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By Alice Gibbs
Senior Reporter
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Twenty-five years after How the Grinch Stole Christmas first brought Whoville to life, the stars behind the beloved holiday classic have taken remarkably different paths.
From Jim Carrey—who once compared filming inside the Grinch suit to being "buried alive"—to Taylor Momsen, who left acting entirely for rock stardom, here’s a glimpse at what the Whos—and the Grinch himself—look like now.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey, who was 38 when How The Grinch Stole Christmas was released, played the iconic character of the Grinch in the 2000 movie.
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Despite previously likening his experience in the costume as similar to be "buried alive," Carrey recently said that he would consider playing the Grinch again—if it was done in a less punishing way.
Since the movie, Carrey’s credits are considerable; from Bruce Almighty in 2003 to Yes Man from 2008 and Kick-Ass 2 in 2013.
In 2022, he talked about stepping away, later clarifying that his time away from acting is more like "power resting" than permanent retirement.
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Taylor Momsen
Taylor Momsen, who played Cindy Lou Who in the movie, did a short run of acting after How The Grinch Stole Christmas, then pivoted into rock music.
Momsen has been primarily known since as the front-woman of The Pretty Reckless.
She was also widely known as Jenny Humphrey on The CW’s Gossip Girl, appearing from 2007 to 2010 (and later returning in 2012).
In a 2025 interview, Momsen said she does not plan to return to acting, emphasizing she is focused on being in her band.
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Christine Baranski
Christine Baranski played the role of Martha May Whovier in the movie, but she has an extensive career across film, TV and theater.
She has found fame portraying Diane Lockhart in The Good Wife and appearing in musical films including Chicago and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. She is also well-known for voice work in animated series like The Bravest Knight, Praise Petey and Fancy Nancy.
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Jeffrey Tambor
Known for playing the pompous, self-important mayor of Whoville, Jeffery Tambor also has an esteemed career across television and film. He is known for his iconic dual role in Arrested Development and portrayals in films including The Hangover trilogy and 2017’s The Death of Stalin.
Tambor is also the voice of King Neptune in 2004’s The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.
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Bill Irwin
Bill Irwin was the lovable father figure Lou Lou Who in the movie, and has since continued appearing in movies and TV with various credits.
Irwin is widely respected in the theater world, having won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Actor for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
He continues to performing in stage productions, including off-Broadway and Broadway shows in recent years.
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Molly Shannon
Molly Shannon portrayed Betty Lou Who in the 2000 movie, and has since appeared in TV roles in shows like The White Lotus, The Other Two and Only Murders in the Building.
She has also had guest spots and recurring roles on shows like Will & Grace, The Simpsons, and I Love That for You.
Shannon also released a memoir, Hello, Molly! in 2022.
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