Taylor Momsen recently delighted fans by revisiting her iconic role as Cindy Lou Who from the classic 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas, celebrating 25 years since its release. The 32-year-old actress took to Instagram to share a nostalgic moment, showcasing her attempt to fit back into the child-size costume she wore as a seven-year-old.
In a video, Momsen models the whimsical red-and-green gingham dress complete with quirky food embellishments, expressing her amazement at how it still (sort of) fits. “Yes… that is my real Cindy costume from the Grinch movie,” she stated in her post, accompanied by a caption reflecting on the surreal nature of the holiday season.
The actress, now the lead singer of the band The Pretty Reckless, attempted to adapt the outfit after realizing she could no longer squeeze into it the same way. With a suggestion from her stylist Lindsey Hartman to alter the sleeves, Momsen opted instead to turn it into an off-the-shoulder look during a playful photo shoot.
This holiday season marks a special milestone, not only for the film but also for Momsen, who earlier released two reimagined versions of songs from the movie’s soundtrack on her band’s EP, Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas. Fans have particularly enjoyed her rendition of “Where Are You Christmas?”, a modern classic originally performed by Momsen in her childhood role.
Momsen also had a heartwarming reunion with her former co-star Jim Carrey, who portrayed the Grinch. The two connected at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, reminiscing about their time together on set. Momsen recalled being unaware of Carrey’s true appearance beneath the extensive makeup and prosthetics, stating, “Jim Carrey is the Grinch. I didn’t know who Jim was until the premiere.”
Despite Carrey’s grueling transformation into the beloved holiday character, which included long hours in the makeup chair, Momsen reflected on how she never found him scary. “To me, he was always Jim,” she shared, emphasizing the unique perspective she had as a child actor on set.
As fans revel in the festive spirit, they can revisit the cherished film by streaming it on platforms like Peacock or Prime Video, tapping back into the magic of Dr. Seuss’s heartwarming tale. This nostalgic reflection from Momsen not only highlights the lasting impact of her early career but also brings back fond memories for fans of the film.