The young Grinch actor died 2 Years after Film Release in 2000

The live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become a holiday classic, but fans may not know that one of its most memorable stars died just two years after the film’s release.

An actor Joshua Ryan Evans he died at the age of 20 shortly after winning the hearts of fans as the 8-year-old Grinch in the Ron Howard– directed Christmas film. Evans, who lived with a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, died as a result of a medical procedure to correct a congenital heart condition at a San Diego hospital in August 2002.

How the Grinch Stole Christmaswhich hit theaters in November 2000, Evans’ second to last acting credit before his death. Evans famously appeared as the younger version of Jim Carrey‘s Grinch in a flashback sequence explaining the character’s dislike of Christmas. Adopted by two Whoville residents, the young Grinch tries to impress his crush, Martha May Whovier, by shaving his face, but cuts himself in the process. After being laughed at by his classmates and teacher, the young Grinch flees to Mount Crumpit and vows to hate Christmas.

Although Evans’ version of the Grinch was only 8 years old, the actor was a teenager when he filmed the film. His achondroplasia made him appear younger than his actual age, standing at just 3-foot-2. Evans also suffered from a congenital heart condition which caused him to undergo several operations during his childhood.

As a result of being confined to his home due to his medical problems, watching TV shows and films often inspired Evans to become an actor. “I thought, if it’s all pretend, why can’t I do it,” he told the Los Angeles Times in an interview in November 2000.

Evans got his start acting on television programs such as Family Matters, Ally McBeal, Hi Arnold!, Rugrats a 7th Heaven before ordering How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He also starred as Timmy the living doll on the NBC soap opera Passion from 1999 to 2002.

In a strange Hollywood coincidence, Evans died the same day as an episode of Passion broadcast where his character died and gave his heart.

Evans role in How the Grinch Stole Christmas originally to be a small one, but it was his skills that inspired Howard, 70, to expand the part. “As it turns out, he was able to create a character and create a lot of heart to the story,” said the director Los Angeles Times in November 2000. “It was such a pleasant surprise. The days working with Jim were always amazing, but Josh was wonderful.”

Like Carrey, 62, Evans spent several hours in the make-up chair. “I’ve had heart surgery three times, so I know what it’s like to have pins and needles stuck in you,” he told the newspaper. his mother, Cheryl Evanshe added: “At one point, we were there 16 hours and I was ready to pull it. Then Ron said, ‘Action,’ and it came to life.”

At the time, Evans said he would “never have forgiven myself” if he was removed from the film. “I came close (to pulling myself). I had two days left and I knew I had to go back. It was in the morning and, when I got up and put on my clothes, I didn’t want to go,” she shared. “The night before I was shouting at my mum every minute she said something.”

Before his death, Evans was considering his options behind the camera as well. “Ron offered me an intern because I asked him if I could observe him,” he recalled. “I can’t think too far ahead. I feel better than I have ever felt. I love being an actor. I love my work. I love the payoff.”