Some of the most striking transformations that have happened on film and television over the years are among those stars turning up as Santa.
You probably remember Tim Allen’s iconic stint in The Santa Clause or Tom Hanks as basically every character in The Polar Express. But try picturing Harry Potter’s Uncle Vernon as the jolly old elf surrounded by reindeer. Do you know who played the Santa from Will Ferrell’s Elf? Perhaps best known as TV news executive Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Ed Asner has enjoyed an legendary career on television.
We’ve assembled a list of actors who have played Santa over the years — and some of them may surprise you.
