The love for The Grinch always spikes during the holiday season — and this year marks a major milestone. How the Grinch Stole Christmas hit theaters on November 17, 2000, making it 25 years since Jim Carrey first brought Dr. Seuss’ classic story to life on the big screen. The green grump has only become more beloved with time, continuing to dominate holiday TV schedules, TikTok makeup tutorials, and endless meme culture.
However, Jim nearly gave up the role after struggling with the heavy green makeup, which took eight hours to put on before filming, he told Vulture in December 2025.
“The suit was made of unnervingly itchy yak hair that drove me insane all day long,” the actor told the outlet. “I had 10-inch-long fingers, so I couldn’t scratch myself or touch my face or do anything. I had teeth that I had to find a way to speak around, and I had full contact lenses that covered the entire eyeball, and I could only see a tiny tunnel in front of me.”
So, Jim told the director and producer he was “quitting the movie” and ready to give up his $20 million salary. What made him stay? U.S. Navy SEAL commander Richard Marcinko taught Jim torture endurance tactics in order to get through filming every day.
“He gave me a litany of things that I could do when I began to spiral,” Jim pointed out. “Like punch myself in the leg as hard as I can. Have a friend that I trust and punch him in the arm. Eat everything in sight.”
Dr. Seuss’ tale has been reimagined many times over the decades, but there’s still nothing quite like Carrey’s iconic take on the Christmas curmudgeon. In honor of the film’s 25th anniversary, we’re taking a look back at the Whos of Whoville and where the cast is now — including Taylor Momsen, who went from sweet little Cindy Lou Who to full-blown rockstar.
See the cast then and now below.
