Whoville is more than just the home of the Grinch — it’s a lively town filled with joy, charm, and unforgettable residents. The 2018 animated version of The Grinch brought new life to this classic tale with a fresh cast of lovable WhoVille characters. Join us as we meet the cheerful, quirky, and occasionally chaotic citizens of the town!
Welcome To Whoville In The Grinch!
Whoville is the vibrant, snow-covered town at the heart of The Grinch (2018), a heartwarming animated film that reimagines Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale. Directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier, and produced by Illumination Entertainment (the studio behind Despicable Me), this version dives deeper into the quirky charm of Whoville and its festive residents.
Released in 2018, the beloved holiday classic captures the joy, warmth, and community spirit of Christmas, all from the perspective of both the cheerful Whos and the famously grumpy Grinch. Every candy-striped corner and over-the-top decoration in Whoville bursts with holiday cheer, creating a whimsical world that feels both magical and relatable. It’s a cozy, snow-globe town that invites everyone to believe in the power of kindness.
10 Beloved Grinch Characters
The Grinch
Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, the Grinch is the green, grouchy heart of this Christmas tale. Living atop snowy Mount Crumpit, he starts off as a bitter loner with a disdain for holiday cheer. But there’s more to him than his prickly fur and snide remarks. This Grinch shows a more vulnerable, emotionally complex side as he struggles with loneliness and painful memories than the original version.
His redemption arc, from stealing Christmas to embracing it, remains one of the most heartwarming transformations in animated storytelling. With wit, charm, and a pinch of snark, the Grinch reminds us all that no one is beyond change, especially with a little kindness.
Cindy Lou Who
Cindy Lou is the heart and soul of Whoville. A spirited little girl with a huge sense of wonder and kindness, she’s determined to meet Santa, not for gifts, but to help her overworked mother. Cameron Seely’s voice brings a genuine innocence and drive to the role, making Cindy Lou not only a beacon of joy but also the catalyst for the Grinch’s change.
Her empathy pierces through his icy demeanor, offering him something he never expected: compassion without conditions. With her pink outfit, wide blue eyes, and adventurous spirit, Cindy Lou proves that even the smallest Who can make the biggest impact.
Max the Dog
Max is the Grinch’s loyal and endlessly patient canine companion. Always by his side, Max provides emotional support, comic relief, and an unexpected dose of holiday spirit. Unlike his grumpy master, Max embraces the cheer of Christmas and often tries to steer the Grinch toward better decisions with varying degrees of success.
Voiced by Frank Welker, Max’s expressive reactions and heartfelt loyalty make him a fan favorite. Whether he’s pulling the sleigh or just wagging his tail with joy, Max shows that unconditional love can exist even in the grumpiest of caves.
Donna Who
Meet Donna Who, the epitome of kindness and motherly strength in Whoville. Played by Rashida Jones, Donna is Cindy Lou’s caring and hardworking single mother. Juggling work, parenting, and holiday preparations, she remains optimistic and composed, never letting the season’s chaos overwhelm her.
Donna’s grounded, compassionate nature gives the film a strong emotional core. She’s a reminder that adult responsibilities don’t erase the magic of Christmas, especially when shared with family. Donna Who is not just a background parent; she’s a central figure in teaching the Grinch what family and community truly mean.
Groopert
Groopert is Cindy Lou’s best friend and an enthusiastic member of her inner circle. Always eager to help with her holiday mission to trap Santa, Groopert brings a mix of comic energy and childhood curiosity. His curly red hair and bright blue eyes make him instantly recognizable among the Whoville kids.
Voiced by Tristan O’Hare, Groopert is one of the film’s most upbeat and supportive characters from Whoville. While his antics often make you smile, his loyalty to Cindy Lou and excitement for the holiday give the story its youthful vibrance. He’s a small-town kid with a big heart.
Bricklebaum
Bursting with holiday cheer, Bricklebaum is the Grinch’s overly friendly neighbor and self-declared best friend. Voiced by Kenan Thompson, Bricklebaum is impossible not to like. He’s warm, cheerful, and completely unbothered by the Grinch’s frosty attitude.
