Was Melissa Womer Jim Carrey’s first love? A closer look at their past
Melissa Womer is an American actress and producer best known for her appearance in the 1999 film Man on the Moon. She skyrocketed to fame following her marriage to American-Canadian actor Jim Carrey, whom she divorced in 1995.
I wake up every day in shock that he is doing this. This is a man I went to church with, a man who used to have lunch with our minister.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Melissa has forged a private life away from the public limelight.
- Womer and Jim Carrey married in 1987 and have a daughter, Jane Erin Carrey.
- Womer claims that Carrey's Hollywood fame affected their marriage.
Melissa Womer's profile summary
| Full name | Melissa Jaine Womer |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | July 8, 1960 |
| Age | 65 years old (in 2025) |
| Place of birth | New York, United States |
| Current residence | Hollywood, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches |
| Weight | 59 kg (approx) |
| Relationship status | Divorced |
| Ex-husband | Jim Carrey |
| Children | Jane Erin Carrey |
| Education | University of Kansas |
| Profession | Actress and producer |
A look at Melissa Womer and Jim Carrey's relationship timeline
Jim Carrey's first wife was Melissa Womer, an actress and producer. They met in the 1980s at the Sunset Boulevard Comedy Club, where she worked at the comedy store.
The former celebrity couple dated for over a year before exchanging their vows on March 28, 1987, at Hotel Mahi-Mahi in Santa Monica, California. Jim Carrey and Melissa Womer share a daughter, Jane Erin Carrey, born in 1987.
Source: Original
When did Jim Carrey's divorce from Melissa Womer occur?
Jim Carrey filed for divorce from Melissa Womer on November 1, 1993. However, there was some dispute about the exact date of their separation.
Melissa claimed they separated in November 1993, while Jim stated they parted ways around June 15, 1993. The divorce was finalised in 1995.
The couple's separation date was disputed because Jim Carrey had signed a lucrative contract for The Mask when the split was formalised. Melissa would have rights to half of that income if they were still married when the agreement was signed.
Jim Carrey's divorce settlement
Jim Carrey's divorce settlement with his ex-wife, Melissa Womer, was complicated and contentious. Carrey initially offered a $500,000 one-time settlement.
However, Melissa wanted between $5 million and $10 million and $25,000 monthly for alimony and child support. The final settlements were kept private.
Why did Jim Carrey and Melissa split?
The former couple divorced primarily due to the demanding nature of Carrey's career. According to a Rolling Stone interview, Womer gave Jim an ultimatum: to choose his newly found fame or his old home life, but he chose his Hollywood career. She stated,
You must come home and put your feet back on the ground and take your garbage out like everyone else, or I can't be married to you.
Source: Getty Images
Exploring Melissa Womer's age and early life
Melissa Womer, 65 years old in 2025, was born in New York, United States, on July 8, 1960. While attending the University of Kansas, she grew up in a dysfunctional home, plagued by substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence, according to sources.
A look into Melissa Womer's career
After she graduated from the University of Kansas, Melissa relocated to Hollywood, California, where she landed a job as a cocktail waitress at a Sunset Boulevard comedy club. While there, she showcased her comedy prowess while performing at an open mic night, garnering some popularity.
In 1999, she portrayed a comedy store waitress in Man on the Moon. She also boasts two movie production credits. These include:
- 2004: The Yesterday's Show With John Kerwin
- 1997: Real Stories of the Donut Men
Melissa Womer's net worth
The exact amount of Melissa Womer's net worth is not publicly documented. However, her ex-husband, Jim Carrey, has an estimated fortune of $180 million as per Celebrity Net Worth.
His wealth primarily stems from his successful career as a top actor. He was once the highest-paid actor, earning over $20 million from a movie.
Source: Getty Images
Who was Jim Carrey's love of his life?
In his memoir, Jim Carrey referred to Renée Zellweger, an American actress, as the "love of his life." He wrote,
Man, the great love of my life was Renee Zellweger, ’ and that was quite some time ago, and it was almost like you were saying I shouldn't have that up. That was the one, whatever happened, the one that got away.
He first met the talented actress on the set of Me, Myself & Irene in 1999. They dated for over a year but called off their relationship in 2000. Carrey has since described the relationship as very special and meaningful to him.
Why did Jim Carrey leave acting?
Jim Carrey initially left acting in 2022, primarily because he felt he had done enough and wanted a break from the public spotlight. Carrey discussed his leaving during a December 2024 interview with E! News. He said,
I think whenever you step away from something—even if it's something you love—you get a new appreciation for it.
In a late 2024 interview, Carrey talked about what made him return to the entertainment industry after a temporary retirement, hinting at new roles. He said,
I came back to this universe because, first of all, I get to play a genius. Which is a bit of a stretch. I bought a lot of stuff and I need the money, frankly. Yes, I'm sure something will happen.
Source: Getty Images
Trivia
- Melissa has a grandchild named Jackson Riley.
- Womer once stated that she was ready to be a traditional wife.
- Her daughter Erin has forged a career in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Melissa Womer is best known as the first wife of popular American-Canadian actor Jim Carrey. She married the actor after meeting him in the early 1980s. They welcomed a daughter, Jane Carrey, on September 6, 1987, before calling off their marriage in a contentious divorce process.
READ MORE: Jim Carrey's relationships and dating history
Briefly.co.za shared an article about Jim Carrey, one of Hollywood's most legendary actors and comedians, best known for his weird facial expressions in his more comical roles.
Besides his career, he has been in a romantic relationship with prominent women in the entertainment industry. Some women he has been associated with include Melissa Womer, Lauren Holly, and Linda Ronstadt.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
