AS AN actor, he’s seen and done it all, from starring in a selection of Roddy Doyle classics like The Van to boarding the Enterprise for Star Trek: The Next Generation.
But now the Glasnevin-born star is facing up to his biggest acting challenge yet, having taken on the role of Santa Claus in the hotly-anticipated new Christmas advert for discount supermarket giant Aldi.
While the ad’s arrival may have been overshadowed by goings-on in the US, where Joe Biden is closing in on victory over Donald Trump in the election, it’s still an absolute Christmas cracker.
Meaney narrates the brilliantly animated 90 second clip, which chronicles the drama Kevin the Carrot encounters while trying to make his way home to be with his family.
The cherry on top of Kevin’s festive mini-adventure comes courtesy of the advert’s soundtrack – John Williams’s iconic theme from the Macaulay Culkin classic Home Alone.
Left adrift following an ill-advised Top Gun-style fighter pilot adventure, Kevin finds himself stuck in the middle of nowhere and facing a very cold walk home.
Thankfully he encounters help in the form of a hedgehog, called Harry who is only too happy to give Kev a lift to where he needs to go.
The plan goes awry, however, when the pair end up falling down a ravine.
Thankfully, there is a happy ending with Santa arriving on the scene to get the pair home, inside and feeling nice and snuggly at Christmas.
That Santa happens to be Meany, who looks surprisingly convincing in the role.
Meaney relished the chance to play the big man, describing the experience as a “total joy”.
“I thought it was about time that I played the big man himself and so was delighted to be asked by Aldi to be part of its Christmas campaign,” he said.
“Kevin the Carrot and his family were incredibly welcoming on set and the whole experience was a total joy – even getting in and out of the big red suit.
“This year has been incredibly challenging for everyone, but I hope that over the festive season people will be able to enjoy this special time with family and friends – and maybe the odd mince pie or turkey sandwich.
“Oh, and contrary to many men during lockdown, I can confirm that the beard is not mine.”
The advert will debut on RTE during tonight’s broadcast of The Late Late Show.
