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'I want to be a positive force'

Comedian Jim Carrey is optimistic an upbeat about life, and says he doesn't believe in regret or failure

JIM CARREY, 46, is Hollywood's most successful comic actor. Born in Canada, he dropped out of school to support his struggling family by sweeping floors in a factory. But his humble roots didn't hold him back and he became the first star to earn $20 million a movie. He lives with actress Jenny McCarthy and her five-year-old son Evan. His hit films include The Mask, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, Bruce Almighty and Liar Liar. He is starring with Steve Carell in the animated film Horton Hears A Who, based on the Dr Seuss children's classic.

What were your dreams as a child?

I just wanted to make people feel good. My mother was very sick and in pain all the time. I started performing when I was child, to make her feel better. When I knew I had that power to relieve her, I realised I had something. It started out that way, making people laugh, and then I wanted to do it for a living.

Who are you more like, your mother or father?

My late father, Percy. Talk about animated - he was a cartoon. I just wanted to make people laugh like he did.

What's your biggest regret?

I don't have any regrets. I don't believe in regret or failure. I believe in the philosophy of 'whatever happens to me is the greatest thing that could happen, no matter what'.

What's your greatest moment of desperation?

I don't look back at anything that way. I've been depressed and had my heart broken. Today, though, I have a different perspective on it. If I hadn't had that depression, I wouldn't have been able to do a lot of things - like Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. I couldn't have done it without those moments when I thought it was the end of the world.

Is there anything you are trying to give up?

No, I am pretty disciplined and healthy these days. I gave up wheat and dairy. I am not religious about it. But I do think that the best fuels for humans are veggies and protein.

What has been your greatest challenge?

Being authentic. It's all about being what you want to be, rather than what you think you should be in order to make it or be accepted. The challenge is to fly in the face of people who say: 'You shouldn't do this or that.' I have to do whatever is right for me.

What's your idea of heaven?

Being here now with you, being present. I am having such fun right now. I am really in a good place in my life and my relationship. And I still have this childlike joy in doing my job, which is the greatest gift for me.

Will you get married to Jenny?

No, we won't get married, although I'm very happy. It is wonderful to have someone who entertains you and gets your jokes! It's all right with me if other people do it, but for me it is not necessary.

Best advice?

Brush your dentist twice a day; visit your toothbrush twice a year.

Rich and famous or poor and anonymous?

I'm very, very happy with my life and I like meeting people. It's an illusion that stars feel they have to be isolated from people - you don't. It's great when people come up and tell me they love my films.