The young Grinch actor died two years after the film's release in 2000

Live action How the Grinch Stole Christmas It has become a holiday classic, but fans may not know that one of its most recognizable stars died just two years after the film's release.

actor Joshua Ryan Evans He died at the age of 20 shortly after winning the hearts of fans as an 8-year-old Grinch in the movie The Ron Howard– Directing the Christmas movie. 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 opened in theaters in November 2000, marked Evans' second acting credit before his death. Evans famously appeared as the younger version of Jim CarreyThe Grinch in a flashback sequence explains the character's hatred of Christmas. Adopted by two residents of Whoville, the young Grinch tries to impress his lover, Martha May Whoville, by shaving his face, but cuts himself in the process. After being ridiculed by his classmates and teacher, the young Grinch runs away to Mount Crumpet 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 look younger than his actual age, as he was only 3-foot-2. Evans also suffered from a congenital heart condition that resulted in him undergoing several surgeries during his childhood.

Related to: Actors whose role you forgot in How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The live-action version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become a modern holiday favorite — but many of its stars often go unnoticed. Jim Carrey steals the show as the titular character in Dr. Seuss's classic tale, which hit theaters in November 2000. The film has grossed more than $345 million worldwide, becoming[…]

As a result of being stuck at home due to his medical problems, frequent viewing of television shows and movies inspired Evans to become an actor. “I thought, 'If it's all just pretend, why can't I do it,'” he said. Los Angeles Times In an interview conducted in November 2000.

Evans began acting in television shows such as Family affairs, Ali McBeal, Hey Arnold!, Rugrats and Seventh heaven Before booking How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He also starred as Timmy the living doll in the NBC television series Emotions From 1999 to 2002.

In a strange Hollywood coincidence, Evans died on the same day as an episode of the series Emotions It aired where his character died and he donated his heart.

Evans role in How the Grinch Stole Christmas He was originally supposed to be a young actor, but his skills inspired Howard, 70, to expand the part. “As it turned out, he was able to create a character and generate a lot of interest in the story,” the director said. Los Angeles Times In November 2000. It was a pleasant surprise. “The days working with Jim were always great, but Josh was fun.”

Like Carrey, 62, Evans spent many hours in the makeup chair. “I've had heart surgery three times, so I know what it's like to have pins and needles stuck in your body,” he told the newspaper. his mother, Cheryl EvansHe added: “At one point, we had been there for 16 hours and I was ready to pull him out. Then Ron said, “Action,” and he just came back to life.

At the time, Evans said he “would never have forgiven himself” if he had been pulled from the film. “I came close (to pulling myself up).” I had two days left and I knew I had to come back. “It was in the morning, and as I was getting up and getting dressed, I didn’t want to go.” “The night before, I was screaming at my mom every minute she said something.”

Before his death, Evans was considering his options behind the camera as well. “Ron offered me an internship because I asked him if I could watch him,” he recalls. “I can't think too far ahead. I feel better than I've ever felt before. I love being an actor. I love my job. I love the reward.”