Jim Carrey Receives Bennett Custom Award

Jim Carrey, the world renowned actor and comedian, was the recent recipient of a new custom award designed by Bennett Awards. Carrey received the custom award – called the “Rodney Respect Award” –at the UCLA Department of Neurosurgery Visionary Ball, held October 1, 2009 at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel. The custom award was presented to Carrey by Joan Dangerfield, widow of comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield (both pictured at left).

The Rodney Respect Award is a recognition award that is presented annually to a comedian who embodies Rodney Dangerfield’s professional legacy and devotion to making a difference in the lives of others. This new custom awards design was created by Bennett Awards artist Keith Shannon, working in close collaboration with Joan Dangerfield. The unique awards design features a caricature figure of Rodney Dangerfield in one of his classic poses. This custom award was produced as a 12” bronze sculpture award, and mounted on a black marble base with the recipient name, award name, and UCLA Neurosurgery logo engraved into the base.

The Visionary Ball raises money to help advance neurosurgical research, education and patient care at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. The Rodney Respect Award is presented annually at this event. Rodney Dangerfield successfully underwent rare and difficult brain bypass surgery at the UCLA Medical Center in 2003 to improve brain blood flow impaired by blockage in his right carotid artery. Past recipients of these unique awards include Tim Allen and Jay Leno.