Top 30 Hidden Celebrity Movie Cameos
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most surprising appearances from big-time celebrities in movies that you probably didn’t catch on your first watch. What other sneaky celebrity movie cameos have you noticed? Let us know in the comments below.
#30: Ron Jeremy
Top 20 Hidden Celebrity Movie Cameos You Missed
“Ghostbusters” (1984)
Ron Jeremy is one of the most prolific actors in the entertainment industry, having starred in over 2,000 films. The overwhelming majority of these just happen to be within the adult genre. However, Jeremy has occasionally dipped his toe in more mainstream, family-friendly productions. He briefly appeared in the 1984 classic “Ghostbusters,” among a crowd observing the containment unit explosion at Ghostbusters HQ. It may be easy to miss him, because he’s not as easily recognizable in the cameo, but that distinctive mustache of his remains unmistakable. Thankfully, unlike his more renowned roles, Jeremy remained fully clothed throughout this fleeting moment on screen.
#29: Richard Branson
Top 10 Things Richard Jewell Got Factually Right and Wrong
“Casino Royale” (2006)
Daniel Craig made his first appearance as James Bond in the 2006 film “Casino Royale.” But it seems he wasn’t the only newcomer to the Bond franchise in this movie. There was also billionaire Richard Branson. Branson appears in a scene at the Miami airport, where he is hastily frisked by security after triggering the sensors. A die-hard fan of the franchise, the eccentric businessman essentially paid for his cameo by offering a free plane to the production team at the last minute, helping them save a lot of funds. While money might not guarantee happiness, it can certainly land you a role in your favorite movie.
#28: Jeff Bezos
Top 10 Under Appreciated Jeff Bridges Performances
“Star Trek Beyond” (2016)
Speaking of billionaires who make their way into their favorite film franchises, Jeff Bezos fulfilled a lifelong dream by securing a cameo in 2016’s “Star Trek Beyond.” A fan of the franchise since childhood, the Amazon founder became close friends with its star, William Shatner, and named his family corporation after one of the characters. However, if you’re expecting to see Bezos in his usual appearance, you’d be disappointed. In the film, he appears as an alien Starfleet official, completely transformed by prosthetic makeup. Despite appearing for just about eight seconds, Bezos ensured he had a speaking role in a pivotal scene, to avoid ending up on the cutting room floor.
#27: Kenneth Branagh
“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)
The MCU’s “Avengers: Infinity War” boasted a heavily stacked cast, featuring nearly all of Marvel’s superheroes. Amid such a crowded lineup, it’s easy to miss some of the more obscure appearances. Early in the film, a distress signal is heard from an Asgardian ship after Thanos attacks Thor and Loki. This urgent plea sets the stage for the chaos Thanos is about to unleash. If the voice delivering the signal sounds familiar, that’s because it’s none other than Kenneth Branagh, who many may remember also directed the first “Thor” film. Only the most attentive fans could’ve picked this up on the first watch, so if you did, consider yourself eagle-eyed… or, in this case, eared.
#26: Edward Norton
Top 10 Edward Norton Performances
“Kingdom of Heaven” (2005)
Don’t fault yourself if you struggled to identify who portrayed the Leper King in Ridley Scott’s 2005 epic “Kingdom of Heaven.” Surprisingly, Edward Norton, who brought the character to life, deliberately opted not to be credited for the role. Norton made this decision in a bid to enhance the mystery surrounding the already mysterious character. Throughout his brief appearance in the film, Norton wore a mask and put on a very different accent, essentially rendering himself unrecognizable. While the film received generally mixed reviews, Norton’s short performance received acclaim for being “phenomenal.”
#25: Trevor Noah
“Black Panther” (2018)
“Black Panther” featured a historic lineup of actors, including names like the late Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o. But one name also appeared in the credits, which may have slipped under many fans’ radars: that of South African comedian Trevor Noah. Noah, who was the host of “The Daily Show” at the time, took a short break from the desk to lend his voice to Griot, a Siri-type Wakandan A.I. system. In the film, Griot helps Martin Freeman’s character navigate a virtual plane during an intense battle scene. What makes this cameo particularly special is the fact that the Wakandan language spoken in the film is based on Xhosa, Noah’s mother tongue.
