Every Actor Who’s Ever Played The Grinch, in Order

As a connoisseur of all things Grinch, I must say that each actor who has taken on the role has brought their unique charm and flair to the character, making every performance a delightful addition to the Grinch’s ever-expanding holiday legacy. From James Austin Johnson’s Saturday Night Live-inspired talk show host to Darin De Paul’s video game-voicing Grinch in the Walmart commercial, each actor has breathed new life into this iconic character.

The Grinch character by Dr. Seuss is a cherished and recognizable figure during Christmastime, often remembered for his disdain for the holiday, having a heart too small for his body, and his faithful canine companion, Max. Many will recall him from the 1966 television special and films released in 2000 and 2018, where he is depicted as maliciously taking gifts from the Whos in Whoville. However, eventually, he discovers the genuine spirit of Christmas.

Besides these movies, the Grinch has also appeared in various advertisements, plays, and audio recordings. To fully embrace the festive feeling, we’re highlighting the performers who gave life to these memorable portrayals of the Grinch, and explaining how they contributed to creating the enchanting Christmas ambiance around him.

20 Boris Karloff (aka William Henry Pratt)

‘Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ (1966)

The legendary voice actor Boris Karloff gave life to the Grinch in the 1966 film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”. While Thurl Ravenscroft handled the singing, Karloff took on both the role of the Grinch and the narrator. This animated masterpiece not only introduced the Grinch into holiday folklore but also made the character and the entire story something enchanting through Karloff’s performance.

One of Many Starring Roles

Prior to portraying the Grinch, Karloff held other memorable roles, such as Frankenstein’s monster in “Frankenstein” and the villain Im-Ho-Tep from “The Mummy”. It appears that the actor often played characters that were both monstrous and misunderstood.

19 Hans Conried

‘Halloween Is Grinch Night’ (1977)

In “Halloween is Grinch Night,” a precursor to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, the story unfolds on Halloween, or as it’s called in this tale, Grinch Night. On this night, the mischievous Grinch makes his way into the town of Whoville, much like Boris Karloff and Thurl Ravenscroft reprised their roles, with Conried performing both the Grinch and the Narrator, while Ravenscroft continued to lend his voice to the Grinch’s singing.

Another Talented Performer

In a remarkable career, both Captain Hook and George Darling, portrayed by Conried in the 1953 Peter Pan, boasted an impressive repertoire. Unfortunately, he was reportedly set to reprise his role in “The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat”, but regrettably passed away before filming commenced.

18 Bob Holt

‘The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat’ (1982)

In an Emmy-winning animated special, titled ‘The Grinch vs. The Cat in the Hat,’ featuring Bob Holt’s voice acting, we see a story unfold after a minor car crash. This leads to a high-speed chase, therapy sessions, comical mishaps, and finally, a heartfelt musical number about the Grinch’s late mother.

A Man of Many Dr. Seuss Hats

In this production, Holt takes on not just one, but three roles – the Grinch, the Grinch’s mother, and a waiter in a restaurant. Interestingly, Mason Adams, who was previously known for his role as the Cat in the Hat, stepped out of that character to become the Narrator, breaking the pattern of previous vocal pairings for the Grinch and the Narrator. Additionally, Holt has lent his voice to several other Dr. Seuss specials, such as “The Lorax” and “Dr. Seuss on the Loose”.

17 Dan Castellaneta

‘Tiny Toon Adventures’ (1992)

The episode titled “It’s a Wonderful Tiny Toons Christmas Special” from the show Tiny Toon Adventures acted as its final installment. This episode paid tribute to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and in it, characters Buster and Babs go sledding and encounter figures reminiscent of the Grinch and his dog Max. Unlike the original Grinch who was green, this version is blue, and instead of attempting to pilfer Christmas from Whoville, they are targeting Shmagooville for their mischief. Dan Castellaneta provides the voice for the Grinch in this parody.

The Grinch and the Simpsons

Currently, Dan Castellaneta is predominantly recognized for his voice acting portrayal of Homer Simpson within The Simpsons. Interestingly, a Grinch parody character named The Grumple has surfaced in various episodes, yet it was Hank Azaria, rather than Castellaneta, who provided the voice for this character.

