The Tragic & Unexpected Fates Of Jim Carrey's Wives And Girlfriends: What Happened To Them?

The question of "what happened to Jim Carrey's wife" is complex, as the celebrated comedian has been married twice, but the most widely publicized and tragic event involves a former long-term girlfriend. As of late 2025, Jim Carrey remains one of Hollywood's most enigmatic and beloved figures, known for his intense performances and philosophical views. His personal life, however, has been marked by significant highs and lows, particularly concerning his relationships. This article provides the most current and definitive answers regarding the current status of his two ex-wives and the final resolution of the legal battle following the devastating loss of his former partner.

The lives of Jim Carrey's former partners—from his first wife, a fellow comedian, to his second, a co-star, and the tragic circumstances of his late girlfriend—have all diverged in unique ways. The curiosity surrounding these women is often driven by the high-profile nature of their connection to the star of films like *The Mask* and *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*, especially the dramatic events that followed the passing of his on-again, off-again partner, Cathriona White, in 2015.

Jim Carrey's Relationship History: Wives, Marriage, and Personal Tragedy

To fully understand the current status of the women in Jim Carrey's life, it is essential to distinguish between his official marriages and his high-profile dating history. Carrey has officially been married twice, but the most intense media scrutiny has been reserved for the tragic passing of his former girlfriend.

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Jim Carrey's Two Official Marriages: The Ex-Wives

Jim Carrey's journey through marriage began before he achieved global superstardom, and his two official unions were relatively brief, yet significant, chapters in his life.

1. Melissa Womer: The First Wife (1987–1995)

• Full Name: Melissa Womer
• Date of Birth: July 8, 1960
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Former Waitress/Comedian
• Marriage to Carrey: March 28, 1987
• Divorce: 1995
• Children: Jane Erin Carrey (born 1987)
• Current Status: As of 2025, Melissa Womer maintains a relatively private life, focusing on her career as a producer and writer. She is known for her work on the film *Man on the Moon* (1999) and for raising the couple's daughter, Jane, who is a singer and songwriter. She has continued to pursue her own creative endeavors outside of the intense Hollywood spotlight.

2. Lauren Holly: The Second Wife (1996–1997)

• Full Name: Lauren Michael Holly
• Date of Birth: October 28, 1963
• Place of Birth: Bristol, Pennsylvania, USA
• Occupation: Actress, Producer
• Marriage to Carrey: September 23, 1996 (Married shortly after starring together in *Dumb and Dumber*)
• Divorce: July 29, 1997 (Lasting less than a year)
• Children: Three adopted sons (with her third husband, Francis Greco)
• Current Status: Lauren Holly is a highly successful and active actress. She is best known for her roles in *Picket Fences*, *NCIS* (as Director Jenny Shepard), and *Motive*. As of 2025, she continues to act in both film and television, often sharing updates about her life as a mother to her three adopted sons on social media. Her career post-Carrey has been robust and varied.

The Tragic Story of Cathriona White and the Lawsuit Resolution

The phrase "what happened to Jim Carrey's wife" is most frequently—though incorrectly—associated with the tragic passing of his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Cathriona White. Their relationship was highly publicized, and her death led to a protracted legal battle that cast a major shadow over Carrey's personal life for several years.

Who Was Cathriona White?

Cathriona White was an Irish makeup artist who dated Jim Carrey intermittently between 2012 and 2015. She was a vibrant, creative individual whose life was tragically cut short. The couple had reportedly broken up just days before her passing.

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• Full Name: Cathriona White
• Date of Birth: September 14, 1985
• Place of Birth: Cappawhite, County Tipperary, Ireland
• Occupation: Makeup Artist
• Relationship with Carrey: Intermittent from 2012 to 2015
• Date of Death: September 28, 2015

The Cause of Death and the Subsequent Legal Battle

Cathriona White was found dead in her Los Angeles home on September 28, 2015, at the age of 30. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office officially ruled her death a suicide caused by a fatal overdose of prescription medications. Four prescription pill bottles were found near her body, some containing drugs that were prescribed to an alias used by Carrey.

This tragic event led to a high-profile legal battle. In 2016, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Jim Carrey by White's estranged husband, Mark Burton, and her mother, Brigid Sweetman. The lawsuit alleged that Carrey had illegally supplied the prescription drugs that White used to commit suicide and had knowingly exposed her to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which they claimed contributed to her distress and decision to end her life.

Carrey vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "shameful" and an attempt to exploit him. He filed a countersuit against both Burton and Sweetman for extortion. The legal proceedings dragged on for over a year, drawing intense media attention and placing a significant emotional toll on the actor, who openly spoke about his grief and refusal to be extorted.

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The Final Outcome of the Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The most critical and final update regarding the Cathriona White case is the resolution of the lawsuit. The case, which was set to go to a civil trial, never reached a courtroom. In a definitive conclusion to the years-long legal saga, the wrongful death lawsuit against Jim Carrey was officially dismissed in early 2018.

The dismissal of the case meant that Jim Carrey was cleared of any legal responsibility for Cathriona White's death. The terms of the dismissal were not made public, but the legal action against the actor was officially terminated. This outcome definitively closed the chapter on the most controversial and heartbreaking event in Jim Carrey's recent personal history, allowing him to move forward with his career and personal life.

Jim Carrey's Life After the Lawsuit

Following the dismissal of the lawsuit, Jim Carrey took a step back from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood. He focused on painting and art, which he described as a form of therapy and expression. His return to major acting roles included the Showtime series *Kidding* and the successful *Sonic the Hedgehog* film franchise, where he played the villain Dr. Robotnik. His public statements have often reflected a philosophical and spiritual outlook, heavily influenced by the profound experiences of his life, including the loss of Cathriona White.

In recent years, Jim Carrey has continued to date but has kept his relationships largely out of the public eye, prioritizing his privacy and his artistic pursuits. The final resolution of the lawsuit in 2018 provided a clear conclusion to the question of his legal liability, allowing the focus to shift back to his incredible body of work and his ongoing artistic evolution.

Topical Authority Entities: Jim Carrey's Personal and Professional Life

To provide a complete picture of Jim Carrey's world and the context of his relationships, here are key entities and LSI keywords:

• Ex-Wives & Partners: Melissa Womer, Lauren Holly, Cathriona White, Jenny McCarthy, Ginger Gonzaga.
• Family: Jane Erin Carrey (Daughter), Jim Carrey's Grandson.
• Legal & Health: Wrongful Death Lawsuit, Suicide, Prescription Drug Overdose, Extortion Counter-Suit, Depression, Mental Health.
• Career Milestones: *Dumb and Dumber*, *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective*, *The Mask*, *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*, *Man on the Moon*, *The Truman Show*, *Kidding*, *Sonic the Hedgehog*.
• Industry & Locations: Hollywood, Los Angeles, The Comedy Store, NCIS (Lauren Holly's role), Ireland (Cathriona White's origin).