One of Jim Carrey’s most iconic roles this century almost didn’t happen. The Canadian comedian was on the verge of walking away from a classic holiday movie and giving back his massive pay cheque of $20 million.
At issue was the costuming, which apparently left the Golden Globe winner far from comfortable. Not only was it uncomfortable for him to wear, but it also seemed as though it did a number on his mental health.
Jim Carrey nearly quit The Grinch
The 2000 movie The Grinch was a huge box-office success, thanks in part to Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the title role. The film’s star, however, was ready to leave that role behind. In an interview with Vulture, Jim said, “The suit was made of unnervingly itchy yak hair that drove me insane all day long.” He says his Grinch outfit caused him to suffer panic attacks because it was hard to breathe, scratch himself, and see.
The director of the film, Ron Howard, said Jim was prepared to leave and give back his $20 million payday. Audiences and Universal Pictures may have a US Navy SEAL to thank for the film continuing with Jim. Richard Marcinko taught the comedian torture tactics to get through the green outfit and survive the filming.
Jim says that he got a laundry list of things to do in costume to help him if he felt panicked. Among the peculiar things to do were getting a friend to punch him, eating everything in sight, and turning a radio on and off if he felt triggered. Richard also apparently encouraged Jim to smoke cigarettes.
In 2014 Jim reprised his role as Lloyd Christmas in Dumb and Dumber To with a cast that included Mama June.
What may have helped him the most, though, was the Bee Gees. Jim discusses listening to the band’s entire catalogue. He says their joyfulness was a big help during the makeup process. The movie went on to gross over $300 million at the box office. It also captured an Academy Award for Best Makeup.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE GRINCH MOVIE WOULD HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT JIM CARREY?
