Reuniting with Jim Carrey: Taylor Momsen Reflects on How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Her Musical Journey
Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen, who starred together in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, recently reunited after 25 years. The movie, released in 2000, was a huge success, grossing $346 million worldwide and winning an Oscar for best makeup. Momsen, who played Cindy Lou Who, shared the unexpected circumstances that brought her and Carrey together at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. She also discussed her audition process, the challenges she faced during the shoot, and her experience performing "Where Are You Christmas?" in the film.
Momsen recalled the audition process for the role of Cindy Lou Who, mentioning the screen-testing and costume fittings that helped bring the character to life. She also shared that Cindy was initially supposed to have pink or green hair but ended up with her natural hair color. Momsen praised director Ron Howard for his guidance and care on set, along with Carrey and her onscreen parents Molly Shannon and Bill Irwin, who became like family to her during filming.
During the shoot, Momsen got to do her own stunts, which she found fun but mentioned disliking the taste of the glue used for her teeth prosthetics. She also talked about her experience recording "Where Are You Christmas?" for the film and how it influenced her love for the recording studio. Momsen later decided to do a rock version of the song with her band, the Pretty Reckless, for their Christmas album.
The unexpected reunion with Jim Carrey at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a special moment for Momsen, as they both shared a connection to Soundgarden, the band she was performing with that night. Despite not intentionally planning to be there together, the coincidence of their reunion felt like a holiday miracle. Momsen expressed her excitement and emotional reaction to seeing Carrey again after 25 years and performing with Soundgarden.
When asked if she misses acting, Momsen revealed that she left the industry to focus on music, a passion she had since a young age. She emphasized that music was always her true calling, and she has no regrets about leaving acting behind. Momsen teased that there is new music on the way from the Pretty Reckless and hinted at a full-length album in the future, along with plans to tour with AC/DC in 2026.