Chuck Russell, the director behind the 1994 comedy hit The Mask, died on July 22 at his home in the San Diego area. He was 74. A cause of death has not been disclosed. The local fire department responded to his home on a reported medical emergency, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jim Carrey issued a public statement following the news. "I consider it a privilege to have worked with Chuck Russell, who during the shooting of The Mask, created an ebullient, childlike atmosphere of wonder and camaraderie on his set," Carrey said. "The entire cast and crew were touched and inspired by his playfulness."
Carrey continued: "Every one of us has been many years blessed by that buoyant and timeless moment. I consider The Mask one of the jewels of my creative life. Thank you, Chuck."
According to Deadline, The Mask was one of Carrey's early career peaks, released in the same year as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Dumb and Dumber. The film cast Carrey as a meek bank teller who discovers an enchanted mask that transforms him into a green-faced trickster superhero capable of altering himself and his surroundings with cartoon-like ease.
The film also marked the screen debut of Cameron Diaz. It earned an Oscar nomination for visual effects, which were created by George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic.
Russell's career extended well beyond The Mask. His other directing credits included A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, The Blob, Eraser, and The Scorpion King.
