Jim Carrey Nearly Quit How the Grinch Stole Christmas Over Brutal Makeup

Jim Carrey nearly walked away from one of the biggest paychecks of his career because of the brutal costume and makeup he wore in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The holiday movie hit theaters in 2000 and went on to become a Christmas classic. But behind the scenes, the experience was anything but joyful for Carrey.

In a recent interview with Vulture, the actor revealed that his very first day in Grinch makeup took a painful eight hours. He said the process quickly became overwhelming. The green contacts hurt his eyes, the makeup forced him to breathe through his mouth, and the full-body suit—made of itchy yak hair—was almost unbearable.

Carrey said he began having panic attacks and seriously considered quitting the movie, even though he was set to earn $20 million.

Things became so intense that producer Brian Grazer brought in an unexpected helper: Richard Marcinko, a former Navy SEAL who trained special-ops soldiers to endure extreme stress.

According to Carrey, Marcinko taught him coping techniques to stop his mind from spiraling during moments of panic. These included physically shocking himself by punching his leg, changing his surroundings, eating constantly, and even smoking cigarettes to calm his nerves.

“There are pictures of me as the Grinch sitting in a director’s chair with a long cigarette holder,” Carrey said, explaining that the holder was necessary so the yak hair wouldn’t catch fire.

Director Ron Howard also spoke about how badly the role affected Carrey. He said the damage wasn’t just mental—the makeup was destroying Carrey’s skin. Doctors eventually ruled that Carrey couldn’t work in the Grinch suit five days in a row. Midweek breaks were added so he could recover, sometimes working off-camera instead.

Howard recalled seeing Carrey lying on the floor between takes, breathing into a paper bag while struggling through panic attacks.

At one point, Carrey even offered to give back his entire $20 million salary—with interest—just to escape the role. Grazer convinced him to stick it out a little longer and spend a weekend with Marcinko before making a final decision. That choice ultimately saved the movie.

Despite the film’s success, it’s unlikely fans will ever see Carrey return as the Grinch. Rumors of a sequel have been shut down by co-star Taylor Momsen, who played Cindy Lou Who.

Speaking at Steven Tyler’s annual Jam for Janie Grammys watch party, Momsen said she’s unaware of any sequel plans.

“Some things you don’t touch,” she said. “It’s a timeless classic. It’s lasted this long.”

For Carrey, the Grinch may be one of his most beloved roles—but it came at a cost he’ll never forget. 🎄