16 Walter Matthau

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ (1992)

This subsequent adaptation of “The Grinch” bore a strong resemblance to Boris Karloff’s rendition in several aspects. While both share the same narrative, they differ significantly; unlike its predecessor, this version omits songs and animation. Instead, it offers Walter Matthau’s captivating narration accompanied by visuals drawn from the original book.

An On-Screen Star

Matthau played leading roles in numerous movies both prior to and subsequent to his portrayal of the Grinch’s narrator. Some of these films were “The Odd Couple,” “The Bad News Bears,” “Dennis the Menace,” and “Grumpy Old Men.

15 Anthony Asbury

‘The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss’ (1996 – 1998)

A children’s TV show spanning two seasons, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss featured live puppets from several Dr. Seuss classics. In the first season, each episode was hosted by the Cat in the Hat and told a cohesive story about one of the characters. In the second season, the show alternated between the Cat in the Hat’s playhouse and several shorter stories that took place at familiar locations like Mount Crumpit. In season 1, the Grinch was one of two main antagonists, and in season 2, he became the series’ primary villain.

Skills Beyond Voice Acting

In various roles, Asbury showcased his talent in the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, portraying characters like Yertle the Turtle and Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose. Notably, he was a skilled puppeteer who contributed to numerous notable productions such as Labyrinth, The Witches, and Little Shop of Horrors.

14 Wally Wingert

‘Family Guy’ (1999)

As a dedicated cinephile, let me recount my take on the captivating twist in the “Family Guy” episode titled “A Hero Sits Next Door.” The viewers are led to believe they’re witnessing a flashback where Joe Swanson attempts to apprehend the Grinch. This chase leads them to the summit of an orphanage, culminating in a full-blown fight that results in Joe falling from the roof and suffering paralysis. However, in a subsequent episode, “Joe’s Revenge,” it is unveiled that this entire narrative was nothing more than a fabrication.

The Voice Behind Various Mediums

I’m the one who lends my voice to a variety of lesser characters on “Family Guy.” You might also recognize me from several anime series like “Bleach,” numerous video games such as the “Batman: Arkham” series, and a host of other cartoons ranging from “Invader Zim” to “The Powerpuff Girls.

13 Corey Burton

Seuss Landing Street Show (1999)

1999 saw Universal Islands of Adventure granting visitors a unique opportunity to interact with their beloved characters face-to-face. One such character, the mischievous Grinch, was often seen dancing during the Seuss Landing Street Show. Interestingly, Corey Burton provided the voice for the Grinch, not only in the street show but also over the radio in the Sneetch Beach Area.

Following in Grinch Footsteps

Apart from his work at Universal, Burton is also known for voicing various video games and narrating numerous documentaries. At present, he voices Captain Hook, similar to how his Grinch predecessor Conried did, and has utilized his talent to bring other Disney characters to life, including Dale in Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers and Zeus from the animated Hercules series.

12 Josh Gerhardt

‘The Grinch’ (2000)

Before the 2000 film hit the screens, I was excitedly anticipating Konami’s Grinch video game. However, when it finally arrived, opinions were divided. In this interactive holiday adventure, I took on the role of the Grinch, stealing Christmas gifts and uncovering blueprints for machines designed to ruin Christmas. It was a fun twist on the classic tale!

Some Familiar Appearances

Apart from his role in various video games, Josh Gerhardt has lent his voice to a multitude of animated series such as Totally Spies!, Cowboy Bebop, and Akira, among others.

11 Jim Carrey and Josh Ryan Evans

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000)

In the 2000 movie adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” both Jim Carrey and Josh Ryan Evans took on the role of the Grinch, with Carrey portraying the adult version and Evans playing the younger one. This film generally adhered to the storyline from the book, but it provided more detailed backstories for characters like the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and Martha May Whovier, offering a richer exploration of their personalities.

