Santa's Tragic End Before Christmas

Dearly Departed Tours with Scott Michaels

4 місяці тому

He legally changed his name to Santa C. Claus and was Santa 365 Days a year for 25 Years and died 2 DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Leroy Scholtz left the postal service to work full time as Santa Claus, even moving to North Pole, NY and legally changing his name. He worked in commercials and magazine ads and calendars. He was in Chicago for a month, visiting orphanages and senior homes. He was found dead in his hotel room.
The Los Angeles Times says, "Scott Michaels knows where the bodies are buried!"
Please consider supporting my work: / scottmichaels
Paypal: iamscottmichaels@gmail.com
Scott Michaels - the owner of Dearly Departed Tours in Hollywood and the original "Celebrity Death Guy." Originally behind the helm of the infamous Grave Line Tours, I owned and operated Dearly Departed Tours on the streets of Hollywood for 16 years.
I coined the term Death Hag on my webpage, www.Findadeath.com has entertained people for almost 30 years. My collection of one-of-a-kind death related (Tragical) Artifacts include the legendary Jayne Mansfield Death Car and Mae West's teeth. Yes.
On top of providing content here, I also the Dearly Departed Podcast with Mike Dorsey:
www.DearlyDepartedPod.com
Mailing address:
Dearly Departed Tours
1717 E. Vista Chino A7-619
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Available to purchase: Authentic Artifacts! Pieces of historic locations, documents etc: dearly-departed-tours-llc.squ...
CAMEO - I'll make you a personal video message: www.cameo.com/scottmichaels
#santaclaus #christmas #ironic #tragicdeath

КОМЕНТАРІ: 154

@tsmith3286 4 місяці тому

I still got presents in 1985 so Santa obviously didn’t die. Total conspiracy wasn’t him it was an imposter. Santa had to go underground due to death threats. He’s alive and well. Merry Christmas 😊

@Trampus002 4 місяці тому

I believe. The magic in Christmas only lasts so long in a child. If that magic sprinkles it’s dust on us big ones, we are so much better off.

@ash34005 4 місяці тому

Strangely enough, Santa probably has the most imposters of anyone who’s ever lived. I also got presents in 1985 and have the Polaroids to prove it.

@lindahill9980 4 дні тому

I STILL BELIEVE in Santa……his SPIRIT lives on…..thanks Scott

@Trogers1212 4 місяці тому

Scott, that shirt is AWESOME! My dad was a Kmart manager and then a regional manager. It was my childhood lol. The only cool part was at Christmas I got all the cool toys. In 84 I got three cabbage patch kids while people fought over them. The crap you remember. Lmao. Love your videos always. Don't stop making them.

@chocloditelensman 4 місяці тому

I still remember the awesome smells of K-Mart - grilled hamburgers, popcorn popping…it had a fragrance all of its own. I certainly miss them. Walmart has nothing compared to K-Mart !! Loved the blue light specials and all of the hype. I loved the pet area! I even miss them opening the door exactly at 9 am while people waited outside. Those days are just pleasant memories.

@leesashriber5097 4 місяці тому

Some of my best childhood memories are walking downtown looking at all the decorated windows, snow on the ground and sitting on Santa's lap. I still have my pictures sitting on Santa's lap. Thank you Scott. I really enjoyed this. Merry Christmas to you both. 🧑‍🎄☃️🎄🎁🎀❄️

@sumerfluffy 4 місяці тому

What a great story. I never heard of a Santa Claus International. He definitely deserved to be in it. Thank you Scott!

@henryardoin8513 4 місяці тому

Well Scott" it's official, you a Nostalgic person and that is a great thing! I love the retro commercials and things of that sort" great video as always, hope you and Troy and all of yours have a safe and happy holidays and new year "!👍✌️😎💙✨💙✨💙✨💙✨💙✨💙✨🕊️🤗

@jodyhoevel6393 4 місяці тому

Awww, little Scotty! Adorable.

@ohmeowzer1 4 місяці тому

Yes I use to go to The North Pole in NY..we lived in Upstate NY. I wonder if he was the Santa we always saw.The North Pole was in the Adirondacks my grandmother owned a cabin on White Face Mtn. I feel bad he passed away alone, God Bless him. I am glad he was honored he was a good soul. What a kind man

@miketybring4700 4 місяці тому

We had a Hudsons as well in London Ontario Canada as well as a few K Marts boy those were the days. The elaborate Decorations in all the stores was great. The sixties was a great time to grow up, born in 62. I consider myself lucky to grow up during this time. Merry Christmas too all.

