Jim Carrey, celebrated for his versatile and unforgettable roles, has revealed a character he’d eagerly return to—despite the hardships it entailed. While his portfolio includes standout performances like Truman Burbank in The Truman Show and the quirky Cable Guy, Carrey’s heart remains tied to the iconic role of The Grinch.
At 62, Carrey came out of retirement to reprise Dr. Robotnik in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 film, after initially declaring that the previous sequel would be his final acting role. Yet, when asked recently if there was any character he’d love to portray one more time, Carrey didn’t hesitate to mention The Grinch.
Reflecting on the experience, he admitted the role came with its own set of significant challenges. The grueling makeup process made it difficult to breathe and caused real discomfort. “It was an extremely excruciating process,” Carrey said. However, he persevered for the sake of the children who enjoy the story, reminding himself repeatedly: “It’s for the kids.”
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He also noted that advancements in technology, such as motion capture, could make revisiting the character less taxing today. “Anything’s possible in this world,” he said.
Carrey has previously spoken candidly about how demanding the role was, revealing he underwent CIA torture endurance training to cope with the restrictive and heavy costume. The actor, who initially felt “buried alive” in the suit, struggled through eight-and-a-half-hour makeup sessions that left him frustrated to the point of damaging his trailer.
Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer recounted how he connected Carrey with a CIA specialist who trained agents in torture survival techniques, equipping the actor to endure the grueling makeup process.
In a candid interview with Graham Norton, Carrey shared how breathing exercises, humor, and even smoking helped him manage the difficult filming days. “If you’re freaking out and spiraling downward, turn the television on, change a pattern, or have someone you know smack you in the head, punch yourself in the leg, or smoke—as much as you possibly can,” he joked.
Despite the hardships, Carrey’s portrayal of The Grinch remains a beloved holiday staple. Fans continue to hope that one day he might don the green fur once more—an idea Carrey himself doesn’t rule out.