Billy Idol in The Wedding Singer
Punk rocker Billy Idol is one of the most famous faces of the 80s, and so his inclusion in 1998’s The Wedding Singer was perfect. In the film he crosses paths with Adam Sandler’s lovelorn Robbie Hart, just in time to help save the day whilst playing up to his sex-god rock star persona.
Michael Cera in This Is the End
This is the End is packed to the rafters with actors playing warped versions of themselves, but of the starry cast list, it is Michael Cera that steals the show. His portrayal of himself as a coked-up arrogant sex pest is hilarious. Cera’s on-screen demise is the piece de resistance, cementing his performance as one of the best versions of a celebrity playing themselves.
Sam J. Jones in Ted
In Ted, Mark Wahlberg’s John attends a house party with his BFF teddy bear Ted. There, he crosses paths with his childhood hero Sam J. Jones, aka Flash Gordon. Jones outs himself as his own biggest fan by proudly wearing his Flash Gordon costume everywhere he goes.
Alice Cooper in Wayne’s World
Wayne’s World follows two best friends, Wayne and Garth, hosts of a local late-night cable show as they traverse the world. Huge fans of music, the pair attend an Alice Cooper show, scoring back-stage passes. Their encounter with Cooper is the stuff of legend, with Cooper forgoing his rock star persona to instead share a history of Milwaukee.
Bill Murray in Zombieland
Set in an apocalyptic zombie wasteland, comedy Zombieland surprised audiences when a certain Ghostbuster, Bill Murray, popped up. Originally mistaken for a zombie, Murray reveals he has gone method to blend in with the zombie hordes. Woody Harrelson’s Tallahassee is overjoyed to meet one of his heroes, and the two run around Murray’s mansion re-enacting key scenes from Ghostbusters, before tragedy strikes.
Anna Faris in Keanu
Action-comedy Keanu joins two best friends as they try to track down a beloved kitten. Along the way they end up embroiled with drug-dealing criminals and are made to embark on a home delivery. That house belongs to a very eccentric Anna Faris, who gleefully tries to incite inter-gang violence.
Ed Sheeran in Yesterday
Musician Ed Sheeran has started appearing in a variety of TV shows and movies in recent years, but his most memorable appearance comes in 2019’s Yesterday. Playing himself and acting as a mentor for lead character Jack, Sheeran here gives a relatively straight performance, but the sequence in which he tries to persuade Jack to re-think Hey Jude as ‘Hey Dude’ gets some laughs.
Nicolas Cage in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
While most actors cameo as themselves in short bursts, Nicolas Cage plays himself for the entirety of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. The plot sees Cage go undercover to investigate super-fan Javi for the CIA. The entire movie is a love letter to Cage’s history, with a highlight involving him trying to buy a truly hideous waxwork likeness of himself.
Dwayne Johnson as The Rock in Fighting with My Family
Based on the real-life story of former WWE Divas Champion Paige, Fighting with my Family gives viewers a sneak peek into the world of professional wrestling. The biopic includes several encounters with Dwayne Johnson, wherein he plays his alter-ego, The Rock. Johnson is on hand to give Florence Pugh’s Paige some career advice, and he simply has to get in his most famous wrestling catchphrase.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have been working with director Kevin Smith since before they were household names. Together, they make an epic appearance in Smith’s Jay and Silent Bob, playing versions of themselves. In the film, the pair are hard at work on Good Will Hunting: Hunting Season, an action-heavy tonal switch sequel to their breakout film.
Chuck Norris in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
For years, action hero Chuck Norris has been saving innocents from the bad guys, his rescues typically involving a lot of guns and fighting. In Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, all Chuck needs is a single thumb. Norris’ approval allows dodgeball team Average Joe’s back into the tournament, which they go on to win, leading to Ben Stiller’s White Goodman developing a personal hatred of the 80s action hero.
Mike Tyson in The Hangover
Mike Tyson’s parodying of himself as a tiger-owning eccentric in The Hangover played so well that Tyson returned for the sequel. A professional boxer, Tyson’s public persona was worked seamlessly into the film. Positioned as the antagonist, Tyson plays up the menacing aspects of his character, whilst simultaneously proving himself to have a sense of humour.
Jennifer Tilly in Seed of Chucky
Jennifer Tilly is so intrinsic to the Child’s Play world that it’s hard to differentiate where the real and the fabricated end and begin. Tilly’s only outing as her ‘true’ self came in Seed of Chucky; the actress is the hero of Chucky’s bride, Tiffany (voiced by Tilly). As Tiffany claims the actor as a surrogate, Jennifer Tilly is left juggling survival, a career, and a voodoo pregnancy.
Tom Jones in Mars Attacks!
