Who narrated the 1966 TV special 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'?

Boris Karloff narrated the 1966 TV special “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”

Karloff also supplied the voice of the Grinch, giving the character his distinctive gravelly delivery. The animated special was directed and co-produced by Chuck Jones and adapted from Dr. Seuss’s 1957 picture book. It first aired on CBS on December 18, 1966, and became an annual holiday broadcast.

A common mix-up concerns “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Karloff did not sing that song: Thurl Ravenscroft performed the vocals. Ravenscroft was initially left uncredited, which helped create the mistaken impression that Karloff sang it. June Foray voiced Cindy Lou Who, while Dallas McKennon voiced Max.

The special is also notable for establishing the Grinch’s green color in animation. Jones and Seuss agreed that green best suited the character, even though the original book’s illustrations used a more limited color approach. The 24-minute production remains one of the best-known animated Christmas specials.