Thescreescore – Two decades and a half after its initial release, Ron Howard’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) continues to hold a contentious yet undeniable place in holiday cinema. While critical reception and audience opinions have historically been divided on the live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale, its enduring presence as a festive staple is unquestionable. As the film celebrates its 25th anniversary, new insights from its then-seven-year-old star, Taylor Momsen, shed light on a pivotal on-set moment that momentarily halted production and revealed a surprisingly protective side of lead actor Jim Carrey.
Momsen, who portrayed the iconic Cindy Lou Who in her big-screen debut, recently recounted an incident during the filming of a perilous sled sequence. The scene involved a practical sled mounted on a large, aggressively moving spring mechanism, designed to simulate a wild descent down a mountain. As Carrey, embodying the Grinch with his characteristic exaggerated physicality, leaned into the performance, Momsen nearly lost her balance and fell from the prop. The immediate danger prompted an unscripted reaction from Carrey, who reportedly "freaked out," abruptly called for a halt in filming, and rushed to check on his young co-star.
Despite Carrey’s visible alarm and swift intervention, Momsen recalls the event with a surprising lack of fear. For the child actress, the near-fall was merely part of the exhilarating experience. "I was having a great time," she explained, emphasizing her youthful detachment from the potential peril. Her overall experience working alongside the Ace Ventura star was overwhelmingly positive. Momsen consistently felt secure in his presence and developed a profound admiration for his dedication to the craft, even within the confines of such an over-the-top character. She noted that his commitment to artistry was palpable, leaving a lasting impression on her nascent career.
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While the film’s legacy has been a complex one for Momsen – who, as a child, endured teasing and the nickname "Grinch girl" – her adult perspective has transformed this association into a source of pride. She now views her involvement in such a high-profile project at a tender age as an "incredible" and "upper echelon" opportunity, embracing the connection to the holiday classic.
These recent reflections arrive amidst a flurry of activity surrounding the film’s milestone anniversary. Momsen recently reunited with Carrey at the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, a poignant moment for fans of the holiday classic. Further commemorating the occasion, Momsen, with her band The Pretty Reckless, released a cover of "Where Are You Christmas?" – her original song from the movie. The accompanying music video thoughtfully weaves in nostalgic footage of a young Momsen from the era of the film’s production, offering a touching look back at her early career. For those wishing to revisit the whimsical world of Whoville, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is currently available for streaming on Prime Video and Peacock in the United States.
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