Los Angeles, Dec. 26 -- Acclaimed filmmaker and actor Ron Howard revealed that his 2000 Christmas classic 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' was deeply inspired by his mother, Jean Speegle Howard, to whom he dedicated the film, according to People.

The film, released on November 17, 2000, featured Jim Carrey as the Grinch, who endured the famously challenging makeup process, while Taylor Momsen portrayed Cindy Lou Who.

Ron shared why he decided to dedicate the movie to his mom Jean, who died in September 2000 at the age of 73. Ron said his mom was sick during filming. "We were filming on the Universal lot, and she was at St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank, so I could get to her. And my dad and brother, who both had roles in the movie, were ...