Jim Carrey Speaks Out on “The Mask” Director Chuck Russell’s Death, Says He Considers it ‘a Privilege’ to Have Worked With Him

Russell died on Wednesday, July 22, according to his family

NEED TO KNOW

• Jim Carrey praised director Chuck Russell for creating a “playful” and inspiring atmosphere on the set of The Mask
• Russell died in his home in San Diego on Wednesday, July 22, his family told TMZ
• Chuck Russell was known for his work on films like A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 and The Scorpion King

Jim Carrey is speaking out about the death of The Mask director Chuck Russell.

“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 in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Friday, July 24. “The entire cast and crew were touched and inspired by his playfulness.”

Carrey, 64, worked with the late Russell on the 1994 superhero comedy. The film followed Carrey as reserved bank teller Stanley Ipkiss, who discovers a mask that turns him into a peculiar green creature that has the power to cartoonishly alter objects at his will by wearing the mask, a creation of the Norse god Loki. The film also served as Cameron Diaz‘s debut, in which she played singer Tina Carlyle, Carrey’s onscreen love interest.

“Every one of us has been many years blessed by that buoyant and timeless moment,” the actor’s statement continued. “I consider The Mask one of the jewels of my creative life. Thank you, Chuck.”

The director died unexpectedly at his home in the San Diego area on Wednesday, July 22, his family told TMZ, which was first to report the news.

The local fire department was called to his home Wednesday afternoon amid reports of an unconscious male, per the outlet. A cause of death is not known at this time.

Representatives for Russell did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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Known for his eclectic storytelling style, Russell made his directorial debut with 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, which he also wrote. He followed the movie with 1988’s horror The Blob.

Following The Mask, Russell worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1996’s Eraser, and directed The Scorpion King in 2002, which marked Dwayne Johnson’s first leading role.

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