@DearlyDepartedTours 4 місяці тому

Exactly! 1962. No cell phones, no helmets... it was rough at times, but great.

@ericab845 4 місяці тому

me too! thank you Scott for this trip down memory lane. It was a ritual for us to go see all the shop windows on cold snowy nights in Portland, go downtown now and you'll get a knife in your throat - poor kids today. I remember when I was about 16 I got a Christmas job in Lipman's (which was a big swanky shop) started out in the packing dept in the basement. We did all the china and crystal purchased. It was amazing to see the large crystal pieces people would buy and then entrust us to pack them up and ship them. I worked at Lipmans during Christmas all through college. It was more fun than a 'job' used to look forward to it every year.

@anneholden9908 4 місяці тому

Rest in Peace, Santa C Claus! And thank you for sharing this, Scott!

@TheGaloof 2 місяці тому

I always wished I could have sat on Santa's lap as a child. I never did but at 65, its still my favorite holiday. Great video

@maryann9226 4 місяці тому

Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄

@msjerseyd-thc 4 місяці тому

Wow.. this left me in amazement.. My Grandfather (Poppa) passed away the same day. 12/23/85 when I was 9 yrs old. Changed Christmas forever . God bless Santa C. Claus for his spirit. ⛄🙏 🧑‍🎄

@megmcguigan3857 4 місяці тому

My dad played Santa Claus at my elementary school the entire time I went there.He had long mostly white hair and a long white beard and loved helping kids.

@robbkiker6861 4 місяці тому

Thanks for this seasonal related story. Like the K-Mart T shirt. K-Mart was a big part of my childhood during Christmas season.

@SHERRY0010 4 місяці тому

This brings up happy memories for me . I remember my parents used to take me to see Santa at a mall called Chinook Centre here in Calgary, Alberta every year . The gentleman who played Santa one year, did actually have a real beard , longer hair but wasn’t totally white . He had a salt and pepper look . One year, I was catching onto that perhaps Santa’s beard may be not attached 😊. So me being a bit of a brat, gave the beard a tug … nope still attached . He was a very sweet guy, and to this day I wonder how many kids gave his beard a tug ? Your t-shirt with KMart also brought back memories of that store for me , shopping with my folks for Christmas 🎄. Is that a retro shirt, or is it a real vintage one ? Where did you get it ? Kmart still exists in Australia. They haven’t been in Canada for many years now . I think they closed down here in the 1980’s??? I have vintage Christmas ornaments from them🙂🙂🙂. Thank you Scott for all you do. May you and your partner have a wonderful Christmas, and your families as well . Here’s to a wonderful New Years for everyone .

@DearlyDepartedTours 4 місяці тому

Thanks Sherry! Merry Christmas to you x

@deannaharby5677 4 місяці тому

I love your vintage silver tree----! Merry Christmas to you and Todd from Taylor Michigan--a suburb of Detroit--- enjoy you and your channel very much !!!!

@waynenorth3791 4 місяці тому

Good job, Scott. Santa will always be there for you at Christmastime.

@wht-rabt-obj 4 місяці тому

OMG! The K-mart shirt 🤩 I remember going to Hudson's to see Santa.

@user-yw8ep8lm3k 4 місяці тому

Thank you Scott for what you do! Keep up the good work! Merry Christmas

@serenadevon 4 місяці тому

Have a wonderful Holiday Season! Love your Kmart tshirt. I have been watching vintage Christmas cartoons here on UKposts & one particular channel has vintage Christmas commercials! Coke commercial with the huge tree & the Santa riding the Norelco shaver! 😂

@laurastrobel718 4 місяці тому

" Merry Christmas, Merry Merry Christmas, from your K-Mart Christmas Store" Sad story. This time of year can be hard for many people when it should be the opposite. My mother died 20 years years ago December 27, and her dad died the same day in 1977. All the more reason to count our blessings if we've made it through the year. Thanks Scott,Happy Holidays to you and Troy. 🌞🎄🍥🎁🎁

@DianeG208 4 місяці тому

I loved that Hudson downtown. The wood floors, the smells. It was so great, gave you that cozy kind of feeling. Wxyz televised its implosion.