Initially, when “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was released, it wasn’t well-received by many. However, in more recent times, I find myself among those who consider it the finest adaptation of the Grinch story. A significant factor contributing to this shift in opinion is Jim Carrey’s remarkable performance. His portrayal, marked by humor, emotion, and an unwavering dedication to the role, truly stands out. In retrospect, it’s almost impossible for me not to associate the Grinch with Carrey’s interpretation of the character.

Still Delivering Laughs

Contrary to whispers suggesting Carrey might reprise his role in the Grinch series, he has instead spoken openly about retiring. Luckily, these retirement plans haven’t been carried out yet, and he has instead accepted roles such as Horton in “Horton Hears a Who!” and Dr. Robotnik in the “Sonic” series.

10 Rik Mayall

‘The Dr. Seuss Collection’ (2000)

At approximately the same period as when the Jim Carrey film was released, an audio CD of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” narrated by Rik Mayall became available. This CD also contained other works by Dr. Seuss such as “Dr Seuss’s ABC”, “The Lorax”, and “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish”.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

Mayall garnered recognition through multiple television roles, such as “Young Ones” and “Drop Dead Fred.” Additionally, he maintained a strong collaboration with Adrian Edmondson, lending his voice to various adaptations of Dr. Seuss’s tales.

9 Stefán Karl Stefánsson

‘Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ (2008 – 2015)

Since 1990, the musical adaptation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” called “The Seasonal Stage Adaptation” has been enchanting audiences. In 2008, actor Stefán Karl Stefánsson assumed the leading role for the US tour. With only $600 left to his name, he traveled to New York to audition. Once he landed the part, he was dedicated to putting his unique spin on it and adding something fresh to the production.

A Likable Villain

Stefánsson has a history of portraying villainous characters; for instance, he played Robbie Rotten on the television show “LazyTown”. Apart from the Grinch, he’s also appeared in stage productions like “The Jungle Book”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and numerous others.

8 Stephen Stanton

‘Mad’ (2010)

In episode 12 of the first season of “Mad, entitled ‘The Grinchy Code’, it was Stephen Stanton who played the role of the Grinch, once more facing accusations of swiping Christmas gifts. This installment featured an interesting blend with ‘The Da Vinci Code‘, where Indiana Jones, portrayed by Tom Hanks, and Nicolas Cage, along with another character, attempted to decipher ‘Da Grinchy Code’ to uncover the culprit behind the missing presents. However, it was later revealed that they themselves were the thieves.

A Man of Many Talents

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at the versatile talents of Stanton. Known for his exceptional ability to mimic voices, he has lent his talent to Disney shows and theme parks, bringing beloved characters to life. Beyond his voice work, Stanton is also a visual effects artist, adding his magic to films like “Batman Returns” and “Alien 3”.

7 Seth Green

‘Robot Chicken’ 2010-2013

The Grinch makes appearances in various skits throughout several episodes of “Robot Chicken”, such as “Born Again Virgin Christmas Special”, “ATM Christmas Special”, and “DP Christmas Special”. In these portrayals, the Grinch is notably more unsettling compared to earlier versions.

In the brief tale titled “Frosty and the Grinch,” the Grinch is depicted as fatally attaching antlers to Max, contrasting with “The Grinch’s Heart” where he learns of his own terminal heart condition. Analogously, in “How the Nerd Saved Christmas,” a character portrayed as a nerd ends up fatally harming the Grinch.

A Man of Many Roles

Seth Green, who is responsible for creating, directing, and writing the series, frequently lends his voice to various characters within “Robot Chicken”. It’s worth noting that he also voices Chris Griffin from “Family Guy“, a role that has previously featured in a unique portrayal of the Grinch.

6 Benedict Cumberbatch

‘The Grinch’ (2018)

The 2018 version of “The Grinch,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, stands out from its predecessors in multiple ways. For one, Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the Grinch is more sociable and less malicious than previous versions. Secondly, the movie has been refreshed with contemporary pop songs and enhanced animation. Additionally, this version presents a different backstory for the Grinch, where he coexists peacefully with friendly Who neighbors, rather than living alone on Mount Crumpet.