Having already sent-up his sex god persona in an episode of The Simpsons, Welsh singer Tom Jones gives a repeated performance in Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! The film sees Martians invade Earth; in it, Jones plays himself, whose Vegas performance is invaded by little green men. The singer takes the invasion in his stride, effortlessly pilots a plane, and later sings the film out.
Simon Cowell in Shrek 2
Shrek 2 provided proof that Simon Cowell never turns down a talent contest. Although he doesn’t appear in the film, Cowell was part of a special feature for it. The bonus content sees Cowell sit alongside Shrek and Fiona on the panel for talent show Far Far Away Idol. Beloved characters are berated by Cowell before he eventually crowns himself the winner.
David Bowie in Zoolander
An icon of music, film and fashion, David Bowie was – amongst a sea of cameos – the perfect surprise in Zoolander. Bowie’s ability to get silly in a film such as Zoolander proved that in spite of his mega-stardom, he knew how to have fun. In the 2001 comedy, the Life on Mars singer judges a ‘runway off’ between warring models Zoolander and Hansel, stealing the show with his looks of despair.
Mark Wahlberg in Entourage
TV show Entourage was based on Mark Wahlberg’s own experience of moving to Hollywood, surrounded by his childhood friends. The star popped up throughout and obviously had to sneak into the 2015 feature as well. In his scene he manages to plug several of his own projects, whilst also enforcing a big plot reveal between star Vincent Chase and studio head Ari Gold.
Keanu Reeves in Always Be My Maybe
Whereas in some films, such as a Marvel movie or a parody film, cameos are expected, rom-com Always Be My Maybe shocked everyone. During the course of the film, Keanu Reeves, the nicest guy in Hollywood, turns up as a love rival for lead character Marcus. Subverting his nice guy and spiritual persona, Reeves pushes the pretension factor during a wild double date.
Hulk Hogan in Gremlins 2: The New Batch
Partway through Gremlins 2: The New Batch, as the Gremlins take control of Clamp Towers, suddenly the film on screen disintegrates, replaced by shadows of cackling gremlins. A cinema usher seeks out Hulk Hogan (clad in his wrestling ring attire), who sends a trademark tirade of threats in the direction of the projection booth. The gremlins promptly resume the feature.
Debra Messing in Bros
The recent (and excellent) Bros follows the ups and downs of the relationship between Bobby and Aaron. In the wake of one of their arguments, Bobby rants to a cameoing Debra Messing about his problems. Rather than offer the expected wisdom, Messing unleashes decades worth of pent up Will & Grace frustration, lamenting her persona as every gay man’s BFF.
Bruce Campbell in My Name Is Bruce
A hardcore Bruce Campbell fanatic confuses the lines of fact and fiction in comedy-horror My Name Is Bruce. After unwittingly unleashing Hell in his small town, super-fan Jeff kidnaps the real Bruce Campbell in the hope that his hero will help. It’s essentially Galaxy Quest, but with a real-life celebrity, and Campbell delights in playing the fool.
Ryan Seacrest in Knocked Up
At the time of Knocked Up’s release, presenter Ryan Seacrest was America’s best friend. The host of American Idol, his sunny personality was beamed into millions of homes across the country each week. In Knocked Up, Katherine Heigl’s Allison has the misfortune of discovering that this is a carefully constructed facade as she has to deal with the movie Seacrest’s enormous ego.
David Hasselhoff in Piranha 3DD
Everyone’s favourite lifeguard played himself in the 3D horror sequel Piranha 3DD. During a celebrity guest appearance at a waterpark, Hasselhoff comes under attack from prehistoric piranha. Seeing swimmers in trouble, Hasselhoff forgoes his inflated ego and embraces his inner Mitch. You can take the Hoff out of Baywatch, but the slo-mo run remains.
Stan Lee in Mallrats
Way before he was a constant cameo machine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, comic book legend Stan Lee played himself in Kevin Smith’s Mallrats. He chances on Jason Lee’s Brodie and imparts some relationship advice, amongst pointing out his very impressive comic career and fending off questions about certain heroes’ anatomy.
Miley Cyrus in The Night Before
Adult Christmas comedy The Night Before features an excellent performance by Miley Cyrus. The plot follows a trio of friends, who after years of trying, finally gain entry to the mythical Nutcracker Ball. Cyrus is there to serenade the crowd, but winds up helping hapless Ethan try to win back his girlfriend, peer-pressuring him to propose in the process.
Neil Patrick Harris in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
A year before he would become better known for playing Barney in How I Met Your Mother, Neil Patrick Harris starred in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. His performance shed his previous Doogie Howser image as he spent the film high on ecstasy, spewing profanities and stealing the eponymous characters’ car.