@chadmears136 4 місяці тому

I'm watching this on the 23rd of December Mike. 38 years ago today. Great story but Sad....RIP Santa 🎅 Merry Christmas

@blazefairchild465 4 місяці тому

Can you imagine picking up Santa in an ambulance, how about having Santa in the morgue on Christmas? How creepy ,passing away two days before Christmas ( my birthday) and the poor guy just short of 25 years as a Santa.Btw I love your Kmart shirt, it was my moms favorite store. Her 2 loves were shopping & coffee , mom would sit in the the snack bar area with a cup of coffee. The family would go off shopping and when the blue light went off mom & every one would rush to see what the special was. Often there was a limit on how many items you could get for the special price so with 6 of us mom could buy many thing on her small budget that she could give as gifts to those who loved getting a little something for a birthdays or Christmas.

@tdpooh1972 4 місяці тому

Oh yeah! The "Blue Light Specials!" I remember that. My mom used to love Kmart too. She even worked there when I was really little. We all loved the ham sandwiches from the deli. Then, our Kmart got really bad and not long after, Target opened and mom transferred her time, love, and attention there. Lol.

@livebulletdetroit1743 4 місяці тому

Love the shirt after leaving detroit after the riots we moved to GC. The first Kmart and little Caesar’s first store in garden city, sending you an original Edgewater Park T-shirt. Dave in detroit

@dukecraig2402 4 місяці тому

That shirt is absolutely perfect to be wearing when talking about the days of Christmas past, especially people our age, best I can figure you and I are within a few years of each other.

@kathyhays9819 4 місяці тому

The pictures I’ve seen of Santa’s long ago were very scary. Even some of the Easter bunny no wonder kids would cry !!!

@cherilg88 4 місяці тому

Nice Kmart shirt! I worked at the second ever Kmart on VanBorn Rd. in Taylor, Michigan. Was my first job. My mom worked at Kmart too. I'm a Kmart kid! Your videos are so interesting!

@lisac1364 3 місяці тому

Scott, I could listen to you all day long…I just love your voice.❤❤❤

@pamhutzell8268 4 місяці тому

So sad for Santa, he went to Heaven I am sure. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas! Both the two of you have a great one!!!❤

@m.e.c.1007 4 місяці тому

I was petrified of Santa. I would not get near him as a kid. 😂 Love all your stories Scott!

@magnumss 4 місяці тому

WOW .... I always thought Santa lived at the North Pole in Alaska not New York. They even have Santas home at North Pole Alaska all decorated year round. I always loved Santa and still do to this day because he provided us all wonderful memories to cherish with his gifts and surrounded by loved ones

@markrichardson6714 4 місяці тому

In 1999 my kids were 3 and 5, and we moved to Glasgow, MT, a training site for Santa's. My daughter's stood in line behind Santa at the Post Office sending some Cmas packages. My youngest tugged on his jacket and asked him if he was really Santa Claus. He was in street clothes at the time. He gave her rhe biggest smile, and said "Don't tell anyone." He then handed her a peppermint stick.

@samsamkin4647 3 місяці тому

This is such an interesting story although very sad as well. I love that Leroy Scholtz decided to change his name to Santa Claus as he was living the part rather than being just some bloke hired to perform as Santa in front of children every Christmas. What’s so sad about his death is that he was only 58 which is so young.

@Jean-sv6kk 4 місяці тому

May you and Troy have a BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON 🎄🙏🫶

@dianabeurman364 4 місяці тому

COOL SHIRT! SPENT MANY HAPPY YEARS WORKING FOR THEM!

@user-zi2pl6bq6y 4 місяці тому

Scott, it looks like you have the same carpet that I have. Getting new carpeting is on my bucket list. Great vlog as always!

@rodneyanonymous666 4 місяці тому

Fun Fact: The actor who played Santa in “A Christmas Story” also acted in “Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things”

@seansinatra 4 місяці тому

I think it may also be the actual author of the book the movie is based on.

@rodneyanonymous666 4 місяці тому

@@seansinatra You’re thinking of Jean Shepherd - he’s standing in the line to see Santa

@Mszahnclass95 4 місяці тому

What little cutie 🥰 Scott on Santas lap . I love the retro kmart shirt Happy holidays Scott an Troy

@conniefeltman4561 4 місяці тому

Thank you! A very interesting story! I noticed in the background that you have a Tinsel Vintage Christmas Tree! Love it! I never had one but my sister-in-law had one with the Color Wheel which made it turn different colors! It all looked brand new! I was amazed! Can’t remember Year it came out??? Guess I can Google it! Lol Nice interesting story! 🌈🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🎄🎅🏻🧑🏻‍🎄🤶🎄

@BY504A 4 місяці тому

Thanks for the video on another interesting person. He did sound like a nice guy and made lots of kids happy/ What could be better than that. I hope you and Troy have a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2024.

