As the holiday season approaches, many are turning their attention to Christmas films. However, some may be surprised to discover that Taylor Momsen, who played Cindy Lou Who in *How The Grinch Stole Christmas*, has taken a very different path in life.
Taylor Momsen, now 32 years old, gained fame at the young age of seven in the film adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s beloved story, where she starred alongside the comedic talent of Jim Carrey.
The duo developed a strong bond during filming, with Momsen fondly remembering his protective and kind nature.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, she remarked, “I just love that he was very protective of me. He was always very kind. And just the entire experience of filming *Grinch* and getting to know him so well, even in all the makeup, was just wonderful.”
These reflections came as the two were reunited for the first time in 25 years at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on November 8.
While Carrey has continued his acting career with numerous roles since the film’s release in 2000, Momsen chose a different path. After a successful stint on *Gossip Girl*, she shifted her focus away from acting to embark on a new creative journey.
Today, Momsen leads a metal rock band named The Pretty Reckless, a fact that has left many of her fans amazed.
One fan exclaimed, “Wait. Can we just circle back to something. Taylor Momsen is singing metal????? HWAT?”
Another fan was astounded, “Finding out lil jay was Cindy was the most mind boggling thing I’ve ever experienced tbh.”
A third fan expressed disbelief, “I am baffled ! Cindy Lou was LITTLE J THIS WHOLE TIME!?”
Similarly, someone else wrote, “MISS LITTLE J WAS THE ONE WHO PLAYED MISS CINDY LOU WHO??? I didn’t know that.”
The Pretty Reckless was formed in 2009 and includes Momsen (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Ben Phillips (lead guitar, backing vocals), Mark Damon (bass), and Jamie Perkins (drums).
Since their formation, the band has released four albums and achieved a milestone as the first female-fronted band to score seven number-one singles.
Momsen decided to leave acting behind in 2011, following her departure from *Gossip Girl*, to concentrate on her passion for music.
In a 2016 interview with Elle, Momsen said, “I quit acting, actually. I quit *Gossip Girl* and now tour and am in a band, and that’s pretty much all I want to do.”
“Hopefully I’ll be able to only do that for the rest of my life.”
Despite her shift to music, Momsen has not entirely left her Grinch roots behind. Recently, she announced a festive EP inspired by the film that launched her career.
On Instagram, she shared: “25 years in the making — “Where Are You Christmas?” is OUT NOW! ‘Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas,’ a brand-new holiday EP featuring 4 original songs and 2 Grinch classics – arrives October 31.”