As the festive season rolls around each year, Sean Siouty enjoys a unique claim to fame: a fleeting appearance in one of the 21st century's most beloved Christmas movie franchises.
A Festive Cameo by Chance
Now 29 and working in finance, Sean's journey to the silver screen was an accident. Growing up in Los Angeles, he tagged along to auditions with his older sisters. A casting agent spotted him and told his mother he had the 'right look', ironically suggesting he had a 'Disney' appearance. "I was a lazy kid and just agreed to it," Sean laughs, recalling to Metro how he drifted into acting without real passion for the craft.
This led to background roles in several projects, most notably in The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause in 2006. The film, starring Tim Allen and Martin Short, was the third instalment in the franchise that began with 1994's smash hit, The Santa Clause, which grossed $190.3 million.
Two Days on Set at the North Pole
Sean was just nine years old when he spent two days filming a pivotal scene. "They wanted a bunch of kids in a crowd watching as Santa kicks Jack Frost off stage and reclaims the North Pole," he remembers. The scene was shot in a school gym, with a crew member hyping the young extras up to boo and cheer.
"I have vivid memories of having my Nintendo DS and trading Pokemon Cards with other kids," Sean said. Although his sister was also in the crowd, he never knew if she made the final cut. He didn't meet the main stars, but the experience left a mark. Today, he delights in pulling up the scene on Disney Plus to show friends. "Millions of people have seen my face on Disney Plus," he jokes.
Beyond the North Pole: A Brush with Legends
Sean's acting stint wasn't limited to Christmas films. He also appeared in the 2007 movie The Bucket List, starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. He fondly recalls a moment in the makeup trailer. "I turned to my left and Morgan Freeman was right next to me," Sean explained. "He said hello to me and was super friendly."
Despite these experiences, a career in Hollywood never appealed to him. By age 12, he told his parents he was done. The money he earned—a few thousand dollars—was spent on concert tickets and college textbooks.
Choosing Numbers Over Scripts
Sean occasionally wonders "what could have been," but seeing the industry's harsh reality in LA solidified his choice. "It really chews people up and spits them out," he noted. He turned to his academic strength, studying economics and now building a career in finance.
Interestingly, he still gets audition emails because his old online profile hasn't been updated. "Casting directors still think I am a child," he laughs, with his dad forwarding the offers as a joke.
The full Santa Clause film trilogy, including Sean's minor but memorable moment, is available to stream on Disney Plus for those seeking a dose of festive nostalgia.
