing about pecan pie all day, craving it, or both. The unexpected focus on pecan pie adds to the skit’s humor, highlighting Carrey’s ability to find comedic gold in the mundane.
Watch Jim Carrey’s Season 40 SNL monologue below:
Jim Carrey Once Auditioned for SNL as ‘Post-nuclear Elvis’
Carrey has multiple slightly demented Elvis impressions in his wheelhouse and famously included one in one of his auditions for SNL. He actually auditioned multiple times, starting with the 1980-1981 season when he was 18 years old. Eddie Murphy, who was around 19 at the time, was hired that season, while Carrey wasn’t selected. He tried again in both 1985 and 1986, where he tried out his ‘Post-nuclear Elvis’: a tiny-armed victim of war.
Carrey’s Perspective on Not Making it as an SNL Cast Member
A few days after his 2014 hosting stint, Carrey reflected on not making it as an SNL cast member. ‘I never make it in the normal ways,’ Carrey said of his big career breakthroughs. ‘It’s always the side window or the basement window or something like that. It’s been true all the way along. I had a psychotic belief system that something magical is going to happen. I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but if there’s no way in, a new way will be created.’ This highlights Carrey’s resilience and unique path to success.
Carrey’s Rise to Fame
Carrey was famously cast on the Fox sketch show In Living Color and spent four years honing his craft there before using his fame from the show to break into movies. By 1996, when he returned to 30 Rock as an SNL Host, he’d starred in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, Batman Forever, and Ace Ventura 2: When Nature Calls.
Watch Jim Carrey’s monologue from Season 40, Episode 4, above and stream every episode of SNL on Peacock anytime.
Conclusion
Jim Carrey’s ‘Helvis’ performance on SNL remains a shining example of his comedic brilliance. The skit’s blend of musical parody, quirky humor, and unexpected twists made it an instant classic. Carrey’s ability to transform into a devilish Elvis, combined with the cast’s impeccable timing, created a truly unforgettable moment in SNL history.
From his initial Elvis audition to his eventual hosting triumph, Carrey’s journey is a testament to his unique talent and unwavering determination. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, Carrey’s ‘Helvis’ performance is a must-watch, showcasing the comedic genius that has made him a beloved figure in entertainment.
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