Twenty-five years later, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” continues to capture the hearts of holiday movie fans, with the Dr. Seuss-inspired film still ranking among the most-watched Christmas movies of all time.
Directed by Ron Howard, the film boasted an all-star cast, including Jim Carrey as the famously mean-spirited Grinch, Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who, Jeffery Tambor as Mayor May Who, Christine Baranski as Martha May Whovier, and Molly Shannon as Betty Lou Who. Of course, no mention would be complete without the Grinch’s loyal sidekick, Max.
Jim Carrey (Grinch)
GettyJim Carrey was 38 years old when he starred as the grouchy Grinch in 2000’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Carrey was already an established Hollywood star and beloved comedian, having starred in several hit films, including “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Mask,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “Liar Liar,” and “The Truman Show.”
GettyCarrey has continued to work in top-tier films, including “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” Most recently, he lent his voice to the animated film “Sonic the Hedgehog,” which premiered its third installment in 2024.
Speaking of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Carrey revealed with Vulture (via E! News) that he almost walked away from the movie because of the “excruciating” makeup process.
Not only was Carrey unable to breathe through his nose, but he also shared, “The suit was made of unnervingly itchy yak hair that drove me insane… has ten-inch long fingers, so I couldn’t scratch myself or touch my face…I had full contact lenses that covered the entire eyeball.” Carrey was so uncomfortable, he even thought about giving up the $20 million salary.
Taylor Momsen (Cindy Lou Who)
GettyTaylor Momsen was only six years old when she starred as the lovable and courageous Cindy Lou Who. While Momsen would be best known for her role in the film, she’d later star as Jenny Humphrey in the television series “Gossip Girl” from 2007 to 2012.
GettyMomsen has moved away from acting to focus on her rock band, The Pretty Reckless, which formed in 2009. In fact, in October 2025, the band released a Christmas EP called “Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas,” which featured a reimaging of “Where Are You Christmas?” It was the song Momsen’s character, Cindy Lou Who, sang in the 2000 film.
Jeffrey Tambor (Mayor May Who)
GettyIn the 2000 film, actor Jeffrey Tambor starred as Augustus MayWho, the arrogant mayor of Whoville and tormentor of the Grinch. Tambor has worked in both television and film since the late 70s, with his best-known work in the hit TV series “Arrested Development,” in which he starred as George Bluth Sr. from 2003-2019.
GettyFor four seasons beginning in 2014, Tambor starred in the Amazon Studios comedy-drama, “Transparent,” in which he portrayed a trans woman named Maura. For his role, Tambor won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
Christine Baranski (Martha May Whovier)
GettyActress Christine Baranski portrayed the wealthy Martha May Whovier, whom the Grinch had a major crush on when he was a kid. Baranski has had an extensive career in Hollywood that spans over 40 years, and is a remarkably versatile actress.
GettyBaranski is best known for her roles in “Mamma Mia!” “The Big Bang Theory,” “The Good Wife,” and its spinoff “The Good Fight,” and starring as Agnes van Rhijn in “The Gilded Age,” which was renewed for a fourth season.
Bill Irwin (Lou Lou Who)
GettyBill Irwin portrayed Postmaster Lou Lou Who, who is Cindy Lou Who’s father and Betty Lou Who’s husband, in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Outside of the Christmas film, his best work includes “Interstellar,” “My Blue Heaven,” “Across the Universe,” “Eight Men Out,” and is a Tony Award winner for his role in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
GettyHis television credits include appearing as Dr. Peter Lindstrom on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and a recurring role in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” He also appeared in the FX series “Legion.”
Molly Shannon (Betty Lou Who)
GettyComedian Molly Shannon starred as Cindy Lou Who’s mother, Betty Lou Who, in the Christmas film. However, her most recognized work was starring on “Saturday Night Live” from 1995 to 2001, and starring in comedic roles for the films, “A Night at the Roxbury,” “Never Been Kissed,” and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”
GettyShannon won her first-ever Screen Actors Guild Award in 2024 when she starred in Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.”
Max (The Grinch’s Sidekick)
GettyOf course, the cast list would not be complete without including Max, the Grinch’s companion and best friend. According to the American Humane Society, Max was played by six different rescue dogs, which were trained for over three months by animal trainer Roger Schumacher to perform various tricks that viewers see in the film.
For example, a dog named Bo pulled the sleigh, Zelda was trained to scoot while sitting, and Stella was taught how to back up and speak.
Although they were all rescue pups, after filming for the movie ended, all six dogs found forever homes.
