For many fans, “The Santa Clause” is a Christmas staple that returns year after year during the holiday season. But for David Krumholtz, starring in the beloved franchise apparently does not translate into massive paychecks. The actor, who famously played Bernard the Head Elf in Disney’s 1994 holiday hit and its 2002 sequel, recently revealed the surprisingly small amount he now earns in residuals from the fan-favorite films.
Speaking to Page Six during the press day for “Are You Now or Have You Ever Been” on May 26, Krumholtz explained why his residual checks from “The Santa Clause” franchise are nowhere near what fans may expect.
“They’re minimal because the movie plays so much,” he said. “This is how residuals work: every time it plays, you make less. It’s a grade scale.”
Krumholtz, who is now 48, starred as Bernard the Head Elf in the original 1994 movie alongside Tim Allen before returning for the 2002 sequel. Though he did not appear in the franchise’s third film, released in 2006, he later reprised the role in Disney+’s “The Santa Clauses” series in 2022.
According to the actor, the residual checks were once much more rewarding. “When I first got residuals from ‘The Santa Clause,’ it was good,” he explained, before estimating that he now makes roughly “$150 bucks a year” from the massively successful holiday franchise.
‘Oppenheimer’ Now Pays More Than ‘The Santa Clause’
Despite appearing in one of Disney’s most beloved Christmas films, Krumholtz admitted he currently earns more in residuals from a much more recent project: Christopher Nolan’s 2023 blockbuster “Oppenheimer.”
The actor, whose resume also includes “10 Things I Hate About You,” the “Harold & Kumar” franchise, and the CBS drama “Numb3rs,” joked about just how modest those checks are, too. When asked how much Oppenheimer brings in, Krumholtz initially laughed off the question. “That’s none of your business! What kind of question is that?” he joked before adding, “It’s $12.73. It’s enough to buy a hot dog in New York.”
David Krumholtz Reflects On Career And New Role
Krumholtz is set to appear in the upcoming “Supergirl” film and will also star in the New York City Center revival of “Are You Now or Have You Ever Been.” The production draws from original transcripts from the House Committee on Un-American Activities hearings in the 1940s, when artists were questioned over alleged ties to the Communist Party.
Krumholtz portrays comedy writer Abe Burrows, the famed “Guys and Dolls” writer and father of legendary television director James Burrows. Reflecting on Burrows’ controversial role during the hearings, Krumholtz acknowledged the complicated circumstances many artists faced at the time.
“It’s essentially cancel culture in those times,” he said. “If someone was attempting to cancel me today for what I felt was an unjust reason, I suppose I’d do anything to get out of it. I love acting, and I love my career. I need it.”
Krumholtz Previously Opened Up About Terrifying Health Scare
Krumholtz also made headlines last year after revealing he “almost died” following a frightening health battle linked to marijuana use. Speaking to Page Six at the time, the actor said he resumed smoking marijuana after taking “a long break” before eventually becoming “a daily smoker.”
However, Krumholtz said the habit ultimately led to a diagnosis of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a rare condition that can trigger repeated and severe vomiting episodes and is most commonly associated with long-term, frequent marijuana use.
“It’s rare, [but] it’s becoming more and more prevalent yearly, like, numbers are doubling every year,” the “Are You Now or Have You Ever Been” actor explained.
David Krumholtz Blamed Potency Of Modern Weed For Health Scare
The actor also suggested the increasing strength of modern cannabis products may be playing a role in the rise of cases. “Essentially, they messed up weed. They made it too strong, and they don’t know why it’s happening,” he said. “There’s a lot of theories.”
At the time, David Krumholtz described the ordeal as so severe that he believed he “almost died,” using his experience to raise awareness about the condition.