@rodneywoods9299 4 місяці тому

Nice K-mart shirt. 🤣🤣

@AdamDonaldson7272 4 місяці тому

Born and raised in London ont. we had a Hudson's up until 83' and i remember what a joy it was going there at Christmas with all its beautiful decorations and taking the escalator to the basement where the cafeteria was and having lime green jello as my treat. I believe the sign is still on the back of the building a burnt out neon sign spelling out Hudson 's

@gladysdisibbio5677 4 місяці тому

I still get presents 2023. Santa is alive and well in Oregon. Got too cold in upstate NY. Nice shirt Scott! Merry Christmas.

@mr.nibbles2369 4 місяці тому

Poor Santa. Merry Christmas to you and Troy

@debbieblaylock9997 4 місяці тому

Merry Christmas to you and your family. I love your videos

@CJ-kw1cz 4 місяці тому

Thanks Scott for all your content! Merry Christmas and thx too for the silver tree! It reminds me of our tree in the 60s minus the huge disc that was made of multiple colors which I sat in front of while the colors reflected on our tree! From Torrance, CA (yes, unfortunately still in LA) Ho, Ho, Ho!

@acelarson1872 4 місяці тому

My mom worked for Hudson, I still remember her bringing their chocolate chip cookies home, they were the best.

@cindysmith2858 4 місяці тому

Wonderful memories of being a child. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family. 🎅🏻🎄🧑🏼‍🎄

@ellenfagan4338 4 місяці тому

Aww, good ol' Leroy (aka Santa C. Claus) Schultz...what a touching story & an aching piece of irony. Who if not him for The Santy Claus Hall of Fame? Merry Christmas, Scott, & thanks for another compelling (& superbly-told!) tale. ✌️♥️🎄

@lindahill9980 4 дні тому

Thanks Scott

@ohmeowzer1 4 місяці тому

Thank you so much and Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New 🍾 year.your wonderful and I appreciate all you do

@kplante7881 4 місяці тому

Thanks for sharing and happy holidays…. !

@brucesumter4327 4 місяці тому

ty for tell his story MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YALL

@jamesrsfo 4 місяці тому

Loved the you heard me. The song goes! And the kid with it. 😂

@cathpeterson1944 4 місяці тому

reminds me of good old days shopping along streets lined with storefronts and restaurants, going to see Santa Claus, Merry Christmas Scott and Troy 🎅🏻🎄

@imhere653 4 місяці тому

Thank you for your quality product. You're very skilled at it. Your retro silver Christmas tree is fabulous. And so are YOU!

@DearlyDepartedTours 4 місяці тому

Aw... Thank you so much!

@tomnohmy1273 4 місяці тому

Surprised u don't have more subscribers, very good channel

@alltwocustomz6829 4 місяці тому

You & your HAVE A VERRRY MERRRY CHRISTMAS . THANK YOU FORE ALL THE WONDERFUL VIDEO 😎👍🏼🍸🥃

@peggyleadingham4528 4 місяці тому

love your aluminum tree and color wheel

@catmom7447 4 місяці тому

That was a sad story the good ones always die. Merry Christmas to u Scott and Troy and a safe new year.

@KerryRetchless-is6lp 4 місяці тому

Great video as always, merry Christmas to you both

@Zilla23 4 місяці тому

Merry Christmas Scott . Cool story . ✌️

@Cheshyre. 4 місяці тому

I dearly hope he believed in the reason of the season, the birth of Christ. Love and Merry Christmas to all! I hope you have great weather, great food, great gifts and great visits with your family that are cut short if you have that toxic one that always makes it a nightmare to visit.

@MrsOx-jz9fg 4 місяці тому

So sad.. i love 🎅. I live in upstate NY and have never heard of this northpole ny but my ass is gonna look it up n go now.. Never heard of the Santa hall of fame. Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 everyone

@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883 4 місяці тому

I'm a Michigan Guy, Absolutely Love The T-Shirt!!!

@missknockout4899 4 місяці тому

I really enjoy all your stories Scott. ❤

@wackyworldnews 4 місяці тому

as a child i went to north pole new york and he was there. i had pictures taken with him, but they have been lost in time. a majority of my childhood photos have been lost. if i had one -- i would share with you. thank you

@crystalsbrinkley-perkins941 4 місяці тому

Merry Christmas and happy new year scott and Troy 🎉

@JustOneKnight 4 місяці тому

have a wonderful holiday, i enjoyed your video thank you it was good but sad.

