Harrowing reason Jim Carrey needed a TORTURE expert to endure playing The Grinch – marking the beloved Christmas film’s darkest secret

Hollywood star Jim Carrey opened up about why he needed a torture expert’s assistance during his time playing The Grinch.

Jim, 63, played the iconic green-furred Christmas-hating character in 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Although the film is now a bonafide festive classic, The Grinch was a physically difficult role to portray.

Speaking to Vulture, Jim revealed how an unlikely a source –  a CIA torture consultant named Richard Marcinko – stopped him quitting the production.

It came as the comedic actor endured a long transformation process to become The Grinch, including eight hours in the makeup chair. 

Jim shared: ‘Richard Marcinko was a gentleman that trained CIA officers and special-ops people how to endure torture.

Actor and comedian Jim Carrey revealed why he needed a torture expert’s assistance when playing The Grinch

Jim, 63, portrayed the iconic green-furred Christmas-hating character in 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

It was a beloved performance with the film since going on to become a staple during the Christmas period

‘He gave me a litany of things that I could do when I began to spiral.

‘Like punch myself in the leg as hard as I can. Have a friend that I trust and punch him in the arm. Eat everything in sight. 

‘Changing patterns in the room. If there’s a TV on when you start to spiral, turn it off and turn the radio on. 

‘Smoke cigarettes as much as possible. There are pictures of me as the Grinch sitting in a director’s chair with a long cigarette holder.

‘I had to have the holder, because the yak hair would catch on fire if it got too close.’

Elsewhere in the conversation, Jim described the Grinch outfit as being made of ‘unnervingly itchy yak hair’ which unfortunately drove him ‘insane all day long.’

Other elements included figuring out how to talk with the Grinch’s teeth and contact lenses limiting his vision.

In addition, wearing The Grinch’s ‘ten-inch-long’ fingers meant Jim couldn’t touch his face.

Narrated by Sir Anthony Hopkins, the cast also included Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski, Molly Shannon and Jeffrey Tambor.

It comes as Jim and Taylor, 32, who played Cindy Lou Who, shared a sweet red carpet moment back in November – 25 years on from the film’s release. 

The film sees the reclusive Grinch meet a young girl named Cindy Lou Who – who was played by Taylor Momsen

Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen recently reunited 25 years after starring together in How The Grinch Stole Christmas

The pair were seen smiling and embracing each other at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles.

It marked the first time the stars have seen each other since working together on their hit movie, which came out in November 2000.

‘We haven’t seen each other since The Grinch,’ Jim told reporters, before Taylor added, ‘Yeah, it’s been 25 years. This is insane.’

Both entertainers were at the historic event to induct Soundgarden into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

Jim inducted the band while Taylor performed with the band at the star-studded event, singing alongside Brandi Carlile.