Entertainment

Jim Carrey's just-opened movie, The Number 23, is an over-the-top psychological thriller about a man whose life unravels after he becomes obsessed with said number.

JEFF CHRISTENSEN/AP

Jim Carrey sums up his feelings about the number 23 in a Q&A.

When you were 23, was it a very good year?

A lot of people say, "I wish I were young." Personally, I would not want to return to my 20s. My 20s were so confused. It was like Mr. Fear knocked on the door, and he stayed a decade until I was 30. I don't know how I lived through it.

If 1 is the loneliest number, what does that make 23?

Well, it's not lonely. Go on the Internet. People are really into this number!

Why? Have 13 and 666 simply lost their luster?

When I lived in Canada, a friend of mine would point out license plate numbers and our birthdays and everything added up to 23. And it started popping up. The Earth rotates at a 23.5-degree axis. Each parent gives their child 23 DNA chromosomes. It's everywhere, good and bad. For me, it's a fun game the universe plays.

Are you a religious guy?

I'm a spiritual guy, not a religious guy. I believe in taking truth from whatever source you find it, and if it fits like a pair of old shoes and you feel like you've known it for your whole life when you hear it, then it's the truth.

Does the spirituality provide some refuge from the pressures of Hollywood?

It's been incredibly helpful. I used to think that the parts I did or the fame would define me and someday complete me.

Los Angeles Daily News