Jim Carrey Reveals His Two Greatest Rock Songs Ever
The comedy legend shares his ultimate rock picks while reflecting on his musical connections and painful Grinch filming experience at recent Rock Hall event.
If you're hunting for holiday films this season, you might catch Jim Carrey sporting that infamous green fur as The Grinch. What many don't realize is how much the actor endured during production - reportedly so tortured by the extensive makeup process that he considered returning his $20 million paycheck after experiencing panic attacks on set.
The transformation was brutal: Carrey couldn't breathe through his nose, wore contact lenses the size of frisbees, and needed coaching from a torture survival expert just to get through each day of filming. Despite mixed critical reception, the financial reward was substantial, though whether it justified the physical and mental anguish remains debatable.
Grinch Co-Star Becomes Rock Star
The movie also featured young Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who, who has since become the frontwoman for hard rock band The Pretty Reckless. Last month, Carrey and Momsen reunited at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, 25 years after their Christmas collaboration.
The Pretty Reckless performed several tracks, including a rock interpretation of "Where Are You Christmas," the same song Momsen performed as a seven-year-old in the film. Reflecting on their time together, Momsen praised Carrey's protective nature on set, noting how "as a young person watching an artist at work and taking their craft so seriously, that left a really powerful, lasting impact on me as an adult now."
Soundgarden Connection and Guitar Gift
Carrey's rock credentials run deep. At the Hall of Fame ceremony, he inducted Seattle grunge legends Soundgarden, referencing a special moment from 1996 when he hosted Saturday Night Live with the band as musical guests. After Carrey specifically requested Soundgarden as the main act, the group showed their appreciation by presenting him with a signed electric blue Fender Telecaster backstage.
The comedian developed a genuine friendship with the band's late vocalist Chris Cornell, demonstrating his authentic connection to the rock world beyond mere celebrity fandom.
Ultimate Rock Anthems Revealed
When asked about his guilty pleasure rock songs, Carrey didn't hesitate to name his current favorite and an all-time classic. "Right now, it's Black Crowes' 'Hard to Handle.' But it used to be 'Whole Lotta Rosie', AC/DC. But you gotta listen to the original version with Bon Scott," he revealed.
The AC/DC track, released in 1977 as the closing number on "Let There Be Rock," was penned by original singer Bon Scott about an encounter with a sex worker during tour. The song has become one of AC/DC's most enduring live staples, performed at nearly every concert across their five-decade career.
The Black Crowes' interpretation of Otis Redding's "Hard to Handle" appeared on their 1990 debut "Shake Your Money Maker," which achieved massive commercial success with over five million copies sold worldwide. Carrey's musical tastes extend beyond classic rock, as he's also expressed admiration for heavier acts like Pantera and Cannibal Corpse.