Director Chuck Russell dies at 74, Jim Carrey pays tribute

Chuck Russell, the director behind the 1994 blockbuster 'The Mask', died unexpectedly at age 74 in his San Diego home on Wednesday, July 23, 2026 Source: La Voz. The cause of death has not been released Source: Clarín.

Russell launched the careers of Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz with 'The Mask', which grossed over $350 million worldwide and earned an Oscar nomination for visual effects Source: La Vanguardia. Carrey remembered Russell in a statement: 'Considero un privilegio haber trabajado con Chuck Russell, quien durante el rodaje de La Máscara creó un ambiente exuberante, infantil, de asombro y camaradería en el set' Source: La Voz.

Earlier in his career, Russell revitalized the 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' franchise with 'Dream Warriors' (1987) and directed cult horror 'The Blob' (1988) Source: Milenio. He later worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger ('Eraser', 1996) and gave Dwayne Johnson his first lead role in 'The Scorpion King' (2002) Source: El Mundo. His final film was a remake of 'Witchboard', released in 2024 Source: Infobae.

Russell's death comes months after the passing of 'The Mask' co-star Peter Greene in December 2025 Source: Heraldo de México. Russell is survived by his family.