Nov. 27, 2025

How Jim Carrey Survived Becoming the Grinch (Ep. 79)

How Jim Carrey Survived Becoming the Grinch (Ep. 79)

Jim and Eric unwrap a very different kind of holiday story this week: the wild, demanding, and downright unbelievable making of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Fresh from Jim’s trip to IAAPA and holiday visits to the Universal parks, the guys trace how the film’s production shaped today’s Grinchmas offerings, from the makeup performers wear to the version of Whoville Universal still uses. Along the way, they dig into this year’s seasonal additions, Wicked’s strong opening, and the latest rumblings from Epic Universe.

NEWS
• Universal Orlando and Hollywood launch their holiday seasons, including new decorations, Tribute Store theming, and Grinchmas updates
• Wicked for Good posts a massive opening weekend, powering Universal’s awards-season buzz
• Epic Universe construction heats up with a major new permit near the Ministry of Magic
• Butterbeer expands again with Coffee Mate creamers arriving nationwide soon

FEATURE
• The unbelievable true story of making the 2000 Grinch.
• The intense Hollywood bidding war that secured Dr. Seuss’s beloved book for Universal
• What Jim Carrey endured inside a full yak-fur bodysuit, yellow contacts, and nine-hour makeup sessions
• The military-level torture survival training Carrey received just to get through filming
• How Ron Howard, Rick Baker, and even Eddie Murphy tried to keep morale up on set
• And how all of this still influences the Grinch performers greeting guests at Universal today

HOSTS
Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This week’s episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. Save on regular Disney theme park tickets and discounted after-hours event tickets when you book through UnlockedMagic.com. Lock in your winter plans while deals last!

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