For Bob Kokol, playing Santa Claus is...

For Bob Kokol, playing Santa Claus is just one more role in his

acting career which has spanned more than 40 years. Kokol was one of

the first Santas hired by Bob Minti, who runs SantaForHire.com, an

Internet booking agency for real bearded Santa Clauses in Costa Mesa.

Kokol has appeared as a stage actor throughout Orange County, and

his movie credits include a role as the professor in Adam Sandler’s

“The Waterboy.” However, the role of Santa Claus offers him one of

his most entertaining and lucrative acting jobs. This holiday season,

besides making appearances at local parties and events through

SantaForHire.com, he has appeared in TV commercials for Burger King,

Ross, and Office Depot.

“Some Santas are not good actors and don’t invest in themselves,”

said Kokol, who every year prepares for his role as Santa by growing

out his beard in June and buying several custom-made Santa Claus

suits. He credits his years of acting experience and ability to

improvise while playing Santa for his success.

-- Photos by Douglas Zimmerman