His home is the most festively decorated in all of Whoville, and his genuine love for Christmas makes him the personification of holiday spirit. Whether he’s hosting parties or just offering warm greetings, Bricklebaum’s positivity is infectious. He serves as a humorous contrast to the Grinch’s gloom and, in his own way, helps chip away at that famously small heart.
Izzy
Izzy is a bright-eyed, curious friend of Cindy Lou, and her sweet personality adds to the youthful charm of the film. She’s a little younger than the rest of the group, but never left out of their holiday hijinks. Voiced by Scarlett Estevez, Izzy is known for her intelligence and love of learning, though she’s not a fan of Bricklebaum’s dog!
With her eagerness to help set up the Santa trap and her genuine enthusiasm for Christmas, Izzy brings innocence and warmth to every scene she’s in. She’s the Whoville friend everyone wishes they had.
Ozzy
Ozzy may be one of the lesser-known names in Whoville, but he’s far from forgettable. As part of Cindy Lou’s friend group, Ozzy adds energy and fun to their festive plans. He’s often seen supporting her big ideas and joining in on the wild schemes to catch Santa.
Sam Lavagnino voices this energetic youngster, who has a bouncy personality and a loyalty that matches Max’s. Ozzy’s charm lies in his simplicity — he loves Christmas, his friends, and a good adventure. Whether he’s building traps or cracking jokes, Ozzy embodies the innocent excitement of childhood.
Axl
Axl brings the cool factor to the Whoville crew. Taller than his peers and rocking a mop of curly brown hair, Axl stands out visually and vocally, with Ramone Hamilton providing the voice. He’s another one of Cindy Lou’s friends who helps engineer the elaborate plan to meet Santa Claus. Though he seems a bit older, he shares the same passion for Christmas and loyalty to his friends. Axl’s calm, collected demeanor balances out the group’s more chaotic moments. He’s the dependable type – thoughtful, steady, and always ready to help out when the holiday spirit calls.
Mayor McGerkle
Rounding out our list is Mayor McGerkle, Whoville’s festive and enthusiastic leader. A refreshing change from the grumpy mayor of the 1999 live-action film, this version, voiced by the legendary Angela Lansbury, is warm, elegant, and absolutely obsessed with making Christmas bigger and better each year.
Dressed in formal holiday attire, she kicks off the town’s festivities and spreads joy to every Who from Whoville. Mayor McGerkle is less about politics and more about community spirit, embodying the leadership style we all wish for – supportive, celebratory, and full of sparkle.
Other Whoville People That Add To The Dynamic Mix
These Whoville residents may not take center stage, but they add charm, depth, and energy to the festive town:
- Store Clerk: A background character who appears during shopping scenes, helping Whos prepare for the holidays with calm efficiency and cheerful service.
- Stu Lou Who: Mentioned as part of the extended Who family in the broader Grinch universe; a cheerful, if minor, resident known for his holiday enthusiasm.
- Tommy Who: One of Donna Who’s young children and Cindy Lou’s sibling; capturing the essence of holiday cheer and adding warmth to the family scenes.
- Gracie Who: Cindy Lou’s youngest sibling, often seen toddling along in scenes with her mother and sister, embodying the innocence of the season.
- Bricklebaum’s Dog: Although unnamed, this dog appears briefly and is notably disliked by Groopert and Izzy; a small but funny addition to the cast.
- Whoville Carolers: A group of spirited singers seen around town spreading cheer, representing the town’s festive unity.
- Mailman Who: A supporting character who appears briefly, often struggling with overflowing holiday mail, adding a touch of realism and comedy.
- Whoville Shoppers: These background cartoon characters fill out the town’s hustle and bustle, each dressed in colorful holiday attire and bustling with excitement.
- Town Crier Who: Seen announcing events or updates in the town square, contributing to the structured yet playful governance of Whoville.
- Mount Crumpit Goats: These mischievous goats live near the Grinch’s cave and cause small comedic disruptions; not citizens of Whoville, but part of the landscape.
- Whoville Band: Provides musical flair during the town’s celebrations, setting the tone for the town’s extravagant Christmas energy.
Santa Claus (decorative or imaginary): While not a real character in the story, Santa’s presence is felt throughout the film via decorations and the kids’ plans to catch him.
