Betty White honoured at Grinchmas celebration

Press Release - The Grinch and Max the Dog ushered in the arrival of "Grinchmas" at Universal Studios Hollywood with the presentation of the 'Who-Manitarian of the Year Award' to Betty White.

Ms. White's lifelong dedication to animal welfare also earned her the title of "Ambassador to the Animals" in a ceremony in which she was honored by the City of Los Angeles. Featured in Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax," the "Hot in Cleveland" television star was recently named Chairman of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, in which she served on the board since 1974 and as Zoo Commissioner for eight years. Ms. White also serves as President Emeritus of Morris Animal Foundation, a world leader in funding groundbreaking veterinary research.

Ms. White's tireless efforts on behalf of animals will be recognized with the “Who-Manitarian of the Year” Award presented by Max, the Grinch's loveable canine sidekick. Max is played by local rescue dogs throughout the nightly run of the "Grinchmas" show. "Grinchmas" begins this weekend, Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9, continues daily from December 15 to 31, and is included in the price of admission.

The family-friendly "Grinchmas" celebration will ring in a jolly Who-liday season with The Grinch, his faithful dog Max, tons of fresh snow, and celebrity readings of the Dr. Seuss classic, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" as part of the vibrant tree lighting celebration.

A whimsical, curving "Grinchmas" tree will tower 18 metres above the center of a snow-covered winter wonderland and will be lit in nightly ceremonies that will feature a colorfully costumed Who-ville choir, caroling and spreading holiday cheer in enchanting Whobilation performances.

Prior to select tree-lighting Whobilations, celebrities from the worlds of film, television and music will join the festivities to help Universal Studios Hollywood celebrate "Grinchmas" by reading entertaining interpretations of Dr. Seuss' heart-warming tale.

Throughout the event, The Grinch, Max and the Who-ville Whos will be on hand and paw to meet fans and take memorable holiday photos, while families gather to enjoy traditional winter fun, romping together in a playground of fresh, real snow.

"Grinchmas" will also provide fans of the blockbuster film a close-up view of the original Who-ville film sets, featured in the Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" movie, aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. As the tram rolls to a stop amid the fanciful Who-ville buildings, guests will experience a one-of-a-kind performance by a Who’s Who of Who-ville re-enacting favorite scenes and songs from the film.

More information, including updates on the "Grinchmas" celebrity readings, will be available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.