#24: Jonas Brothers
Top 10 Shocking Reveals in Jonas Brothers Chasing Happiness Documentary
“Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” (2009)
In this scene from the 2009 “Night at the Museum” sequel, Larry and Amelia find themselves hiding from Napoleon’s soldiers, who are on a mission to retrieve the Tablet of Ahkmenrah. Their location is nearly compromised when they encounter three Cupid statues who surprise them with a serenade. It might not appear like it at first, but the three statues are actually voiced and modeled after the Jonas Brothers. It’s a rather obscure cameo in a movie brimming with a lot more prominent ones. If you still have any doubts, look no further than their rendition of “Lovebug,” an actual song by the real-life pop trio.
#23: David Beckham
Top 10 David Bowie Movie Performances
“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” (2015)
Former football star David Beckham and director Guy Ritchie have maintained a strong friendship over the years. Beckham even featured in a couple of commercials Ritchie directed in the early 2010s. Their collaboration extended into 2015, when Beckham had a minor role in Ritchie’s action spy film “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” But it might be challenging spotting Beckham in the scene. Not only is the lighting quite dim, but Beckham also sports a pair of glasses and a slicked-back haircut that make him a lot less conspicuous. We probably would’ve eventually seen Beckham in a more substantial role, but the film’s underwhelming box-office performance likely put a hold on any sequels.
#22: Bradley Cooper
Interview with Doug Bradley a.k.a Hellraiser's Pinhead
“10 Cloverfield Lane” (2016)
This sci-fi horror flick features a notably small cast, with only four core actors appearing physically throughout its runtime. There is, however, a fifth actor credited in the film, whose presence is only felt through his voice. In one of the early scenes, when Michelle answers a call from her fiancé Ben, keen viewers may have recognized the voice of Bradley Cooper on the other end. Cooper’s involvement came after a fruitless search for a voice actor, which prompted the film’s producer J. J. Abrams to reach out to him and offer the role. His performance easily meets the brief, effectively setting a tense and eerie tone right from the start.
#21: Wes Craven
Top 10 Hidden Cameos in The Super Mario Bros. Movie
“Scream” (1996)
Wes Craven, the renowned master of horror, breathed new life into the slasher genre with the 1996 film “Scream,” launching a sprawling multimedia franchise in the process. Craven not only directed the first four films in the series, he also made cameo appearances in all of them. Particularly noteworthy was his turn as Fred the Janitor in the first movie, where he cleverly disguises himself in a long wig and mustache. He also dons an attire bearing a striking resemblance to that of his own iconic creation, Freddy Krueger, injecting an additional layer of meta humor to the already brilliant satire.
#20: Michael Caine
Top 10 Signs You're Watching a Michael Bay Movie
“Dunkirk” (2017)
You can’t have a Christopher Nolan movie without Michael Caine, but the English actor flew under the radar in “Dunkirk.” While Caine doesn’t appear on screen, Tom Hardy and Jack Lowden do receive a radio message at one point from a familiar voice. It’s not easy to hear over the noisy planes, but if you listen closely, you can totally make out Caine’s signature cockney accent. Caine’s cameo as the Fortis Leader was a homage to his role in “Battle of Britain,” a 1969 World War II drama in which he played Squadron Leader Canfield. Almost five decades later, Caine is still fighting the same war.
#19: Bill Murray
Top 10 Bill Murray Performances
“Dumb and Dumber To” (2013)
In this long-awaited sequel, the Farrelly Brothers not only reunited with stars Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, but Bill Murray as well. If you missed Murray, that’s because he was hidden under a HAZMAT suit. Returning home for the first time in 20 years, Lloyd learns that Harry has been sharing the apartment with a mysterious man named Ice Pick. Calling Walter White to mind, Murray’s character makes a living by cooking – ahem – “rock candy” that people and cats go crazy for. The movie might be called “Dumb and Dumber To,” but this is actually a pretty clever Easter egg that only the most attentive moviegoers caught.
