The eerie coincidence that took place on day child star in The Grinch tragically died

There was an unfortunate coincidence on the same day the actor who played the young Grinch in How The Grinch Stole Christmas died.

The all-time festive favourite sees the reclusive Grinch (played by Jim Carrey) hell-bent on ruining Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville.

Fans of the 2000 film will remember seeing flashbacks of a young Grinch at school, played by Josh Ryan Evans.

It took five and a half hours each day to apply Evans' makeup and bodysuit, which showed his dedication.

“As it turned out, he was able to create a character and generate a lot of heart for the story,” director Ron Howard told the Los Angeles Times.

“It was such a pleasant surprise. The days working with Jim were always amazing, but Josh was just delightful.

“He did a great job of creating a connection there between the young Grinch and the grown-up Grinch.”

Josh Ryan Evans played the young Grinch in How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Universal Pictures)

Evans rose to fame as a child actor in the 90s, and started out in the industry aged 12, appearing in American comedy drama Ally McBeal, various animated series, and as Timmy Lenox, a living doll, on the NBC soap Passions.

It's the show which landed him a Hollywood Reporter YoungStar Award for 'Best Young Actor in a Daytime TV Series'.

The 3ft 2 actor was able to build a career despite his small stature due to achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism.

Achondroplasia is referred to as a bone growth disorder which results in dwarfism due to a genetic mutation in the arms and legs.

According to Cleveland Clinic, it is 'the most common form of short stature. Almost all children with achondroplasia are able to live full and healthy lives after diagnosis'.

Sadly for Evans, he passed away aged 20 while undergoing surgery to correct a congenital heart condition that had troubled him throughout his life.

Evans passed away as his career was starting to take off (Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images)

On the very day he died, 5 August 2002, an episode of Passions aired in which his beloved character also died.

The episode had been taped weeks earlier, before Evans’ passing, but was broadcast posthumously on the same date.

Juliet Mills, who played Tabitha in Passions, said: "Who would have thought that a little boy of 3 foot 2 could become a household name and have done such great work?

"But he did. He left his mark. And he gave a legendary exit. That was very 'starry' of him-to die on the day that Timmy died. It's almost like he orchestrated it.

"I could believe he would - he was a very powerful human being. He was a fairy person - a little fairy person. He believed in magic and he made magic happen.

"I have a truckload of wonderful memories of him. And he'll be with me always."