Welker performing the vocal effects for Max Clint Howard as Whobris, the mayor's sycophantic aide and servant Reid Kirchenbauer as eight-year-old Whobris Mindy Sterling as Clarnella Who, one of the Grinch's adoptive mothers Rachel Winfree as Rose Who, the Grinch's other adoptive mother Jeremy Howard as Drew Lou Who, one of the mischievous sons of Louie and Betty and brother of Cindy Tyler Stevenson as Stu Lou Who, the other mischievous son and brother of Cindy Jim Meskimen as Officer Wholihan, the chief of police Mary Stein as Miss Rue Who, the Grinch's school teacher who later becomes Cindy's teacher Deep Roy as Post Office Clerk Rance Howard as Elderly Timekeeper Verne Troyer as Band Member Bryce Dallas Howard as Surprised Who Production Before his death in 1991, Dr. Seuss refused offers to sell the film rights to his books. After his death, his widow Audrey Geisel agreed to several merchandising deals, including clothing lines, accessories and CDs. In July 1998, her agents announced via letter that she would auction the film rights of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. To pitch their ideas to Geisel, the suitors had to be willing to pay $5 million, 4% of the box-office gross, 50% of the merchandising revenue and music-related material, and 70% of the income from book tie-ins. The letter also stated that "any actor submitted for the Grinch must be of comparable stature to Jack Nicholson, Jim Carrey, Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman." Additionally, it was stipulated that the estate would not consider a director or writer who had not earned at least $1 million on a previous picture. 20th Century Fox pitched its version with director Tom Shadyac and producers Dave Phillips and John Davis in attendance, with Nicholson in mind to play the Grinch. The Farrelly brothers and John Hughes pitched their own versions. Universal Pictures held its presentation with Brian Grazer and Gary Ross in attendance. Geisel refused each offer. Grazer then enlisted his producing partner Ron Howard to help with the negotiations. At the time, Howard was developing a film adaptation of The Sea-Wolf. Despite being an avid fan of the animated Grinch special, he did not express interest in a live-action version. However, Grazer talked him into traveling to Geisel's residence for the pitch meeting. While studying the book, Howard became interested in the character Cindy Lou Who, and pitched a film in which she would