With the snow finally falling and Christmas in our midst, it isn’t Santa Clause that has children clamoring, its the Grinch.
Scotty Stevens is a voice-actor in Logan and has been visiting children in schools and hospitals since 2007.
“I did a little party at my place of employment,” Stevens said. “And I heard Santa was coming and I said, ‘You know what, why don’t I put a little offer on the table?’ So I offered the Grinch and, 'BLING, BLANG, BLAM!' the Grinch was throwing a party.”
Stevens, or as he likes to be called, the Grinch, volunteers his time to schools and hospitals one day a year during the “Grinch Season.”
Playing the Grinch for children has not extinguished his, shall we say, flirty side.
“What would people be surprised to know?” Allison asked.
“That I’m ruggedly handsome,” Stevens said. “All the ladies think so. Wifeys okay with it but I’m actually quite handsome - once you get to know me. It’s all about the personality.”
Though the Grinch is feisty, it has not deterred his Christmas spirit.
“”Christmas is about – gifts,” Stevens said. “JUST KIDDING! It’s about the wee-little children. I love the children. When I see little tiny Cindy Lou Whos number twos coming up and giving Grinchie big warm hugs that make him feel all fuzzy inside - it kinda brings a tear to the eye, I’m not gonna lie.”
Stevens has a wife and 18-month old little boy who support him in his adventures of bringing cheer to children all over northern Utah.
“I’m quite grateful to have a little boy,” Stevens said. “Can I just tell you how fun it is? He is one and a half and he doesn’t bat an eye when daddy dresses up as the Grinch.
“Yeah,” Allison said. “What did he do the first time he saw you dressed up as the Grinch?”
Stevens said, “He went, ‘Oooh.’ Not too amusing.”
The Grinch is visiting the Cancer Center this week and describes why he keeps going back.
“Cheer, happiness,” Stevens said. “Sometimes a little scared, but it’s okay. The Grinch changes in the story, as we all know. Heart three sizes one day, don’t forget that. That’s a very important part of this little story.
As grouchy and mean as the Grinch likes to seem, it’s obvious his big heart melts when he sees little ones ….
“And when I see,that tiny little ones are involved,” Stevens said. “It only makes me want to visit much more cause it’s not easy being green and mean.
Stevens said he’ll continue to return as the Grinch for as long as people invite him back.