Twenty-five years after How the Grinch Stole Christmas became a holiday staple, the cast is looking back on the making of the film—and one particular moment reveals just how protective Jim Carrey was of his young costar Taylor Momsen.
A Near-Disaster on the Mountain
In a new oral history published by Vulture commemorating the film’s quarter-century anniversary, Momsen shared a harrowing behind-the-scenes story from shooting one of the movie’s most memorable sequences: the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who’s wild sled ride down Mount Crumpit.
“I remember when we were shooting the scene coming down the mountain on the sled. It was this real sled that was up on a giant spring that was being controlled and moving from side to side, very aggressively,” Momsen explained.
The setup was more dangerous than audiences might realize watching the finished film. As Carrey performed his characteristically exaggerated Grinch movements, something went wrong.
“There was a moment where I almost fell out of the sled, and he freaked out,” Momsen recalled. “He called cut and started checking in on me. I was having a great time. I was laughing; I wasn’t thinking about the fact that I just almost fell very high off the ground.”
Carrey’s immediate response—stopping production and prioritizing the seven-year-old actress’s safety—speaks to the protective instinct he felt toward his young costar, even in the midst of filming a major Hollywood production where time is money and delays are costly.
A Safe Space on a Demanding Set
Momsen, who would go on to star in Gossip Girl and front the rock band The Pretty Reckless, reflected on how secure Carrey made her feel throughout the challenging production. The film’s elaborate makeup and prosthetics famously took hours to apply and were reportedly extremely uncomfortable for Carrey, yet he never let that affect his relationship with Momsen.
“I always felt really safe with Jim,” she said. “I liked being around him. At such a young age, to watch an artist who is that serious at what they’re doing even while playing this very over-the-top character, it was clear to me how much he was putting into it and how much of an artist he was.”
This observation is particularly meaningful given what’s now widely known about Carrey’s difficult experience filming the movie. The actor has spoken openly about how the extensive makeup process—which took multiple hours each day and covered his entire body—drove him to seek counsel from a CIA expert who trains operatives to endure torture. Despite his own discomfort, Carrey remained professional and protective with his young castmate.
Mutual Respect Between Professionals
For his part, Carrey recognized immediately that he was working with an exceptionally talented child actor. He told Vulture that he could tell seven-year-old Momsen was “an incredibly precocious child” who was “smart beyond her years.”
“Her comedy timing was impeccable. A total pro,” Carrey praised. “I don’t think she ever went up on a line or missed a cue or anything like that.”
This professional chemistry between the two actors is evident in their scenes together, particularly in the heartwarming moments when Cindy Lou Who’s genuine kindness begins to crack the Grinch’s hardened heart. The trust between them on set translated beautifully to screen.
Meeting the Man Behind the Makeup
One delightful revelation from the oral history is that Momsen never actually saw Carrey’s real face during filming. She only knew him as the green, furry Grinch, meeting “the real Jim” for the first time at the movie’s premiere.
Given that Carrey spent the entire production buried under prosthetics and makeup, this makes perfect sense—but it adds a charming layer to their relationship. The Jim Carrey that Momsen worked with every day on set was literally the Grinch, not the rubber-faced comedian the rest of the world knew.
A Reunion 25 Years in the Making
After not seeing each other since they worked together, Carrey and Momsen had an emotional reunion just last month at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony—the first time they’d crossed paths since the film.
“I turned around in the hallway, and she was standing there,” Carrey told Vulture about the encounter. “I don’t know if she had heels or not, but she’s towering. I’m going, ‘What?’ She has a really powerful manner.”
The actor expressed genuine pride in how Momsen has carved out her own artistic path, particularly noting her resilience through personal challenges. “I was so glad she’s done so well for herself. She’s been through some challenges in her life and come out the other side. It was very exciting to see her again.”
In a touching gesture that shows Momsen remembered details from their time together, she brought Carrey a Crunchie chocolate bar—his favorite. “That was awesome,” he said.
The Legacy of a Holiday Classic
How the Grinch Stole Christmas faced skepticism when it was first announced. The idea of doing a live-action version of Dr. Seuss’s beloved book seemed risky, and early reactions to Carrey’s prosthetic-heavy look were mixed. But the film became a massive success, grossing over $345 million worldwide and establishing itself as a holiday tradition for millions of families.
Director Ron Howard’s vision combined with Carrey’s committed physical performance created something that transcended typical holiday fare. The film’s elaborate sets, fantastical Whoville design, and surprisingly emotional core gave it staying power beyond its initial theatrical run.
Twenty-five years later, the movie continues to find new audiences every holiday season. Its themes about redemption, the true meaning of Christmas, and the power of kindness to transform even the most hardened heart resonate just as strongly today as they did in 2000.
Where to Watch
For those looking to revisit this holiday classic during its 25th anniversary year, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is currently available to stream on Prime Video and Peacock. Whether you’re introducing it to a new generation or reliving childhood memories, the film remains a testament to what can happen when talented performers, visionary direction, and genuine care for cast and crew come together.
And now, knowing that Jim Carrey literally stopped a dangerous scene to protect young Taylor Momsen, it’s even easier to appreciate the heart behind this holiday spectacle.
