In the 2003 movie 'Elf', which actor played Santa Claus?

The Christmas classic comedy film 'Elf' (2003) tells the story of Buddy, a human who was adopted and raised by Santa's elves. Santa Claus, played by Ed Asner, reveals that Buddy's real father, Walter (James Caan), is on the 'Naughty List' due to his selfishness and suggests Buddy (Will Ferrell) finds him an helps him change his ways. Having spent his life amongst elves, Buddy is not suited to everyday life, which results in a lot of trouble and awkward situations.

At the beginning of the film, the audience learns that as a baby at an orphanage, Buddy crawled into Santa Claus' sack, who unknowingly took him back to the North Pole. When the child is discovered by Santa's elves, they name him 'Buddy' after the brand label on his diaper. Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) decides to adopt Buddy and bring him up as an elf, albeit a rather large one.

Ed Asner (1929-2021) was an American actor and the president of the Screen Actors Guild. He is best known for his Emmy Award winning role Lou Grant on the 'Mary Tyler Moore Show'. His film credits include the voice of Carl Fredricksen in the Pixar movie 'Up' (2009). As well as playing Santa Claus in 'Elf', Asner voiced the role in the animated film 'Olive, the Other Reindeer' (1999).

'Elf' is often ranked among the greatest Christmas films and in 2010, was adapted into a stage musical. George Wendt (born 1948) adopted the role of Santa Claus for the Broadway production.