Nothing to Be Grumpy About

Despite having mixed reactions towards the 2010 adaptation of The Grinch, Cumbatch delivered one of his finest performances that year, and it wasn’t his first or last leading role. He has also taken on significant roles such as Stephen Strange in the Doctor Strange films, Smaug and Sauron in the Hobbit series, and Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, to mention a few memorable characters he brought to life.

5 Matthew Morrison

‘Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical Live!’ (2020)

In 2020, Matthew Morrison starred as the Grinch in a live TV musical that was based on a stage adaptation from 2006. This production, however, received generally mixed to negative feedback. Despite this, it showcased novel songs and dance sequences, setting itself apart from other adaptations, whether for good or bad.

Returning to Theatre

Previously a judge on the reality show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, Morrison had also starred as Will Schuester on ‘Glee’. Following his role in The Grinch, it seems he has now shifted his attention from films to theatre productions.

4 David Howard Thornton

‘The Mean One’ 2022

Initially, one might find it peculiar to reimagine a beloved children’s tale as a horror story, but in the case of the Grinch, the foundations were always there for such a transformation. In “The Mean One,” we delve deeper into the unsettling aspects of the original narrative, unveiling a chilling, human-like Grinch donning a Santa suit. This Grinch is portrayed as both misunderstood and malicious, culminating in a series of murders following an accidental killing of Cindy You-Know-Who’s mother. The film reaches its climax when Cindy extends forgiveness to the Grinch, which ultimately causes his heart to swell and burst with emotion.

Subpar Movie, Stellar Performance

Despite the film receiving mainly unfavorable critiques, David Howard Thornton’s portrayal of the Grinch is still hailed as one of his finest performances. His acting as Art the Clown in the Terrifier series has also been praised, and he’s set to embody another monster in the upcoming Screamboat, a Steamboat Willie parody.

3 James Austin Johnson

‘Tis the Grinch Holiday Talk Show’ (2023)

On the surface, the idea of the Grinch as a talk show host seems nearly as strange as his parody-monster version. However, James Austin Johnson’s ‘Tis the Grinch Holiday Talk Show pulled it off, with the Grinch inviting famous guests to join him in a weekly discussion/rant about the holiday season.

Saturday Night Live Influence

Besides hosting a talk show, Johnson was also part of the SNL cast, and many aspects of his Grinch portrayal drew inspiration from several impressions he had developed on that show. He additionally welcomed ex-SNL star Bobby Moynihan as one of his guests, along with actress Skai Jackson, comedian Patton Oswalt, and a variety of other celebrities.

2 David Kaye

Capital One Commercial (2023)

Following his success in musicals, audio CDs, video games, and TV specials, the Grinch then moved onto advertising, specifically Capital One commercials. In one of these ads, a woman was tasked with choosing who would deliver Christmas toys. The Grinch offered his services, but was rejected due to his past attempts to hijack the holiday festivities.

Transforming the Grinch

David Kaye’s background is in radio broadcasting, and he has worked on numerous movie trailers, cartoons, and advertisements. Remarkably, he was the first actor in the Transformers series to play both Megatron and Optimus Prime.

1 Darin De Paul

Walmart Commercial (2023)

In response to a Capital One ad, the Grinch ventured back into the world of commercials by trying to swipe Walmart’s Christmas gifts. After enjoying the presents personally, he realized their power to bring joy and decided to give them back instead.

‘Tis the Season for Commercialism

In this last portrayal, Darin De Paul lent his voice – well-recognized for giving life to video game characters – to the Grinch. Interestingly enough, this interpretation seems quite fitting as it brings us back to the original spirit of Christmas, which was once about stolen gifts. Although the Grinch eventually understood that there’s more to the holiday than presents, it’s undeniable that gifts play a significant role in the festivities.

Despite his grumpy nature akin to a slippery eel, every actor who’s played the Grinch has added a unique charm to their portrayal. With an illustrious cast of voices behind him and much more depth yet to be discovered, viewers are eagerly waiting to find out who will breathe life into this iconic character next.

2024-12-09 04:32