The Grinch and the Cast’s Journey After Whoville
Ron Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) has become a cherished holiday tradition for many millennials, blending Dr. Seuss’ original story with a live-action adaptation that expanded the tale of the grumpy Grinch and his quest to steal Christmas from the citizens of Whoville. Jim Carrey brought the iconic green character to life with layers of prosthetics and comedic flair, while Taylor Momsen made her mark as Cindy Lou Who, singing the memorable “Where Are You Christmas?” Her performance helped launch her career, but it also came with its challenges.
As the film celebrates its 25th anniversary, we take a look at what the cast has been up to in the years since their time in Whoville.
Jim Carrey: From the Grinch to a Diverse Career
Jim Carrey played the eponymous Grinch, a mischievous creature determined to ruin Christmas. His portrayal was a physical challenge, as he recalled in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “I was having a lot of trouble with the Grinch suit, so they brought a guy in who actually teaches people how to handle torture, and he gave me a couple of tips. You just forget [the pain].”
Carrey rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Dumb and Dumber, and The Mask. He continued to explore different genres, starring in Batman Forever and The Truman Show, which earned him Golden Globe awards. Later, he appeared in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Bruce Almighty, showcasing his versatility. He also returned to television with Kidding and voiced Dr. Robotnik in the Sonic the Hedgehog films.
Carrey has had a complex personal life, marrying Melissa Womer in 1987 and later Lauren Holly in 1996, though their marriage ended in divorce.
Taylor Momsen: From Grinch Girl to Music Star
Taylor Momsen portrayed Cindy Lou Who, a curious child who tries to reach out to the Grinch. At just seven years old, she became a household name, but the role came with challenges. “The Grinch changed my life in a multitude of ways — one of them being I was made fun of relentlessly,” she admitted on Penn Badgley’s podcast.
After appearing in other children’s films and a supporting role in Paranoid Park, Momsen joined Gossip Girl as Jenny Humphrey. However, she eventually shifted her focus to music, forming the band Pretty Reckless in 2009. She left Gossip Girl in 2011 to pursue her music career full-time. The band released four studio albums and multiple chart-topping singles. In 2025, she performed with Soundgarden at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where Jim Carrey introduced the set.
Jeffrey Tambor: A Versatile Character Actor
Jeffrey Tambor played Mayor Augustus May Who, the corrupt leader of Whoville. Known for his roles on The Larry Sanders Show and Arrested Development, Tambor gained critical acclaim for his performance in Transparent, where he played a transgender woman. He won two Emmys for the role but was later fired due to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Tambor has appeared in numerous films, including There’s Something About Mary, The Hangover, and The Death of Stalin. He married Kasia Ostlun in 2001 and has four children with her.
Christine Baranski: A Stage and Screen Veteran
Christine Baranski played Martha May Whovier, known for her perfect Christmas decorations. A veteran of both stage and screen, Baranski won an Emmy for her role on Cybill and later starred in The Good Wife and The Good Fight. She also appeared on The Big Bang Theory and currently stars in The Gilded Age.
Baranski has won two Tony Awards and received 16 Emmy nominations. She has appeared in several musical films, including Chicago and Mamma Mia!. She was married to Matthew Cowles from 1983 until his death in 2014.
Bill Irwin: A Clown Turned Actor
Bill Irwin played Lou Lou Who, the protective father of Cindy Lou. Originally a professional clown, Irwin won a Tony Award for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. He is also known for his work on Sesame Street and appeared in films such as Rachel Getting Married and Interstellar.
Irwin married Kimi Okada in 1977, and later Martha Roth in 1990. They adopted a son named Santos.
Molly Shannon: From SNL to Film Stardom
Molly Shannon played Betty Lou Who, Cindy Lou’s concerned mother. She gained fame on Saturday Night Live and appeared in Superstar, a film based on her SNL character. She has worked on shows like Will & Grace and Sex and the City, and appeared in films such as Wet Hot American Summer and Talladega Nights.
Shannon released her memoir Hello, Molly! in 2022. She married Fritz Chestnut in 2004 and has two children, Stella and Nolan.
Anthony Hopkins: The Voice of the Grinch
Sir Anthony Hopkins provided the narration for How the Grinch Stole Christmas. A legendary actor, he has appeared in films such as The Silence of the Lambs, The Father, and The Two Popes. He won an Oscar for The Father and has received multiple nominations throughout his career.
Hopkins has been married three times and has a daughter, Abigail, from his first marriage.
Clint Howard: A Longtime Character Actor
Clint Howard played Bris, the assistant to the mayor of Whoville. He began acting at age two and has appeared in hundreds of roles. He has worked with his brother, Ron Howard, in films such as Cocoon, Parenthood, and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Howard has appeared on Star Trek and The Bold and the Beautiful. He has been married three times and has a daughter, Rafa’ella.
Mindy Sterling: A Beloved Character Actress
Mindy Sterling played Clair Nella Who, one of the Grinch’s adoptive mothers. She is best known for her role as Frau Farbissina in the Austin Powers franchise. She has appeared on shows such as iCarly and Desperate Housewives and has done voice work for Monsters University and the Despicable Me series.
Sterling has a son, Max, with her ex-husband, Brian Gadson.
