The Wild Reason Jim Carrey Needed CIA Training To Play The Grinch

For many of us, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic Christmas movie capable of giving us those festive fuzzy feelings. And what makes it so special is arguably Jim Carrey’s standout performance as the grumpy title character. But despite how comfortable the actor looked in the role, he actually required specialist CIA training in order to pull it off.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Many movie fans consider How the Grinch Stole Christmas to be among the greatest Christmas movies of all time. Based on the Dr. Suess book of the same name, it tells the story of the Grinch, who despises all things festive. Unfortunately for him, he lives on the outskirts of Whoville, where festive cheer reigns supreme.

Ruining Christmas

Eventually, the Grinch becomes so annoyed by the locals’ Christmas obsession that he decides to ruin their holiday. In order to do so, he dresses as Santa and proceeds to steal all the town’s food, decorations and gifts under the cover of night. But try as he might, the mean-spirited scoundrel just couldn’t crush the Christmas spirit.

The true meaning of Christmas

In the absence of all their festive frills, the Whos realize that Christmas isn’t really about material possessions. Instead, the town comes to learn that the holiday is a time for being with loved ones. And with that epiphany, the whole of Whoville erupts into singing – much to the Grinch’s bewilderment.

An epiphany

Though the story doesn’t end there. Because the grumpy Grinch has an epiphany of his own as he tries to work out why his plan to steal Christmas didn’t work. He too realizes that the true essence of the holiday cannot be bought. And in recognition of his festive awakening, the character’s heart grows three sizes bigger.