For more than a century, countless actors have taken on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge in new adaptations of A Christmas Carol. Here are our top 10 who’ve made the role their own – proving it’s anything but “bah, humbug!”
There have been many actors who have portrayed the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in various film, television and stage adaptations of Charles Dickens‘ classic novel, A Christmas Carol.
Here are some of the most notable and beloved performances.
Alastair Sim
When it comes to Ebenezer Scrooge, Alastair Sim’s portrayal in the 1951 film Scrooge is the gold standard.
Sim embodied the cold-hearted miser with such authenticity, it’s almost as if he were Dickens’ ghostly creation himself.
From his grumpy “Bah, Humbug!” to the tear-jerking joy of his Christmas morning redemption, Sim’s performance is packed with festive magic.
It continues to warm our hearts, even seven decades later.
And to make things even better, Sim recreated his performance in 1971 with an anminated TV version of A Christmas Carol for us to enjoy it all over again!
George C. Scott
George C. Scott brought his commanding presence to the role of old man Scrooge in the 1984 television version of A Christmas Carol.
His Scrooge isn’t just miserly – he’s formidable!
You can almost feel the chill in the air as Scott’s steely glare cuts through the screen.
When his heart softens, you can practically hear sleigh bells ringing.
It’s a performance that masterfully balances the darkness and light of Dickens’ beloved tale.
Michael Caine
Michael Caine’s Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol 1992 is a jolly favourite for all ages.
Acting alongside Kermit, Miss Piggy and the whole Muppet gang, Caine delivered a performance that is both sincere and heart-warming.
Despite the usual chaotic Muppet antics, Caine’s Scrooge stays true to Dickens’ spirit.
The end result?
A Christmas cracker of a film that’s now a must-watch every festive season!
Albert Finney
Albert Finney took on the iconic miser in the 1970 musical Scrooge, and what a merry and melodious interpretation it was!
Finney, despite being just 34 at the time, transformed into the crotchety old skinflint with ease.
His performance, full of festive flair, included memorable songs that stuck in your head.
The film even snagged four Academy Award nominations, cementing Finney’s place as a Christmas star.
Patrick Stewart
Patrick Stewart’s Scrooge in the 1999 made-for-TV version brought all the gravitas of a Star Trek captain with the soul of a Shakespearean king!
Having wowed audiences with his one-man A Christmas Carol stage show, Stewart’s portrayal was brimming with intensity and emotion.
His deep, booming voice delivered those classic lines with such gusto, it felt like Christmas thunder shaking the walls!
Kelsey Grammer
Known for his sharp wit on TV’s Frasier, Kelsey Grammer brought a new twist to Scrooge in the 2004 musical A Christmas Carol.
This NBC special saw Grammer blending his charm and dramatic chops to give us a Scrooge who could sing, sneer, and – by the end – bring the house down with a heartfelt transformation.
It’s a festive spectacle that brought Broadway sparkle into homes everywhere.
Seymour Hicks
Seymour Hicks lived Scrooge. Not only did he play the role on film twice – once in the 1913 silent version and again in 1935’s talkie – but he also performed it countless times on stage.
Hicks had Scrooge down to a fine art, practically owning the role for decades.
His early performances helped set the tone for how we see Scrooge today, making him one of the true pioneers of Christmas ghost stories on both stage and screen.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey’s 2009 animated Scrooge was nothing short of a whirlwind!
In this motion-capture version of A Christmas Carol, Carrey didn’t just play Scrooge – he also voiced all three of the Ghosts of Christmas.
His zany energy mixed with Dickens’ eerie tone made for a visually stunning and, at times, spooky rendition.
Leave it to Ace Ventura to take us on a wild Christmas ride like no other!
Bill Murray
Who could forget funnyman Bill Murray’s wonderfully snarky take on Scrooge in Scrooged 1988?
Playing a modern-day version of the character as TV exec Frank Cross, Murray gave us a cynical, hilarious, and ultimately heartfelt performance.
With a perfect blend of comedy and sentiment, Scrooged is a witty, modern twist on Dickens’ tale that never fails to give us the warm fuzzies by the end.
Scrooge McDuck
Ah, Scrooge McDuck! Disney’s favourite penny-pinching duck isn’t just any Scrooge – he’s the richest duck in the world!
Whether he’s diving into piles of gold in DuckTales or learning the true meaning of Christmas in Mickey’s Christmas Carol (voiced by Alan Young) from 1983, Scrooge McDuck brings a feathered touch to the character with plenty of fun and adventure.
Each of these actors has brought their own unique interpretation of the character to the screen, showcasing the enduring popularity and appeal of Ebenezer Scrooge and his story of redemption.
Tell us your favourite actors to play Scrooge in the comments section below!
