Jim Carrey’s Ex-Wife Melissa Womer: Where Is She Now?

Everyone knows Jim Carrey. He’s one of the funniest and most famous actors in Hollywood. But before the world knew his name, there was Melissa Womer—the woman who stood by him when no one else did.

Melissa is more than just Jim Carrey’s ex-wife. She’s a strong woman who worked hard, loved deeply, and raised a daughter while quietly building her own life. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Melissa Womer really is, her life before and after fame, her marriage to Jim Carrey, their painful divorce, and what she’s doing now in 2026.

Let’s start from the beginning.

Melissa Womer Quick Bio

Who Is Melissa Womer?

Melissa Womer is an American actress and producer, best known for being the first wife of Jim Carrey. She became well-known after her marriage to the rising comedy star, but she had already been working hard on her own dreams long before that.

She was born Melissa Jaine Womer on July 8, 1960, in New York City, USA. Her journey was never easy, but she always found a way to keep going.

Melissa Womer’s Early Life and Childhood

Melissa didn’t grow up in a happy home. She once shared that her childhood was very hard. She lived in a dysfunctional family, which means there were serious problems in her home—things like violence, emotional pain, and instability.

But even through those dark days, Melissa stayed strong. She didn’t give up on life. Instead, she chose to push forward and make something better for herself. That strength she built in childhood stayed with her for the rest of her life.

Her story is a powerful reminder: even when life starts hard, you can still rise.

Melissa Womer’s Education and First Steps in Comedy

After finishing high school, Melissa went on to study at the University of Kansas. She was smart, funny, and creative. While at school, she started working for Q104 Radio in Kansas City, where she wrote jokes for a morning show.

This was her first real step into comedy and entertainment. Even though she wasn’t on stage yet, she was already learning how to make people laugh.

She wasn’t handed anything. She worked for it—every bit of it.

Big Dreams and Hard Work

After college, Melissa made a big move. She packed up and went to Los Angeles, hoping to chase her dreams in Hollywood. It was a bold choice, especially for someone without famous connections.

She got a job as a cocktail waitress at The Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard. This was no ordinary place—it was a famous comedy club where many stars, like Robin Williams and David Letterman, had performed.

Even while serving drinks, Melissa kept watching, learning, and believing she could one day be on that stage too. And she didn’t stop trying.

How Melissa Met Jim Carrey

One night at The Comedy Store, Melissa met someone who would change her life—Jim Carrey. Back then, Jim wasn’t rich or famous. He was just another young guy trying to make people laugh and earning $25 a night doing comedy.

Melissa saw something special in him. His energy, his wild sense of humor—it stood out. They started talking, sharing stories, and spending more time together.

They quickly became a couple, and their bond grew strong. They were both struggling, both chasing dreams, and both willing to support each other through the hard times.

It was the beginning of a deep love story.

Melissa Womer’s Marriage and Family

On March 28, 1987, Melissa and Jim got married in Santa Monica, California. Their wedding wasn’t flashy or fancy, but it was full of love. Melissa later said it was “a perfect day.” They even cried together that night, happy and full of hope.

That same year, on September 6, 1987, they welcomed their daughter, Jane Erin Carrey. Becoming parents changed everything. Jane was their only child together, and she brought even more love into their lives.

At that time, Jim was still trying to break into Hollywood. He hadn’t yet starred in The Mask or Ace Ventura. Melissa was the one working multiple jobs—even during pregnancy—to keep the family going.

She believed in him completely.

The Rise of Jim Carrey and Strain on Their Marriage

In the early 1990s, Jim Carrey’s career took off like a rocket. He joined In Living Color, a popular sketch show, and soon landed roles in blockbuster films like:

• Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

• The Mask

• Dumb and Dumber

Suddenly, the man making $25 a night was a global star.

But while Jim’s dreams were coming true, things were changing at home. Fame brought pressure. Busy filming schedules, public attention, and long trips took a toll on their marriage.

Melissa later said that fame changed Jim. He was no longer the same person she had married. She asked him to stay grounded and help with home life, but things only got harder.

And sadly, their love began to fade.

Why They Split

In late 1994, Jim Carrey called Melissa while she was giving their daughter a bath. That’s when he told her he wanted a divorce. She was shocked and heartbroken. According to Melissa, there had been no clear warning signs—everything seemed fine before he left for the Ace Ventura shoot.

