Carrey Spits, Wrestler Hits

Jim Carrey's manager says things got out of hand on a movie set Tuesday night, because Carrey was immersed in the character he was playing and his wrestling partner over-reacted.

Carrey is expected to be back at work Wednesday after suffering a minor neck injury. He was hurt while shooting his latest movie, based on the life of the late comedian Andy Kaufman.

While filming the final scene for Man on the Moon, a fight was being staged between Carrey (as Kaufman) and professional wrestler Jerry Lawler. As part of the script, the comedian spit at the wrestler, Carrey manager Eric Gold said.

Lawler then allegedly attacked the comedian known for such movies as Liar Liar (1997), The Cable Guy (1996), The Truman Show (1998), and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994).

"Jim was immersed in the role as Andy, played it as Andy would have," Gold said. "Mr. Lawler acted unprofessionally, and he attacked him. He attacked him, and he injured his neck."

Police and paramedics were not called to the scene of Man on the Moon. Carrey was treated at a hospital and later released.

Sixteen years ago, Kaufman was hospitalized when Lawler performed a "piledriver" move on him during a wrestling match. Later, Lawler slapped Kaufman out of his chair during a joint appearance on Late Night with David Letterman.

Kaufman died of lung cancer in 1984 at age 35.