Actress Alexandra Breckenridge has opened up about her experience wearing heavy prosthetics while portraying Santa Claus in her latest Netflix film, My Secret Santa. She described the prosthetics as “miserable,” highlighting the challenges of filming with uncomfortable gear.
Challenges of Playing Santa
During her exclusive interview, the 43-year-old actress explained the difficulties of her transformation into the jolly figure. The combination of facial prosthetics, a fake belly, a wig, a beard, and a red velvet suit amounted to a weight of approximately 15 pounds. “It’s the most uncomfortable thing in the world,” Breckenridge admitted. She mentioned that filming conditions were quite challenging, especially when outside temperatures dropped to negative nine degrees Fahrenheit.
Warming Up to the Role
Inside, however, the situation was equally challenging. While interacting with children in “Santa’s Village,” she struggled with overheating. Breckenridge humorously recalled using ice packs and fans on set to stay cool. “I have some hysterical photos from set!” she added.
Embracing Dual Roles
In My Secret Santa, Breckenridge plays a dual role as Taylor, a down-on-her-luck single mother, who disguises herself as Santa to secure a job at a ski resort. Despite the physical discomfort, she considers this experience to be among the best acting opportunities she has had in recent years.
- Character: Taylor, a single mom pretending to be Santa Claus.
- Weight of prosthetics and costume: Approximately 15 pounds.
- Filming temperature: Negative nine degrees Fahrenheit.
Finding Humor in the Challenge
Breckenridge shared that although she felt “miserable” physically, she enjoyed portraying a character within a character. “I was able to just be silly and be ridiculous,” she noted with enthusiasm. Overcoming her initial fears about the heavy script added depth to her performance.
Crafting a Unique Santa Performance
For her portrayal, Breckenridge drew inspiration from Tim Allen’s Santa in The Santa Clause. However, the full costume and makeup helped her find the right attitude and demeanor, contributing to her unique interpretation of Santa. “My character isn’t an actress, so there’s some level of naiveness in her role,” she explained.
Musical Moments on Film
In addition to embodying Santa, Breckenridge faced the challenge of performing musically in the film. She had to lip-sync for a scene requiring her to appear on stage. Fortunately, her guitar skills, honed from childhood, helped her with the performance, although she faced difficulties due to the cold.
On-Screen Chemistry
Breckenridge also discussed her chemistry with co-star Ryan Eggold. Their long-standing friendship facilitated a smooth partnership, enhancing their performances on screen. “If you know your partner is willing to make jokes with you and just have fun, it shows on camera,” she remarked.
Looking Forward to Audience Reactions
As My Secret Santa streams on Netflix, Breckenridge hopes viewers appreciate her versatility as an actress. She expressed her excitement to showcase a different side of herself, indicating that this role allowed her to “sink her teeth into” a significant acting challenge.
With both comedic and heartfelt moments, Breckenridge and the film’s cast aim to deliver a delightful holiday experience for audiences this season.
