The Young Grinch Who Stole Our Hearts
For many, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a cozy holiday staple. Jim Carrey’s Grinch has become iconic. Yet few know the tragic, eerily timed story of Josh Ryan Evans, who played the young Grinch in the 2000 film.
Early Life and Challenges
Josh Ryan Evans was born on January 10, 1982. Standing just three feet two inches tall due to achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, he also faced serious heart issues. Multiple surgeries marked his childhood.
During recovery, Evans spent hours watching TV and movies, fueling a passion that would become his career. By age 12, he appeared in television ads, and he made his film debut in 1999 with Baby Geniuses.
A Breakthrough Role: The Young Grinch
Evans’ defining moment came when he was cast as the young Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Each shoot required five and a half hours in makeup, but Evans embraced the process.
He reportedly formed a strong bond with director Ron Howard, who later said:
“Evans generated a lot of heart for the story.”
Originally intended as a minor role, Evans’ performance impressed Howard so much that the part was expanded. His infectious energy anchored the emotional core of the film.
From Grinch to Daytime TV Star
After The Grinch, Evans landed his most significant role: Timmy Lenox, a living doll on NBC’s soap opera Passions. The character quickly became central to the series.
Evans earned the Hollywood Reporter YoungStar Award for Best Young Actor in a Daytime TV Series. NBC remembered him fondly:
“A truly unique talent with a remarkable spirit. He will be sorely missed by his Passions family and by all of us at NBC.”
A Tragic and Eerie Coincidence
In August 2002, just as Evans’ career was rising, tragedy struck. At age 20, he passed away unexpectedly due to complications from his heart condition during a medical procedure on August 5.
In a chilling coincidence, NBC aired an episode of Passions on the very same day in which his character, Timmy, also dies. The episode had been filmed weeks earlier, and plans for Timmy to return as an angel were scrapped. The episode was dedicated to Evans’ memory.
Co-star Juliet Mills, who played Tabitha Lenox, reflected:
“That’s what he loved more than anything—showbiz. It was a legendary thing to do [to die the same day as his character]. He made a big bang when he went.”
A Lasting Legacy
Despite enormous challenges, Evans pursued his dreams with determination. Ron Howard’s words still resonate:
“Evans generated a lot of heart for the story.”
Every holiday season, audiences rewatch The Grinch, often unaware that a young actor’s small but lasting performance continues to warm hearts. Josh Ryan Evans left an indelible mark on both the screen and the lives of those who knew him.
