20 Actors who played Santa Claus

Christmas is almost here which means Santa Claus and his reindeer are all geared up for another magical night of love and giving. Mysterious character, this Santa Claus.

Sometimes he is a wise old man caring about the kids, sometimes he is grumpy and if the alphabets are tweaked a little, he is Satan. The myth of Santa Claus has always attracted our attention. Yes, we want to believe that Santa can be of no harm, but that does not mean he is not capable after all legend says he is a Viking warrior.

And why ‘he’? It can be a ‘she’ as well. Over the years, we have seen many versions of this legendary character in movies. So here is a list of 20 actors who played Santa Claus and choose which one you want to appear out of your fireplace.

1) Mel Gibson – Fatman

Not the kind of Santa you would want to show up on Christmas Eve. Mel Gibson plays a distressed Chris Cringle in this comedy-action movie. Due to a decline in business, Chris is offered a two-month contract by US military Captain Jacobs to produce jet fighter components.

On the other side, Billy, a vicious child, hires a hitman to kill Chris because he received a piece of coal for Christmas. Mel Gibson has played a Santa who can be intimidating.

2) Paul Giamatti – Fred Claus

Paul Giamatti plays Santa Claus in this Christmas comedy film revolving around the drama in Santa’s family. As Nick (Santa Clause) bails his reclusive brother Fred out of prison, he makes him visit the North Pole, from where he operates the gift distribution around the globe.

We see a loving and caring Santa in this film, although he is not exactly immune to the frustrations caused by his elder brother. In the end, Fred disguises as Santa to deliver gifts as Nick is injured from a fight between the two of them.

3) Sir Nigel Hawthorne – Call Me Claus

This British actor, known for his stage acting plays a very empathetic Santa Claus in this television film. Full of a holiday vibe, this movie focuses on the spirit of Christmas over materialistic gains.

As St. Nick is looking for a suitable replacement for his position, he comes across Lucy and when he puts his hat on Lucy’s head, it glows brightly. Later, Santa will meet Lucy again, when she is all grown up and focused on her career.

4) Richard Griffith – A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa

Richard Griffith, who we all know for his role as Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter series, made a brief appearance in this television special as Santa Claus. The Muppets struggle to deliver three letters to Santa before he is out to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve.

Santa Claus doesn’t appear before us until the very end of the film, but he is a helping one as he brings them to New York from the North Pole in time so that they can enjoy the holy event.

5) James Cosmo – The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Although the name of the character was ‘Father Christmas’, there is no doubt that James Cosmo plays the ‘Santa Claus’ of this fictitious world of Narnia.

A wise and witty Santa, who is also practical gifts Peter, Lucy, and Susan with necessary equipment they would need later in the movie as they go up against the White Witch. A Santa, bearing gifts but also prepared for the worst.

6) Bill Goldberg – Santa’s Slay

Now this one is the most vicious Santa you’ll find on the list, in fact, his name was Mr. Satan. Bill Goldberg, world famous for his prowess in the WWE arena, spears right through the good vibes of Santa Claus.

Well, of course, it is a black comedy slasher film after all. We experience a Santa who is solely focused on the naughty list and he is after them. Let us, for the sake of our good health, hope that we are not on that list for years to come.

7) Edmund Gwenn – Miracle on 34th Street

Santa Claus was sent to a mental institution for believing he was Santa Claus. Edmund Gwenn plays the role of Kris Kringle, who is hired to play Santa in a parade owing to his physical similarity with the character.

We see a very charming and witty Santa Claus played by Edmund Gwenn and to prove his claim that he is the real Santa, Kris must fulfill the dreams of Susan. Also, one might wonder, if the half-moon spectacle of Albus Dumbledore is inspired by this movie.

8) William Hootkins – Like Father, Like Santa

Known for his supporting roles in movies like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Batman, William Hootkins plays a merry and jovial Santa in this television film. Fueled by greed, a toy tycoon, Tyler wants to put his father, Santa Claus out of business.

But the plot twists when Tyler realizes that there are a lot in common between him and his father. It is up to him, to prevent the coup made by the Christmas elves against Santa Claus.

9) Donavan Stinson – Santa Hunters

In this television film, Donavan Stinson plays a Santa Claus, whose powers fade a little every time he is spotted by someone. Alex is convinced of Santa’s existence. He convinces his sister and cousins to set up cameras to capture Santa’s footage just to prove his point.

Unaware of the consequences, the kids were successful and it took a major turn. We see a very chatty and goofy Santa in this movie.

10) George Wendt – Santa Baby

We see a very old Santa, who, despite his illness, is ready to distribute love. We experience a warm father in Santa Claus, as Mary is there to help him with the ‘Christmas drill’. Being a successful businesswoman, Mary takes charge of Christmas duties as she finds her father is down with illness.

