Six Memorable Hollywood Versions of Ebenezer Scrooge (And the Actors Who Played Him)

"A Christmas Carol" was written by Charles Dickens in 1843. A lot of time has passed since the famous Ebenezer Scrooge character became affixed in pop culture. Ebenezer is noted for his ill-tempered demeanor and avoidance of all things cheerful. Though the term "Scrooge" has become synonymous with everything anti-Christmas, we've come to love this character (as much as any audience can)-so much so, that literally dozens of Hollywood celebrities have taken on this challenging role on the big and small screen. Ebenezer Scrooge has become a fascinating character to portray. These actors took the role and ran with it...

Alistair Sim

Most of us are a tad too young to remember when Scottish actor Alistair Sim reprised the role in 1951 black and white classic, "Scrooge." However, this role is perhaps one of Sim's most recognized on screen characters. His famous "hangdog" expression and crisp accent made him a shoo-in for the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. (He lent that well-known accent to the character again in 1971 when he voiced an animated Scrooge story in 1971.)

Kelsey Grammer

In 2004, Kelsey Grammer took a stab at the Ebenezer Scrooge role, starring in the TV film aptly named, "A Christmas Carol." The light-hearted fare received a whimsical touch - the director opting for a musical interpretation. This may not have had the same "bite" as other versions. But Grammer gets the point across nonetheless.

Vanessa Williams

Scrooge got the "diva" treatment in 2000 when the former Miss America eased into the role of "Ebony Scrooge." (Clever, huh?) VH1's interesting interpretation gave Williams the opportunity to showcase her vocal chops. Complete with cheesy musical numbers, "A Diva's Christmas Carol" put a commercial spin on an otherwise somber classic film.

George C. Scott

The late George C. Scott had tons of memorable Hollywood roles before his untimely death in 1999. One of his endearing performances was his role in 1984's version of "A Christmas Carol." Scott's gravelly voice and intimidating demeanor gave Ebenezer Scrooge its formidable quality.

Bill Murray

The cantankerous character got a does of slapstick once comedian Bill Murray slid into the famous miserly role. In 1988's "Scrooged," Murray put a hilarious spin on Scrooge's nature, portraying a stingy television network executive. With oodles of famous names to help him pull it off, Bill Murray's awkward acting schtick made this playful film a big hit.

Jim Carrey

The world is probably most familiar with Robert Zemeckis' brilliant Disney animated creation, "A Christmas Carol" (2009.) Zemeckis took an unconventional approach with this production - allowing the actors to use their physical bodies, as opposed to just their voices. With the help of computerized sensors (and Carrey's "animated" persona), Jim Carrey not only portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge - but also three Christmas spirits assigned to show him his past, present and future lives.

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