How the Grinch went from a Yuletide bit player to a Christmas A-lister

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It takes a lot for sweet-tempered 28-year-old Nick Darnell to transform himself into Christmas’ most sought-after sourpuss.There’s colored contacts and facial prosthetics, a protruding belly and at least an hour of makeup.

But for the devout Christian and preternaturally cheerful young actor, the real metamorphosis is psychological.“People today love to connect with the villain,” said the viral Grinch impersonator.“The world is just a darker world now.” Darnell called the chartreuse baddie he portrays “the modern-day Santa.” Dr.

Seuss’ holiday parable “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” has been a seasonal favorite since it was published in 1957, ranking among the most popular and profitable of the author’s iconic rhyming picture books.The story’s sassy, brassy antihero has likewise adorned Christmas trees and school library shelves for generations.

His hornlike fur forelocks and pathological refusal to assimilate have led some critics to call the Grinch ambiguously antisemitic, but those concerns have largely been glossed over by years of nostalgia.Experts say 2025 heralds the Grinch’s ascent from Yuletide bit player to Christmas A-lister.

He now crowds out Kris Kringle in store displays, social media feeds and holiday meet-and-greets.Unlike Santa, who ho-ho-hos his way through the holiday season, Grinches twerk and pout and scream in kids’ faces.

Compilations of their antics on YouTube and TikTok routinely rack up millions of views.“I do the things that people think,” Darnell said of the role.

“I’m not restrained.” Despite the Grinch’s anti-consumerist zeal, the market for his visage has exploded in recent years.Target touts its “Grinchmas,” while Walmart has “WhoKnewVille.” McDonald’s sells Grinch fries, Starbucks features a “secret menu” frappuccino.

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