The most beloved and imitated figure of the holiday season is Santa Claus, of course. Some of our favorite stars from Martin Lawrence to Tracee Ellis Ross has worn the red fat suit, white beard and let out a hearty “Ho, Ho, Ho!” See our 10 favorite Santa Claus impersonators in television and film.
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A select few lucky students got the surprise of a lifetime when Martin Payne (Martin Lawrence) stepped in to play Santa at the last minute. Sans the traditional jolly beard and fat suit, Martin was just what those kids needed.
Lucy Collins (Whoopi Goldberg) finds out just how hard Santa Claus works when the man in red selects her to fill his shoes on Christmas Eve.
Gerald (Mekhi Phifer) makes a surprise appearance that not only shocks Ma’Dere (Loretta Devine), but warms the heart of his new girlfriend Kelli (Sharon Leal). Plus, Santa never looked so sexy!
For the characters in this film, Christmas in Compton, California is tough to survive. Thankfully, their very own Kris Kringle (Keith David) uses his brain to not only save his son, but make it a cheery time for all.
Mr. Jones (John Witherspoon) plays Santa to the local kids at a nearby mall, while Craig and Day Day track down a bad Santa who robbed their apartment.
When William (Reginald C. Hayes) backs out of playing Santa Claus for Jabari, Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross) puts on the fat suit with her heels with hopes of saving his innocence.
Although this film hasn’t come out in theaters, we’ve seen Madea (Tyler Perry) save Christmas once before in a play. And by the looks of the trailer, Madea will certainly give all the kids a little extra sass this holiday season.
Fat Albert (Bill Cosby) lends his jolly laugh to this old-school-holiday favorite. This rowdy (and hilarious) gang never gets old!
Although this Santa may not be the exact shade we were looking for, we’ll give him a pass! This animated film features the voice of legendary actor James Earl Jones. And even though we can’t see Jones’ face, we hear his fatherly voice sing an unforgettable Christmas tune.
