John Stamos reveals he was nearly cast as the titular character in Ron Howard’s 2000 live-action adaptation ofHow 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 andearnedJim Carrey widespread praisefor his transformationinto the curmudgeonly yet lovable Grinch, even earning him a Golden Globe nomination.
During an interview with James Austin Johnson onWondery’s’Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast(viaRolling Stone), theFull Housestar shared that he had gone through early makeup tests for the character, but was ultimatelyunable to take on the role due to an allergic reaction to the prosthetics.Due to his aversion, the leading role inHow the Grinch Stole Christmaswent 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
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 tonot only endure the demanding transformation but also channel the character’s larger-than-life energyand 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 cementHow the Grinch Stole Christmasas a holiday staple. Much like Carrey’s recent performance as Dr.Robotnik inSonic 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, asCarrey 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 thatifThe Grinch 2were 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 inHow the Grinch Stole Christmasis 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 howdifferent 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.
Cast
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a 2000 holiday comedy from director Ron Howard. The film stars Jim Carrey and is based on the Christmas book of the same name. Despite getting mixed reviews upon release, Carrey’s performance was praised and the film is now considered a fan-favorite Christmas movie.
