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Dustin Milligan Discusses Insecurities and Creative Process in Netflix’s Hot Frosty

Dustin Milligan recently opened up about the personal challenges he faced while filming the Netflix holiday movie Hot Frosty. The actor, now 39, portrays Jack, a charismatic snowman personified by widow Kathy, played by Lacey Chabert, through the magic of an enchanted scarf.

Milligan’s role required him to engage in several shirtless scenes, which he described as triggering his body-image concerns. In an interview, he expressed that while he relished the opportunity for physical comedy, the vulnerability of exposing his body on screen resurfaced insecurities he thought he had managed.

“The joy of physical comedy is immense for me, but revealing my body makes me confront some insecurities,” he shared, elaborating on how he navigated these feelings to embrace his character fully. “To really embody Jack, I had to liberate myself in a way I had never done before. I had to let go of the discomfort that came with being exposed and allow the joy of the role to shine through — at least, that’s what I aimed for.”

Chabert, who appears opposite Milligan, praised his willingness to fully commit to the character, highlighting his talent for physical comedy and bravery in the role. “He has an incredible knack for physical humor and was utterly committed to the performance. That level of commitment was essential for Jack’s character,” she said.

She further remarked on Milligan’s creative freedom, stating, “He was willing to try anything during filming, which takes a certain vulnerability. He approached the role wonderfully.”

Despite the insecurities he faced, the set of Hot Frosty was filled with laughter and camaraderie. Alongside a talented cast, including Craig Robinson, Lauren Holly, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, and Chrishell Stause, Milligan revealed that moments of hilarity often led to breaking character. “There were plenty of outtakes because I couldn’t contain my laughter,” Chabert recalled, admitting that her inability to maintain composure sometimes disrupted takes.

Milligan added that improvisation was encouraged by director Jerry Ciccoritti, and although many spontaneous moments didn’t make it to the final cut, they were essential for fostering a light-hearted atmosphere during shooting. “We made it a point to make each other laugh, and everyone found a point to break character, which was a privilege to share with such great colleagues,” he reflected.

In preparing for his role as Jack, Milligan drew inspiration from various cinematic works, particularly the holiday classic Elf. “While I’ve portrayed innocent characters before, Jack was unique. I derived a lot from Elf, as well as from films like 13 Going on 30, Big, and even silent film greats like Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin,” he explained.

Fans can currently stream Hot Frosty on Netflix, experiencing the blend of humor and heartfelt moments that defined the film’s production.

Source
people.com