John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich
In Being John Malkovich, a portal into the mind of actor John Malkovich is discovered; for 15 minutes, people can look through his eyes. After discovering that random people have been inhabiting him, John Malkovich is rightly outraged. Peak Malkovich begins when he enters his own mind and is confronted with a world of other Malkoviches that are only capable of uttering the word “Malkovich”.
James Van Der Beek in Don’t Trust the B**** In Apartment 23
Some actors might sign-on to parody themselves for the duration of a film, but one actor went further. Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek played a distorted iteration of himself across 26 episodes of American comedy show Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23. His performance was superb, as he embraced the persona of a self-centred diva with gusto.
Justin Bieber in Zoolander 2
Zoolander 2 was as star-packed as its predecessor, opening with an appearance from pop sensation Justin Bieber. It’s an action-heavy sequence that sees Bieber performing acrobatics as he attempts to flee a deadly pursuer. Sadly his efforts fail and he is fatally wounded. Before his death, he has to take one last selfie, ensuring the perfect filter is utilised for maximum perfection.
Emma Watson in This Is the End
Michael Cera isn’t the only This is the End cast member with a scene-stealing sequence. Harry Potter’s Emma Watson arrives at James Franco’s house days into the disaster and entrances the men with her tale of survival. As she goes off to rest, the men discuss how to best make her feel welcome, which she mishears, and believing herself unsafe, she goes into full on warrior mode.
Steven Spielberg in Austin Powers: Goldmember
The third Austin Powers film, Austin Powers: Goldmember, begins with Tom Cruise playing Powers. His scenes are revealed to be part of a film being made about Austin, with none other than Steven Spielberg on directing duties. As Austin shares that he has notes, Spielberg shakes an Academy Award at him, before back flipping and cartwheeling away during the subsequent dance sequence.
Dan Marino in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
In Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Jim Carrey’s super sleuth is tasked with finding the Miami Dolphins’ mascot, Snowflake, who has vanished in the lead up to the Superbowl. During his investigation, real-life football quarterback Dan Marino gets kidnapped. Marino’s willingness to be placed in a position of weakness and to allow Carrey to get weird around him proved him to be a very good sport.
Ozzy Osbourne in Little Nicky
Once, while drunk on stage, Black Sabbath front-man Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off of a bat. (It was an accident, as he had believed the bat to have been a toy.) The stunt quickly gained notoriety and was one that Osbourne repeated, albeit with a fake bat, in 2000’s Little Nicky. In doing so he helps save the day, and everyone rejoices.
Megan Fox in The Dictator
It may only be a fleeting scene, but in 2012’s The Dictator, Megan Fox proved that she has a fun side. Playing on her sex-symbol status, Fox is seen post-coitus with Sacha Baron Cohen’s world leader. She’s there for a pre-arranged fee and proceeds to rebuff further advances. Her contempt is made clear when she complains that Katy Perry was paid with a diamond Rolex.
McFly in Just My Luck
In a bid to break America, UK pop-punk band McFly appeared in 2006’s Just My Luck. Starring alongside Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine, the band played a lesser known, struggling, and clumsier version of themselves. The group provides several instances of comedy, including a very silly sequence that sees drummer Harry accidentally arrive on stage alone.
Zach Galifianakis in Between Two Ferns: The Movie
After the success of his web series, comedian Zach Galifianakis created Between Two Ferns: The Movie, which joins Galifianakis as he hits the road to complete several celebrity interviews in a bid to reclaim his reputation. His interview style is offensive and antagonistic, with his off-screen persona erring on the side of diva. Galifianakis sells every scene due to his willingness to get weird.
The Spice Girls in Spice World
Released at the peak of their fame in 1997, Spice World gave fans a new perspective on The Spice Girls. The five-piece all female group play stylised versions of themselves and continue to push their message of girl power. Spice World blurs lines between fact and fiction, as the girls go from performing in concert to acting in a series of slapstick silly events.
Shaun White in Friends with Benefits
Olympic snowboarder and professional skate-boarder Shaun White appears in two memorable scenes of 2011’s Friends with Benefits. In contrast to his more laid-back real-life persona, in Friends with Benefits White plays an aggressive, foul-mouthed jerk who Justin Timberlake’s Dylan must spar with for the affections of Mila Kunis’ Jamie.
Al Pacino in Jack and Jill
One of the greatest actors of his generation, Al Pacino somehow found his way into the terrible Adam Sandler comedy Jack and Jill. In the film, Pacino has to sing and dance his way through a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial whilst also being completely infatuated with Adam Sandler’s Jill. Ever the pro, Pacino is the sole highlight of the film.
Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen in Scary Movie 5
The opening of Scary Movie 5 gave both Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen a forum to poke fun at themselves. At time of release they had each spent a lot of time in the press and nothing was off topic, as they converse prior to spending the night together. Add to this an extremely over-the-top time-lapse of them in bed together set to the Benny Hill theme, and it’s hilarity all around.
