Alexandra Breckenridge Shares How a One-Episode TV Role Catapulted Her Into Playing Santa in Netflix’s “My Secret Santa”
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Alexandra Breckenridge, known for her role in “Virgin River,” reveals in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE how a brief appearance in a forgotten television series more than a decade ago led to her landing the lead role in Netflix’s upcoming holiday film, “My Secret Santa.”
The 43-year-old actress takes on the heartwarming role of Taylor, a single mother who disguises herself as a man to embody Santa Claus in the movie, which debuts on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The storyline follows Taylor’s journey as she poses as an elderly gentleman named Hugh to work as Santa at a local resort in order to provide for her daughter, Zoey, who has been accepted to an exclusive ski-boarding school.
This unexpected twist in Breckenridge’s career was a thrilling challenge for her, as she stepped out of her comfort zone into the realm of comedy and prosthetic transformations. In an interview with PEOPLE, she expresses her excitement about playing a character like Santa Claus that few women in the industry would envision for themselves. She describes the experience as an opportunity to explore a different side of acting by embodying a character with a new voice, posture, and appearance.
Despite her initial surprise, Breckenridge shares that producer Howard Braunstein saw her potential for the role of Taylor based on a one-episode performance in the 2014 series “Rake.” Braunstein’s confidence in her comedic abilities and versatility as an actress motivated her to embrace the challenging role of a woman disguised as a man playing Santa Claus. The actress reflects on the trust Braunstein placed in her to bring this unique character to life, emphasizing the importance of pushing boundaries in her craft.
Through the use of prosthetics and the intricacies of portraying a woman assuming the role of Santa Claus, Breckenridge admits that the role was demanding but ultimately rewarding. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to delve into such a complex character and is open to revisiting Taylor’s story in a potential sequel, urging Netflix to consider exploring new dimensions of her character in “My Secret Santa 2.”
Breckenridge’s personal connection to the storyline, rooted in the sacrifices made by her own mother as a single parent, added depth to her portrayal of Taylor. Drawing from her upbringing and the unwavering support she received from her mother, the actress infused Taylor’s character with a sense of authenticity and emotional resonance, making her journey relatable to viewers touched by similar experiences.
“My Secret Santa,” with its blend of comedy and heartfelt storytelling, presents a unique and heartwarming tale of love and sacrifice during the festive season. While Breckenridge is best known for her poignant performance as Mel Monroe in “Virgin River,” her role as Taylor in this new holiday film showcases her versatility and the depth of her acting range. Audiences can catch the premiere of “My Secret Santa” on Netflix on December 3rd, offering a charming twist on the classic holiday movie genre.
As Breckenridge continues to captivate audiences with her nuanced performances, her portrayal of Taylor in “My Secret Santa” stands as a testament to her talent and ability to bring characters to life with authenticity and emotion. With the holiday season approaching, the film promises to deliver a heartwarming experience for viewers seeking a mix of laughter, love, and Christmas magic.
In conclusion, Breckenridge’s journey from a one-episode appearance to embodying the spirit of Santa Claus exemplifies the unexpected paths that acting careers can take. Her dedication to her craft and willingness to embrace new challenges have paved the way for her to shine in diverse roles, captivating audiences with her charisma and depth as an actress.