Bradley Carlisle, a 37‑year‑old community‑theater actor from suburban Atlanta, has become the first professional Santa Claus in the United States who has Down’s syndrome. After first portraying Kris Kringle for children with Down’s syndrome, he completed the rigorous training at the elite Santa Academy, one of the nation’s largest Christmas‑performer schools, in late August. His graduation earned him an honorary induction into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, a rare accolade that highlights his groundbreaking role in diversifying holiday traditions. Supporters say Carlisle’s visibility brings vital representation to the season, turning the usual milk‑and‑cookies offering into a celebration of inclusion and talent.
Atlanta’s Bradley Carlisle first played Kris Kringle for kids with Down’s syndrome and has now completed elite Santa AcademyAfter recently gaining recognition as the first professional Santa Claus with Down’s syndrome in the US, Bradley Carlisle has already gotten a lot more than the traditional serving of milk and cookies that is usually left out for Father Christmas each year.That is because the 37-year-old community theater actor from suburban Atlanta landed an honorary induction into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame upon completing one of the largest Christmas performer schools in the US in late August – a distinction meant to recognize the important representation his emergence on the holiday scene has brought, according to his supporters. Continue reading...
