He then parlayed that experience and exposure into a “Sexy Santa” role in the first season of HBO’s Hacks. In a piece for Decider at the time, executive producer Lucia Aniello explained that when they were casting for the role, none of the producers had any idea Sam was fast becoming best known not for his acting, but for being the boyfriend of Britney Spears. However, Aniello said of Sam’s improv skills, “He was really funny. He improvised a ton. He looked like Sexy Santa. He just checked all the boxes and he was really so sweet and funny. We just loved him.”