But this Santa is a workaholic and can’t just sit at one place and see his daughter ‘Change everything’.

11) Leslie Nielsen – Santa Who?

Leslie Nielsen plays a Santa who has lost his memory due to a fall from the sky. Well, that’s some serious trouble. As Peter, a TV news reporter, uses Santa to increase the ratings of his show, the elves are out to remind Santa of his true identity.

We experience a Santa, who can’t even perform his famous ‘Ho, ho’. Leslie Nielsen delivered a beautiful performance in this fantasy comedy made for television.

12) Austin Pendleton – Christmas with the Kranks

Well, the most subtle and down-to-earth Santa you will ever see. Austin Pendleton plays Marty, an umbrella salesman. Luther and Nora, despite their neighbors’ disapproval, try to skip Christmas.

But soon they are back at the party when their daughter changes her mind and wants to come home. We, see Marty telling Luther to get an umbrella just before he gets drenched in a shower.

He also stops a thief using his umbrella. When Luther expresses his sympathy for Marty, as he has to work during Christmas to make a living, Mart comes back with ‘Santa always has to work on Christmas Eve.’. That’s when we get who he really is.

13) Tim Allen – The Santa Claus

Tim Allen delivers a beautiful work in this 1994 Christmas comedy film. As Scott Calvin and his eight-year-old son, Charlie, are preparing for Christmas, something bizarre happens to them.

Santa falls from their roof and vanishes, leaving his red suit and a business card with a note saying if anything happens to him, someone should put on the suit. Scott experiences changes in him as he slowly but surely starts to transform in to the real Santa Claus.

14) Ed Asner – Elf

Well, this is a much-needed grumpy Santa Claus. Ed Asner plays the role with a hint of frustration towards the modern time. A kind and experienced mentor for the elves.

Bobby, as a child climbs into Santa’s sack and is brought to the North Pole unknowingly. We don’t get to see much of Santa Claus, but Ed’s take on this character really brings a completely different angle.

15) Billy Bob Thornton – Bad Santa

Sometimes you can be a real Santa Clause for someone. All you have to do is focus on your bright side. Billy Bob Thorton plays Willie, a professional thief with a plan for a heist during Christmas. But his unacceptable behavior and habits are altered by the belief of gullible Thruman.

Thurman believed Willie was the real Santa Claus and that changed something in the criminal. From protecting Thurman from his bullies to getting shot by cops in an attempt to deliver his gift, we experience a beautiful change in character.

16) Anna Kendrick - Noelle

A slap in the face of patriarchy. Who determines that Santa has to be a man? Anna Kendrick plays Noelle, Santa’s daughter. She can not be the next Santa but she is the best one for the as her brother Nick is overwhelmed by the responsibilities his father bestowed upon him.

Nick elopes under pressure and it’s now on Noelle to bring him back and convince the elder Elves to make him the new Santa. But instead, she is chosen to continue her father’s legacy.

17) David Harbour – Violent Night

This is a whole new version of Santa Claus. David Harbour is less Santa and more ‘Nicomund the Red’ an ancient Viking warrior. Santa is on a mission to rescue Trudy, who is abducted by a group of mercenaries and claiming a ransom of three hundred million dollars.

We experience a sarcastic and occasionally fearsome Santa, who doesn’t pull his punches. We all knew this guy is the real deal when he casually said ‘I started the whole damn thing.’.

18) Kurt Russel – The Christmas Chronicles

‘I don’t go Ho-Ho-Ho, that’s a myth”, well that’s what Santa said after he met Kate and Teddy. Kurt Russel plays an energetic and positive Santa Claus. Santa needs to find his reindeer, which he lost when Kate and Teddy sneaked on his sleigh.

The trio sets out for their mission and we get to experience a turbulent journey altogether.

19) Jack Black – Dear Santa

What do you get when you misspell ‘Santa’ as ‘Satan’ in your letter to him? You get Jack Black appearing in your bedroom out of thin air. Looking like a demon, Jack Black gives an unforgettable performance with his comic timing blended with sass and energy.

Demonic or not, Santa is always kind to kids. So, this half-demon Santa finally gives in to his selfless side and starts to care about Liam as opposed to his original plan.

20) J.K. Simmons – Red One

This Santa is absolutely ripped. He’s got Dwayne Johnson as his personal trainer. J.K. Simmons plays Santa, who acts more like an army official on a battlefield. In this film, Santa is abducted and it is up to Callum and Jack to rescue him.

We experience a Santa who is sad about his beloved, loyal accomplice Callum finally resigning from his post and they are on for one last ride. By the way, this Santa can do five hundred reps of shoulder press and still can say ‘Let’s go heavy.’.