Jim Carrey’s The Grinch Nearly Starred An ‘80s Icon As The Dr. Seuss Character

John Stamos reveals he was nearly cast as the titular character in Ron Howard’s 2000 live-action adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Released during the holiday season of 2000, the fantasy comedy was a live-action reimagining of the beloved children’s book by Dr. Seuss, and was the second adaptation of the book after the iconic animated TV special in 1966. The film was a major box office success and earned Jim Carrey widespread praise for his transformation into the curmudgeonly yet lovable Grinch, even earning him a Golden Globe nomination.

During an interview with James Austin Johnson on Wondery's 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast (via Rolling Stone), the Full House star shared that he had gone through early makeup tests for the character, but was ultimately unable to take on the role due to an allergic reaction to the prosthetics. Due to his aversion, the leading role in How the Grinch Stole Christmas went to Carrey instead, though Stamos didn't have any further comments on that. Check out Stamos' comments below:

Here’s an interesting fact you don’t know about me. I was originally going to play [The Grinch] in the movie that Jim Carrey got. I went to the makeup test, and I was allergic to all the prosthetics.

What This Means For How the Grinch Stole Christmas' Casting

Carrey Similarly Suffered For The Role

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Stamos’ near-casting offers an unexpected perspective on the creative process behind the film. Makeup and prosthetics were crucial in bringing the Grinch to life, requiring the performer to not only endure the demanding transformation but also channel the character's larger-than-life energy and complex personality. While Carrey’s portrayal of the Grinch is fondly remembered by viewers, the possibility of another actor in the role underlines the challenges of casting such an eccentric character.

Ultimately, the decision to cast Jim Carrey speaks to the consideration that went into selecting someone who could fully embody the character. Known for his comedic versatility, Carrey’s portrayal was appropriate to the Grinch's personality and helped cement How the Grinch Stole Christmas as a holiday staple. Much like Carrey’s recent performance as Dr. Robotnik in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, his talent for playing over-the-top, memorable characters continues to captivate audiences.

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Interestingly, Stamos isn't the only one who found the prosthetics required for the role to be a problem, as Carrey himself also had issues with them. Having spent up to two-and-a-half-hours per day just having the makeup and prosthetics applied to him, the Golden Globe nominee recently recalled that he could "hardly breathe" under it all and that the young audiences the movie was being made for were always in his head. This, in turn, led to his acknowledgement that if The Grinch 2 were ever to be made, he'd want it to be done through motion capture rather than practical effects.

Our Take on John Stamos Almost Becoming The Grinch

Stamos Could've Brought His Own Unique Sense Of Humor To It

Stamos’ near involvement in How the Grinch Stole Christmas is an interesting twist to the film’s history. While it is difficult to imagine anyone other than Carrey as the Grinch, it’s amusing to think about how different the Grinch's antics might have been with a different comedic sensibility. Stamos' story is another reminder of how casting decisions shape the stories we love, sometimes in surprising ways.

Source: 'Tis The Holiday Grinch Podcast (via Rolling Stone)