Biography
Jeff Gillen (1942–1995) was an American actor and director. He is best known for playing the department store Santa Claus in the 1983 film A Christmas Story.
Born Jeffrey Howard Gillen in Ohio, he trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and began his career in stage productions. He directed the 1974 horror film Deranged and appeared in supporting roles in films including Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972), Dead of Night (1974), Absence of Malice (1981), Easy Money (1983) and Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988). He also had television credits such as an episode of Only Fools and Horses (1991).
Gillen died of a heart attack in North Miami Beach, Florida.
