Grinch impersonator who visits hospitals to spread joy hopes to give character ‘new meaning’ on film’s 25th anniversary

A devoted Grinch impersonator who visits hospitals to spread festive cheer hopes to give the beloved character “a new meaning” as the hit movie marks its 25th anniversary this Christmas.

Ryan Swain, 35, who lives in Malton, North Yorkshire, with his fiancee Sam Cook, 40, and their eight-month-old son Zayn, said he was first captivated by the Grinch in his childhood and has been a fan of the “phenomenal character” since he was “a little boy”.

The 2000 comedy film How The Grinch Stole Christmas also became a personal favourite of Ryan’s. He has been a lifelong fan of star Jim Carrey after feeling he has similar traits and mannerisms.

Ryan, a professional DJ and entertainer, visited hospital patients and medical staff around Yorkshire in the run-up to Christmas last year, but he feels his portrayal of the Grinch this holiday season is the “most authentic” so far.

Taking “over an hour and a half” to get ready in a new “state-of-the-art” outfit, Ryan is determined to change the “misunderstood” nature of the Grinch “amongst all generations”, and hopes to “lift some spirits, keep people going and make them laugh” along the way.

“I want to be seen as a fully authentic impersonation to the character, but I also want to give him a new spirit and a new meaning,” Ryan told PA Real Life.

“It’s about giving hope, enjoyment and satisfaction to people that are potentially feeling isolated, not feeling well or feeling like they’re being cast out.

“Everyone has a Grinch inside them somewhere, and it’s a character that is very unique and authentic – he doesn’t follow the trend or the crowd.

“I really, really want to give young people a different outlook on the character and show people that in a world full of Whos, you can be a Grinch.”

Ryan said his admiration for the Grinch and Dr Seuss began in his childhood – and hit comedy film How The Grinch Stole Christmas is his favourite festive movie.

“The Grinch is a phenomenal character,” he said.

“As a child, I always read the book and I’ve watched the film over 100 times – I’ve been a fan since I was a little boy.”

He is approaching his impersonation of the character in a different way this year.

“This year is probably the most authentic portrayal to Jim Carrey’s character from the 2000 film, How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” he said.

“I feel like the character is very misunderstood and I often have children coming up to me who say, ‘oh, the Grinch is nasty, he hates Christmas’.

“That’s not necessarily true, the character doesn’t hate Christmas at all really, he’s just quite isolated and lonely.

“This is about trying to help all ages, all generations, understand the character better and to show people that the Grinch is actually quite generous and kind.”

Ryan’s new “complete one-off” ensemble shows the recognisable green figure of the Grinch wearing a traditional Santa Claus outfit.

He added that the suit was pieced together with the help of a special effects company and his mother, Debbie Swain, 63.

“There’s a lot of attention to detail to try and impersonate, but recreate, a really authentic experience for fans,” Ryan said.

To get into character, Ryan said he has spent “ages” rewatching the movie to tap into the Grinch’s accent, movements and mannerisms – but he also feels he shares similar traits to the actor himself.

“Me and Jim Carrey are very similar characters, very complicated characters,” he said.

“Growing up with him as my idol and hero, he sort of rubbed off on me as an artist.

“A lot of the things he does and says resonate with me and they come from me as well, without me imitating him as such.”

Ryan said he is “doing all sorts” with his impersonation this Christmas, but is focusing on voluntary visits to major hospitals across the Yorkshire region in the run-up to December 25.

These include Leeds General Infirmary, York Hospital, Scarborough General Hospital and Dewsbury and District Hospital – where Ryan entertains patients and staff.

“I’ve had messages from surgeons, I’ve had messages from catering staff, porters, right through to midwives on labour wards, to say you must come to visit us and our patients – and that’s mind-blowing to me,” he said.

“It’s about going in and lifting some spirits, keeping people going and making them laugh.

“If I can take someone out of reality for a few moments and bring them a bit of joy, then the job is done.”

Ryan has also been popping up at Christmas markets and parties around his local area.

To bring the Grinch to life during his visits, Ryan said he performs several recognisable skits in front of his audience, such as eating raw onions and sugar glass.

“When you’re doing a larger-than-life character, I feel like you can really let your imagination run wild, and that’s exactly what I do,” he said.

“I’m constantly trying to reinvent the character and think, ‘what can I do next?'”

This year marks the 25th anniversary since How The Grinch Stole Christmas premiered in 2000, and several cinema chains are showing the film on Friday December 12.

Looking ahead, Ryan feels the cultural impression of the Grinch will continue to last.

“The character is so popular all around the world,” he said.

“I think he encapsulates how people are feeling, especially around Christmas where some are very self-consumed or they think ‘we have to do this because it’s Christmas’.

“The character isn’t really about that whatsoever – he wants to be a part of it all, but he wants to do it in his own way.”

To find out more, visit @officialyorkshiregrinch on Instagram.