For many in Gen Z, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey, is as classic as any Christmas movie. It’s funny, warm, and based on a classic story, and viewers will remember songs such as “Where Are You Christmas.” But what happened to the little girl who sang that song? Her name is Taylor Momsen, and she’s all grown up with her own rock music career, most recently releasing a new Christmas EP, including original songs as well as covers from The Grinch.
Momsen began modeling and acting at the age of two, and was cast in The Grinch at the age of seven. Though her experience from a young age has created an extensive resume for herself, including an iconic Shake ‘N Bake commercial and a supporting role in Spy Kids 2, she has publicly criticized her parents for signing her on to work at such a young age. It ended up preventing a normal childhood and contributing to later mental health issues as an adult.
Momesen secured her role in Gossip Girl in a Spring Break audition while she was in middle school. Though she was a self-proclaimed outcast who didn’t get along with the preppy girls, she portrayed one on television throughout her teen years before she was phased out of the show. After her stint on Gossip Girl, Momsen left her acting career in the rearview to focus on music.
A Passion for Music
In 2009, after recording several Christmas tracks as a young child, Momsen started her band The Pretty Reckless. She is the front woman, doing vocals and rhythm guitars, and co-writing lyrics. The band has replaced members in its time, but has also consistently released studio albums since 2010. Music from the band has made appearances in media, such as the film Kick-Ass and shows like The Vampire Diaries or Gossip Girl, and they have been a supporting act for names such as Evanescence and Fall Out Boy.
Their work culminates in the recent EP, Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas. The release includes Momsen’s iconic Grinch song, as well as another inspired by it and other original Christmas tracks. The album got newfound attention after her performance at the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. According to an interview with Nightline, this project is surrendering to the obligatory realization that Cindy Lou Who makes rock music, and the fan requests to make a cover of the song.
Although Cindy Lou Who is all grown up, it seems as though she is beginning to embrace her past for what it is, even if it may have been troubling. Some in her position may not care to revisit the past, but it is clear that Momsen was missing some of her desired audience by not capitalizing on her childhood stardom. Not only is this fierce artist making moves for herself, but she’s also creating a Christmas nostalgia-fest that many will surely appreciate.
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