Alexandra Breckenridge never imagined she’d be anyone’s first pick to play Santa — until Netflix cast her as the undercover, disguise-wearing lead in My Secret Santa, premiering December 3. The Virgin River star transforms into “Hugh,” an elderly male Santa, after her character Taylor takes a resort job to help her daughter attend an elite snowboarding school.
Breckenridge says producer Howard Braunstein chose her for the role because of a single comedic episode she did on Fox’s Rake back in 2014. “I didn’t think I was on anyone’s shortlist to play Santa,” she admits. “But he remembered that performance and thought I could do it.”
The actor embraced the prosthetics, physical comedy, and the unusual challenge of playing “a woman playing a man playing Santa,” calling it difficult but deeply rewarding. She’s even ready for a sequel: “Of course I’d do My Secret Santa 2. I love creating Christmas magic.”
Breckenridge also connected personally with the script, noting the story mirrors the sacrifices her own mother made raising her alone.
My Secret Santa streams December 3 on Netflix.
Virgin River returns in 2026 with Season 7.
