Hollywood Holiday: 20 Actors Who Have Played Santa Claus

A slew of actors have played Santa Claus over the years, in various forms. No matter your holiday mood, there is a Santa to suit it. There is the reluctant Santa (Tim Allen in ), the con man Santa (Billy Bob Thornton in ), the rockin’ Santa (Kurt Russell in ), the violent Santa (David Harbour in ) and the sincere, jolly Santa who gets kidnapped (J.

K. Simmons in ). In other words, don’t expect every portrayal to be inspired by the eye-twinkling, bowl-full-of-jelly-belly Santa from Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem “A Visit From St.

Nicholas” (commonly referred to as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Read on to see a list of 20 actors who have taken on the role. Tim Allen in ‘The Santa Clause’ In the 1994 family comedy, Allen plays a divorcee who accidentally kills a Santa impersonator on Christmas Eve — and is transported to the North Pole to take over Santa’s duties.

At first skeptical that the whole stint is just a wild dream, he begins to believe it after he suddenly gains weight and grows a thick, white beard. The film went on to spawn two sequels — 2002’s and 2006’s . Allen also reprises his role for the Disney+ series which debuted in November 2022 and received a second-season pickup the following month.

Ed Asner in ‘Elf’ The Will Ferrell centers on baby (Buddy) who sneaks into Santa Claus’ sack and spends his childhood (and adulthood) in the North Pole believing he is an elf. plays Santa, who sends Buddy to New York City on a quest.