Jim Carrey admits the Grinch’s itchy yak‑hair suit nearly drove him to quit the 2000 film.
The Green Suit Nightmare
Carrey described the suit’s discomfort in an interview with Vulture published Dec. 12. “The suit was made of unnervingly itchy yak hair that drove me insane all day long,” he said. He added, “I had 10-inch-long fingers, so I couldn’t scratch myself or touch my face or do anything. I had teeth that I had to find a way to speak around, and I had full contact lenses that covered the entire eyeball, and I could only see a tiny tunnel in front of me.”
A Conversation That Saved the Film
The first day in makeup took eight hours, he recalled. “I went into the trailer and asked Ron and Brian to come in, and I told them that I wouldn’t be able to do the movie and I was quitting,” Carrey said. Director Ron Howard, 71, noted that the actor was sincere and ready to give his $20 million salary back. Producer Brian Grazer and Howard persuaded him to stay.
Endurance Tactics From a Navy SEAL
To help Carrey cope, the team introduced him to U.S. Navy SEAL commander Richard Marcinko. “He gave me a litany of things that I could do when I began to spiral,” Carrey recalled. The tactics included punching his own leg hard, punching a trusted friend’s arm, eating everything in sight, changing patterns in the room, turning off a TV and turning on a radio, and smoking cigarettes as much as possible. Pictures of Carrey in the green suit holding a long cigarette holder were taken to prevent yak hair from catching fire.
Music to the Rescue
Carrey also developed his own coping method: listening to the Bee Gees. “What really helped me through the makeup process, which they eventually pulled down to about three hours, was the Bee Gees,” he revealed. He thanked Barry Gibb, saying, “I’ve never met Barry Gibb, but I want to thank him.” The film also featured Taylor Momsen in a supporting role.
Key Takeaways
- The Grinch’s yak‑hair suit caused severe discomfort, leading Carrey to consider quitting.
- Ron Howard and Brian Grazer convinced him to stay after a candid conversation.
- Richard Marcinko’s endurance tactics and Bee Gees music helped Carrey complete the role.
Jim Carrey’s reflection on the Grinch role offers a rare glimpse into the challenges behind a beloved holiday film.
