Taylor Momsen captured the hearts of many with her role in the Grinch, but after stepping away from acting, she chose a vastly different career path.
As the holiday season unfolds, people around the globe are enjoying their favorite festive films.
Classics like Home Alone, Jingle All the Way, and Die Hard are popular choices.
For some, Jim Carrey’s spirited antics in the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas remain a top pick.
While the movie continues to be a charming holiday favorite, the actress who portrayed Cindy Lou Who has surprised fans with her career shift.
Instead of continuing with Hollywood films, she decided to follow her passion for music.
At just 7 years old when she appeared in the film, she is now the lead vocalist for a metal rock band called The Pretty Reckless.
Many on social media hadn’t kept up with her career, leading to widespread amazement.
One comment read: “Wait. Can we just circle back to something. Taylor Momsen is singing metal????? HWAT?”
Another user stated: “Finding out lil jay was Cindy was the most mind boggling thing I’ve ever experienced tbh.”
A third person remarked: “I am baffled! Cindy Lou was LITTLE J THIS WHOLE TIME!?”
Someone else shared their surprise: “MISS LITTLE J WAS THE ONE WHO PLAYED MISS CINDY LOU WHO??? I didn’t know that.”
Now you’re in the know about this surprising fact.
Sadly, Momsen has opened up about the challenges she faced after her role in the film, particularly finding it difficult to fit in at school.
In a conversation with her former Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgley on the Podcrushed podcast, she said: “First of all, The Grinch changed my life in a multitude of ways – one of them being I was made fun of relentlessly.
“Every time I would start a new school or go somewhere else, I don’t even think the kids knew my name. I was just ‘Grinch Girl’. Not even the character name, just ‘Grinch Girl’. I got used to it, but it was alienating.”
Despite her personal experience, she acknowledges the film’s enduring appeal.
In a 2020 interview with NBC’s Today, she expressed: “The fact that it comes back around every year – I think it’s something to look forward to. And I think it just kinda brings happiness and joy to anyone who watches it.”