Melissa later believed that Jim’s growing success made him want to experience life as a single man. Around this time, he was also linked to actress Lauren Holly, and rumors of infidelity started swirling.

Although Holly denied being involved before Jim and Melissa had split, Melissa said she knew something was wrong when she walked into Jim’s hotel room one day and saw Holly there. Everyone went silent. “I walked in the door, and I knew,” Melissa recalled.

The trust was broken. And the love story that had started with so much hope now felt like a painful ending.

Divorce Settlement and Money Struggles

When Jim Carrey filed for divorce, things quickly became complicated. At that time, he had just signed a $7 million movie deal for Ace Ventura. The timing of their separation became a big issue.

Melissa Womer said they were still together when he made that deal. Jim’s team claimed they had already split. Why did that matter? Because if they were still married, she would be entitled to a fair share of his new earnings.

Melissa was originally offered a one-time payment of $500,000, but she turned it down. She asked for more—between $5 to $10 million, which she felt was fair after everything they had been through. In the end, she received $3.5 million in the divorce settlement.

Raising Their Daughter Jane

Even though the marriage ended, both Melissa and Jim loved their daughter, Jane Carrey, very much. Melissa focused her life on raising Jane with love, care, and as much normalcy as possible.

Jim Carrey also supported Jane financially. Reports say he paid around $10,000 a month in child support. Later, Melissa asked for an increase, saying Jane deserved a lifestyle that matched her father’s success.

Despite the ups and downs, Melissa and Jim tried to co-parent Jane peacefully. She was even seen with her dad at red carpet events. Jane later followed her own dreams and became a singer and American Idol contestant. Melissa was always right there, supporting her journey.

Melissa Womer’s Career in Acting and Producing

Before and during her marriage to Jim, Melissa had been working on her own career in Hollywood. She had small but real roles in a few productions.

She appeared in:

• Petrocelli (1974)

• Man on the Moon (1999), where she played a waitress

She also worked behind the scenes as a producer. She helped create shows like:

• Real Stories of the Donut Men (1997)

• The Yesterday Show with John Kerwin (2004)

Even though she never became a big star, Melissa Womer made her own path in entertainment. She wasn’t just someone’s ex-wife—she had her own voice, too.

Melissa Womer’s Life Today

So, where is Melissa Womer now in 2026? She still lives in Hollywood, Los Angeles, but she keeps a very private life.

She doesn’t attend events or seek media attention. In fact, many people don’t even know what she looks like today. And that’s just how she wants it—a calm, peaceful life away from cameras.

Melissa has also stayed single. After her divorce from Jim Carrey, she never remarried. Instead, she focused on being a mother, and now a grandmother to her daughter Jane’s son, Jackson Riley Santana, born in 2010.

Her Net Worth in 2026

Melissa Womer’s net worth in 2026 is believed to be between $4 million and $6 million. Most of that comes from her divorce settlement, child support, and her work in acting and producing.

She lives a comfortable life, but she’s not flashy. She doesn’t post on social media or do interviews. She chooses privacy over fame—and that’s something rare in Hollywood.

Final Thoughts

Melissa Womer’s life hasn’t always been easy. She came from a tough childhood, worked hard to support herself, and stood by Jim Carrey during his hardest years. But when fame changed everything, she was left behind.

Still, Melissa didn’t let that break her. She focused on her daughter, kept working quietly, and chose a life of grace, privacy, and strength.

In the end, she may not be a Hollywood star, but she’s a true example of courage, loyalty, and quiet dignity. And even now, many people still wonder about Jim Carrey’s ex-wife Melissa Womer—because her story is real, emotional, and deeply human.

(FAQs)

What movies did Melissa Womer act in?

Melissa Womer acted in Petrocelli (1974) and Man on the Moon (1999). She also worked as a producer—but never chased fame like her ex-husband.

Was Melissa Womer Jim Carrey’s first wife?

Yes! Melissa Womer was Jim Carrey’s first wife. She supported him when he was broke and earning just $25 a night—long before he became a superstar.

How old is Melissa Womer now?

Melissa Womer was born on July 8, 1960. As of 2026, she is 65 years old and lives a quiet life in Los Angeles.

How tall is Melissa Womer?

Melissa Womer is 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm). She once worked as a waitress before becoming an actress and producer.

Why did Melissa Womer and Jim Carrey divorce—and how much did she get?

They divorced in 1995 because Jim changed after becoming famous. Melissa said, “He’s not good husband material.” She reportedly received $3.5 million in the settlement.

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