@chanel4shell 4 місяці тому

Love your shirt 😉

@ralphnoe7368 4 місяці тому

Great story, masterfully told. Always look forward to seeing your latest upload. Happy Holidays Scott - have a great 2024!

@DearlyDepartedTours 4 місяці тому

Thank you. Same to you!

@lotstodo 4 місяці тому

Hey Scott! Thanks for another great video. Did your mom make any Christmas orbaments from 'found glass'? I remember when you talked about getting broken glass for her to use from a car crash alley near you. Have a great Holiday. xox

@freakshowfilmfestival3591 4 місяці тому

Scott: "Here's an awful Christmas story..." Me: **clicks the link**

@robertafierro5592 4 місяці тому

I forgot about that!! You're right! Older Gentlemen dressed up as Santa! This was a huge deal! J was born in 1960 and the Christmas Windows in Manhattan was a Christmas Ritual. Families from all the boroughs took the subways and arrived at 34th Street and 7th and the tour would begin! Back then, Window Display was a serious Career. The window arrangements were extravagant and the public ate it up..those were the days. I'm sorry to hear about this poor guy who supplemented his income cheering up sick kids and posing for photos..he tried.

@Blessedbyadoption 4 місяці тому

Thx for sharing!! Merry Christmas Scott

@dragonwithagirltattoo598 4 місяці тому

My parents used to take us to the Santa house in Lincoln Park MI every year. It is a great memory for me. I never went to the Hudson’s building to see Santa, that I can recall so I feel a bit cheated. Thanks for another interesting video. I love how knowledgeable you are about the things you talk about. I’ll bet you did well in school lol. Merry Christmas to you and Troy!

@brettpontiac 4 місяці тому

Merry Christmas, Scott!

@caroltricarico5936 4 місяці тому

Merry Christmas to you and Troy.🎄🎅🤶🧑‍🎄😊

@goldenhoneysilk 4 місяці тому

Merry Christmas to you Scott and Troy !

@barefootmamita 4 місяці тому

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Scott!

@LannieLord 4 місяці тому

0:54 This guy that played Santa was also in the cult horror classic "Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things" (1971). He was the chubby guy in the group. He passed away a while ago- as did the director Bob Clark (& his son - died in a car accident in Los Angeles). Tarantino is a HUGE fan of "...Dead Things". He interviewed one of the female stars of the movie for one of his 1990s projects . He was all "OMG- I always wanted to meet you!" but she did not get the part.

@TomLeggett-rz9sh 4 місяці тому

Hi love you're channel Merry Christmas. Love all. Y'all are so sweet

@Randene31 4 місяці тому

Interesting video. Have a Merry Christmas!

@TheNewsAnchorYouTrust 4 місяці тому

😂😂😂🎉 I didn't trust my eyes when I read the headline. I knew you would find something tragic about Christmas ❤ 🎄 🎁 You never disappoint, Scott ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂😂. I was just surprised it was Santa Claus himself. 😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤ Rip Santa Claus 🫶🙏😢🎅🏻❤️🕊️

@pamhutzell8268 4 місяці тому

Scout and Troy Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Love you's❤

@christinelandry7774 4 місяці тому

Every Christmas season my family would go to J. L. Hudson's, in downtown Detroit, to do some Christmas shopping. My hometown is Saginaw. This would have been in the 60s. Your video brought back some wonderful memories. Thank you.

@mattc. 4 місяці тому

Cool story. Merry Christmas!❤❤

@pamhutzell8268 4 місяці тому

Awwwa so cute!!!

@Teh_Goat 4 місяці тому

God love him

@badradiocaller 4 місяці тому

That shirt is awesome

@katmolina2627 4 місяці тому

Thanks!

@DearlyDepartedTours 4 місяці тому

Thank you, Kat! Merry Christmas!

@chocloditelensman 4 місяці тому

Wow, that is tragic and sad.

@billysanford9799 4 місяці тому

Is that your childhood aluminum Christmas Tree behind you? I had one of those trees about 55 years ago. It had a rotating lens light to shine upon it, green, blue, red and yellow.

@trent3872 4 місяці тому

I love the vintage Kmart tee-shirt.

@renebock8656 4 місяці тому

Love your K Mart shirt! Worked there in HS

@lanacampbell-moore6686 4 місяці тому

❤Your shirt😆

@jimboslice7296 4 місяці тому

I love the K Mart t shirt. Kmart was my first real job

@LannieLord 4 місяці тому

TRIVIA : 2:35 This style of building/ architecture is called "googie" ! (I never knew that until recently ; I did get tired of saying "fabulous 1950s" ).