Watching Christmas movies has become a cherished pastime during the most wonderful time of the year. Even if they’re sometimes corny and cringe-worthy (we’re looking at you, Hallmark, and Lifetime), they are still good. While some might joke that Christmas movies are where actors’ careers go to die, in reality, many Hollywood greats have graced these holiday flicks with their presence.
From unexpected cameos to starring roles, here are 15 actors you might have forgotten made a Christmas movie:
1. Carrie Fisher in ‘It’s Christmas, Carol!’ (2012)
In 2012, in a Hallmark galaxy not so far away, the “Star Wars” fan favorite Carrie Fisher portrayed the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in the modern retelling of the Dickens classic.
2. David Hasselhoff in ‘The Christmas Consultant’ (2012)
David Hasselhoff traded his “Baywatch” swimsuit for the role of a Christmas consultant, helping a family survive the most wonderful time of the year in the 2012 film “The Christmas Consultant.”
3. Patrick Swayze in ‘Christmas in Wonderland’ (2007)
In one of his last roles, Patrick Swayze played the father of a brother-sister duo, portrayed by Matthew Knight and Amy Schlagel in 2007 film “Christmas in Wonderland.”
The film, released before Dirty Dancing star’s 2009 death, features a Christmas showdown akin to “Home Alone,” where the siblings find themselves battling against bad guys after stumbling upon counterfeit bills in a mall.
4. Jessica Biel in ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ (1998)
At the peak of her “7th Heaven” fame in the late ’90s, Jessica Biel charmed us in the 1998 rom-com “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” In this teen holiday flick, we see a fresh-faced Biel as Allie, the patient girlfriend of Jake (played by Jonathan Taylor Thomas), whom he tirelessly searches for across America.
5. Alan Arkin in ‘The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause’ (2006)
Many of us remember the comedic genius Martin Short playing Jack Frost in the third installment of “The Santa Clause.” However, what’s often overlooked is that in the same movie, Oscar-winning actor Alan Arkin appeared as the father-in-law of Santa Claus, portrayed by Tim Allen.
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6. Shirley MacLaine in ‘A Heavenly Christmas’ (2016)
Yes, Oscar-winning actress Shirley MacLaine took a swim in the Hallmark Christmas movie waters, portraying an angel in the 2016 film “A Heavenly Christmas.” Alongside the “Terms of Endearment actress was Kristen Davis, known for her ‘Sex and the City’ fame, as Eve Morgan, workaholic who doesn’t care about Christmas.
7. Molly Ringwald in ‘Wishin’ and Hopin’ (2014)
In the 2014 Lifetime coming-of-age comedy “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” Molly Ringwald, the Brat Pack sweetheart, stars as a substitute teacher at a Connecticut Catholic school during the 1960s. Alongside the “Breakfast Club” alumna, the movie features cameos by Meat Loaf, portraying Monsignor Muldoon, and Chevy Chase, who adds his distinctive voice as the narrator.
8. Allison Janney in ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1994)
Allison Janney is today one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood with numerous Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and an Oscar under her belt. But in 1994, she had a minute of screen time in the retelling of “Miracle on 34th Street” as a fast-talking mom, and it’s glorious.
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9. Lauren Bacall in ‘All I Want for Christmas’ (1991)
The Hollywood Golden Era legend Lauren Bacall was not the one to miss out on the 90s Christmas movie trend. Bacall appeared in the 1991 film “All I Want for Christmas” as the grandmother of the O’Fallon kids. While this charming movie might not have the same fame as 90s behemoths like your ‘Home Alone’ and your ‘The Santa Clause,’ Bacall’s presence adds a classic touch, making it a sweet and entertaining watch in its own right.
10. Eddie Bracken in ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ (1992)
Home Alone 2′ is one of those rare sequels that not only does justice to the original but, in some ways, surpasses it. This sequel, perhaps not superior but definitely more star-studded, added Tim Curry, Rob Schneider, and even Donald Trump to its credits. However, amidst these well-known names, the performance of comedy legend Eddie Bracken, portraying the warm-hearted Duncan toy store owner, is often unjustly overlooked.
11. Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Jingle All the Way’ (1996)
Everything was possible in the ’90s, even “The Terminator” starring in a Christmas rom-com.
In the 1996 film “Jingle All the Way,” action star and the future Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a workaholic dad on a quest for a sold-out toy — “Turboman.” This movie, inspired by the 1983 “Cabbage Patch Kids craze,” is definitely worth a watch.
12. Christine Baranski in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2001)
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) is another holiday hit well-known for its star-studded cast. Yet, what often slips our memory is the delightful presence of comedy star Christine Baranski, who played Martha May Whovier, the love interest of Grinch.
13. Eli Wallach in ‘The Holiday’ (2006)
The 2006 feel-good rom-com ‘The Holiday’ reigns as one of the most beloved Christmas movies, thanks to its charming plot and star-studded cast. Alongside stars like Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law, and Cameron Diaz, we had the pleasure of seeing one of Hollywood’s greats, Eli Wallach, as Amanda Woods’ neighbor, Arthur. Wallach celebrated his 90th birthday on the set, and the crew commemorated this extraordinary occasion with a big cake.
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