During a recent interview, actor Jim Carrey shared his struggles while filming “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” revealing he nearly quit due to severe panic attacks caused by the demanding makeup process. Fortunately, a SEAL Team Six officer named Richard Marcinko provided him with training techniques to help manage the overwhelming stress.
Marcinko, known for instructing CIA operatives and special forces on how to withstand torture, equipped Carrey with various coping strategies. “He gave me a litany of things that I could do when I began to spiral,” Carrey explained, mentioning tactics like physically striking himself or changing his environment to disrupt his anxious thoughts. Carrey jokingly noted that he often had to maintain the use of a long cigarette holder while in costume because the yak hair used for the Grinch’s makeup could catch fire.
Director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer discussed how Carrey’s panic attacks manifested during production, describing moments when he would lay on the floor with a brown paper bag to calm himself. It became clear to the team that they needed to address Carrey’s medical concerns, leading to adjustments in the filming schedule to alleviate the physical toll of extensive makeup sessions. Initially, the makeup application took a daunting eight hours but was later reduced to around three hours.
In a surprising twist, Carrey discovered that Marcinko, who helped him through this challenging period, was the founding commander of SEAL Team Six, a detail that added to his respect for the training he received. To cope with the lengthy makeup sessions, Carrey found solace in the music of the Bee Gees, listening to their entire catalog, which he credits as a source of joy during filming.
As Carrey’s experience highlights the often-overlooked emotional and physical challenges actors may face, his ability to navigate these obstacles serves as an inspiring testament to resilience. The collaborative spirit of the film’s crew, from Howard to Grazer, combined with Carrey’s determination, ultimately facilitated a successful production, showcasing the lengths to which they all went to prioritize mental health on set.