While he was recovering from those procedures, Evans often passed the time watching television and movies. That love for the screen slowly grew into something bigger—he discovered a passion that would eventually lead him into acting.
But the role that truly made him stand out came just a year later. Evans landed the part of the young Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and it became a defining moment in his career. Each filming session required five and a half hours of makeup, but he embraced it with joy. He reportedly built a strong connection with director Ron Howard, according to the Daily Mail.
Howard later shared: “Evans generated a lot of heart for the story.”
Not long after The Grinch, Evans stepped into an even bigger opportunity. He joined the cast of the NBC soap opera Passions, where he played Timmy Lenox, a doll brought to life. The role became a fan favorite and quickly grew into one of the show’s most important characters. His performance earned him a YoungStar Award from The Hollywood Reporter for Best Young Actor in a Daytime TV Series.
Sadly, just as Evans’ career was reaching new heights, tragedy struck. On August 5, 2002, he died suddenly at the age of 20 due to complications related to his heart condition. He was undergoing a medical procedure at the time of his passing.
That episode had been filmed weeks before, and producers had initially planned to bring Timmy back as an angel in future storylines. But after Evans’ unexpected death, those plans were dropped. The episode ended up being dedicated in his memory.
Juliet Mills, who played Tabitha Lenox and worked closely with Evans, reflected on his love for entertainment: “That’s what he loved more than anything — showbiz. It was a legendary thing to do (to die the same day as his character did on screen). He made a big bang when he went.”
That legacy still lives on today. Every Christmas, when families sit down to watch The Grinch, they unknowingly pay tribute to the young actor whose talent and heart made a big impact—even in such a short life.