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Grinch

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The Grinch is a famous character who represents the opposite of holiday cheer. Created by the author and cartoonist Dr. Seuss, he is the main star of the 1957 book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Ted Geisel NYWTS
Ted Geisel NYWTS

He is a green, furry creature with a pear-shaped body and a big belly. The Whos in the town of Whoville think he is mean-tempered. They say he was born with a heart only two sizes too small. This makes him very different from the happy Whos. He lives all alone on a high cliff overlooking their town.

His dislike for Christmas leads him to a very naughty plan. The Grinch finds the loud music and singing very disturbing. To stop the holiday, he and his dog, Max, try to steal everything. He puts on a red suit to look like Santa Claus. He sneaks into homes on Christmas Eve while everyone is sleeping. He takes their gifts and tries to dump them off a mountain. This shows how much he wants to stop the celebrations.

However, the story has a wonderful turning point on Christmas morning. Even without their things, the Whos continue to sing and be happy. The Grinch is shocked to see that they still love each other. He realizes the holiday has a much deeper meaning than he thought. His heart actually grows three times its original size from this feeling. He stops the gifts from falling and joins the Whos for their party.

USH Studio Tour Ride- Grinch
USH Studio Tour Ride- Grinch

The Grinch has a long history in books and on screens. The name "Grinch" actually appeared in a 1953 book called Scrambled Eggs Super! first. Later, in 1955, the name was used for a salesman in a poem. The most famous version arrived in 1957 through Dr. Seuss's writing. In 1966, a famous animated TV special brought him to life. This special used the color green because Dr. Seuss and director Chuck Jones agreed it was the best choice. Many people have since loved watching his many different adventures.

Because people love the character, many actors have brought him to life. Boris Karloff voiced him in the 1966 cartoon, while Jim Carrey played him in the 2000 live-action movie. Benedict Cumberbatch voiced the character in a 2018 animated film. You can even find him in stage musicals and video games. For example, the 2023 game The Grinch: Christmas Adventures lets you play as him and Max. He is often compared to Ebenezer Scrooge from the book A Christmas Carol. This is because both characters change their ways and find joy.

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File:Ted Geisel NYWTS.jpg
Ted Geisel NYWTS.jpg
File:USH Studio Tour Ride- Grinch.JPG
USH Studio Tour Ride- Grinch.JPG
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