Taylor Momsen was born on July 26, 1993. At six years old, she filmed her role as Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, released in November 2000.
Starring alongside Jim Carrey and directed by Ron Howard, Momsen received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.
Taylor Momsen as the adorable Cindy Lou Who, with her iconic hairstyle, in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) (Credit: Universal Pictures)
The Flip Side of Fame: Overcoming Bullying
However, her success in the film also had a downside, as she faced bullying in school because of her role. Momsen shared these experiences on the “Podcrushed” podcast, co-hosted by Penn Badgley, her former co-star from Gossip Girl. She revealed that in new schools and social environments, she was often mockingly called “Grinch Girl.”
“Making friends was always challenging for me,” she said and added her family moved around a lot while she was growing up.
“First of all, ‘The Grinch’ changed my life in a multitude of ways — one of them being I was made fun of relentlessly. So, 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.’ So, it’s Grinch Girl, Grinch Girl, Grinch Girl. Not even the character name, just Grinch Girl. I got used to it, but it was alienating.”
Cindy Lou Who, played by Taylor Momsen, shares a heartwarming moment with Jim Carrey’s Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) (Credit: Universal Pictures)
Behind the Scenes: Memories From The Grinch
In December 2020, Taylor shared her experiences from the set during a special interview on the Today show. Reflecting on her time filming the beloved Christmas movie, she described it as a fun experience, particularly highlighting the “Who school” where actors trained to perform the film’s intricate stunts.
Too young to wear the prosthetic makeup that was a hallmark of the film’s character designs., the film’s script included a specific line to explain why Cindy Lou Who appeared distinct from the rest of the Whoville characters.
“They wrote a line into the film, ‘She hasn’t even grown into her nose yet,’ because I couldn’t have all the [prosthetics], so they just put a little blush on my nose,” she shared.
“I just remember he was so kind, so concerned but so methodical with what he was doing,” Momsen added about working with Jim Carrey. “Even at that young of an age, I remember watching him and thinking, ‘I’m watching an artist at work.'”
Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who shares a festive moment with Jim Carrey’s Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) (Credit: Universal Pictures)
From Whoville to Rock Venues: Taylor’s Musical Journey
“It’s certainly funny now when people don’t realize I played Cindy Lou Who and they might know me from my music or something and they put two and two together and you get the giant reaction of ‘I can’t believe that’s the same girl from How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ And I get a huge kick out of that,” she said. “I grew up, but I think deep down I’ve still got a lot of Cindy Lou Who in me.”
“The Grinch was the first time I went into a recording studio,” she said. “I’ll never forget walking into this beautiful studio with a massive console in front of me and putting headphones on and singing into a microphone for the first time… It was such an impactful moment in my life. It made me go, I want to make music for the rest of my life. I love being in a recording studio.”
Taylor Momsen: A Fashion Evolution
Since Taylor Momsen quit acting to become a rock star, her fashion choices have been a bit … questionable. We’re talking about pants-less ensembles and an overdose of eyeliner. Who could forget those stripper heels with the “Tips” platforms?
Taylor Momsen stuns in a chic black mini dress with leather accents, paired with strappy heels and a bold red lip for a sleek, edgy look (Credit: Molly McClain / Jeff Grossman / WENN)
However, Taylor has learned when to tone down the over-the-top sex appeal, which she demonstrated at the Alice+Olivia Spring/Summer 2014 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
With her long blonde hair swept back and her makeup — dare we say it? — tasteful, the then-19-year-old was nearly unrecognizable.
Taylor Momsen with Paris Hilton at the Alice+Olivia Spring/Summer 2014 presentation in New York City on September 9, 2013 (Credit: Molly McClain / Jeff Grossman / WENN)
Taylor showed off her modelesque figure in a demure Alice+Olivia “Daynah” dress but kept her rocker vibe with studded pumps in black distressed leather, also from Alice+Olivia. We’re in love with this look and Taylor’s elegant poise!
We spotted the former Gossip Girl star posing alongside Paris Hilton, who was also looking hot at the event.
Taylor Momsen reveals toe cleavage in black distressed leather pumps (Credit: Molly McClain / Jeff Grossman / WENN)
What do you think of Taylor’s unexpectedly polished look?
Her strappy, studded pumps are the definition of rocker chic — edgy yet classy. Would you wear them? Tonal spikes accent slender straps on these smooth leather pointed-toe pumps.
Alice + Olivia Drixa Strappy d’Orsay Pumps, $495