Everyone has their preferences when it comes to Santa. Some like a funny Santa, while others like a serene Santa. Some even like a woman dressed as Santa Claus. There have been innumerable films to date that have revolved around the theme of Christmas and Santa Claus. You certainly have enjoyed watching your favorite actors playing the lovable character on screen.
Whether it is a television or a film portrayal, you must have pictured Santa in your way, and you probably have your favorite. Everyone does. However, there is a hierarchy, which most of you would agree to. Here is a list of the actors who have played Santa in movies and specials and won the hearts of the fans. We decided to rank them as per their popularity.
Edmund Gwenn
Edmund Gwenn makes it to the No.1 spot owing to his portrayal of Santa Claus in the 1947 movie Miracle on 34th Street. Gwenn is the star of the film and is one of the most important reasons why the audience loved the movie. He is also the man who shaped how you all see Santa on television and in films today. This speaks volumes of how good he was in character. Gwenn laid his hands on the Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actor category, thus becoming the only actor till now to win an Oscar for the portrayal of Kris Kringle.
Will Ferrell
Ed Asner is a living legend, and no one has any doubt in his ability to carry off any role. Therefore, it’s a given fact that Asner would portray the role of Santa almost to perfection. The 2003 classic Elf bears testimony to this fact. He has been the big guy in various movies and television roles. It’s pretty clear from this fact why he holds the No.2 spot in this list.
Tim Allen
Have you watched the 1994 film, The Santa Clause? If yes, then you would know why Tim Allen is in the third position. Allen plays Scott Calvin, who accidentally kills the original Santa and becomes Santa himself. The family movie has a dark start, but kudos goes to Allen for playing his part of Santa so beautifully. He deserves praise for adjusting to the new role. This has to be one of the finest performances in his career.
Richard Attenborough
Richard Attenborough played Santa in the 1994 remake of the original 1947 movie, Miracle on 34th Street. If you believe that the real Santa has an English accent, then you would find this one a classic depiction of what you have pictured as Santa Claus. Richard Attenborough plays the real Santa Claus, a fake one for a crime set up. Eventually, he has to prove his real identity by the court. An out-and-out classic, you can hardly find any flaw with this remake.
Kurt Russell
One of the finest actors of Hollywood, Kurt Russell, plays Santa in The Christmas Chronicles and The Christmas Chronicles 2 on Netflix. He plays the role of a more lively Santa. Though you have mostly seen Santa as calm and old-fashioned, you will chuckle when you hear this Santa speaking things you probably never heard from the previous ones. If Santa is the pivotal character of a film, it’s always nice to make him more lively and energetic than those who turn up at the end.
Stan Francis
It was 1964 when this animated holiday classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, was first aired on television. Since many have spent their entire childhood watching it, the voice of Stan Francis is the voice of Santa Claus for them, and they are not ready to bargain. You cannot blame them, as their childhood memories are attached to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Anna Kendrick
The 2019 Christmas movie is about two sisters, Noelle and Nick, the grown-up kids of Kris Kringle. After Kris' demise, Nick is supposed to become the new Santa. But, much to the audience's surprise, Noelle takes his place. The film might not have been an immediate Christmas classic. However, Anna Kendrick's fabulous performance certainly makes it deserving. Other actors who deserve mention are Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey, Billy Bob Thornton, and Paul Giamatti - all of whom delivered memorable performances while portraying Santa Claus. Who is your personal favorite?