#18: Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg Says NETFLIX Doesn’t Deserve Oscars – The CineFiles Ep. 65
“The Blues Brothers” (1980)
The climax of this comedy classic throws in everything but the kitchen sink. With the police, firefighters, and even the military pursuing the Blues Brothers, it’s easy to miss arguably the most iconic director alive. As the world outside his office erupts in chaos, a Cook County Assessor played by Steven Spielberg obliviously eats his sandwich. Lunch is interrupted by Jake and Elwood, who pay their taxes just before the authorities cuff them. Spielberg signs the receipt with the name “R.J. Daley,” a subtle nod to Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. One year before “Blues Brothers,” Spielberg notably directed John Belushi in the war comedy “1941.” By the way, don’t be surprised if Dan Aykroyd pops up in a Spielberg picture later on.
#17: Jim Carrey
Top 10 Most Distracting Movie Cameos
“Liar Liar” (1997)
We know what you’re thinking. Jim Carrey was the lead in “Liar Liar.” How could he have a cameo in his own star vehicle? Well, remember that scene where Fletcher Reede gets injured at the airport? Look closely as his family shoves their way through a crowd of people. In the background, you might recognize a grinning fireman hidden behind a pair of shades. It’s none other than Carrey, standing just a few feet away from Fletcher. This is apparently supposed to be Fire Marshall Bill, a recurring character Carrey portrayed on “In Living Color.” Hey, if Ace Ventura and Stanley Ipkiss can exist in the same universe, why not Fletcher and Bill?
#16: Garrett Morris
“Ant-Man” (2015)
When Scott Lang takes his Ant-Man suit for a test drive, he lands on the roof of a car parked outside. The driver is played by comedian Garrett Morris, who was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1975 to 1980. At first, this may seem like a random cameo, but hardcore “SNL” fans will notice its significance. In a sketch entitled “Superhero Party,” Morris appeared as Ant-Man, along with host Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, Bill Murray as Superman, and various others. While a parody, this was technically the first live-action portrayal of Ant-Man. Ant-Man is heckled by the Flash and Hulk, who don’t think his powers are anything particularly special. Ant-Man and his costume have certainly come a long way since then.
#15: Nathan Fillion
“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
Nathan Fillion is a regular in director James Gunn’s movies. He’s also best known for playing Malcolm Reynolds, one of the most beloved starship captains of all time. Naturally, Fillion had to pop up somewhere in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Even the most diehard sci-fi fans missed his cameo, though. Upon arriving at the Kyln, our heroes come face to face with numerous monstrous inmates. Fillion voices a blue thug that gives Peter Quill an especially hard time. Luckily, Groot has Peter’s back and... the thug’s nose.
#14: Kristen Wiig
Kristen Stewart Bio and Acting Origins
“Her” (2013)
This film follows the romance between a man named Theodore and an OS named Samantha. Before Theodore falls for the disembodied voice of his dreams, he tries to make a connection with a fellow lonely soul. An unseen Kristen Wiig voices Sexy Kitten, a woman that can’t sleep and wants to have some fun. Initially, she seems like an ideal candidate for a phone sex hookup. When she starts talking about dead cats, however, Theodore suddenly loses his sex drive. Many people didn’t recognize Wiig’s voice, although they probably should’ve in retrospect. After all, she’s one of the few comedians that could pull this role off with just the right balance of quirkiness and kinkiness.
#13: Cameron Crowe
James Cameron's AVATAR 2 to be Shown in GLASSES-FREE 3D? – The CineFiles Ep. 27
“Minority Report” (2002)
Not even the precogs could have foreseen this cameo. Wanted for a crime that hasn’t happened yet, Chief John Anderton’s name and face are soon plastered over every newspaper. Anderton is spotted by a passenger sitting across from him on a train. Even if you don’t recognize the passenger, you might’ve seen some of his movies, which include “Almost Famous,” “Jerry Maguire,” and “Say Anything…” Cameron Crowe isn’t the only famous face on this train, as Cameron Diaz can also be seen sitting behind him. What’s the common thread here? One year earlier, director Steven Spielberg made an uncredited cameo as a party guest in Crowe’s “Vanilla Sky,” which starred Diaz and Tom Cruise. Could it be that this whole movie was just a simulated reality?
#12: Paul Reubens
The Best Unscripted Paul Rudd Moments That Were Kept in the Movie
“Batman Returns” (1992)
Previously working with Tim Burton on “Pee-wee's Big Adventure”, Reuben's appearance in “Batman Returns” saw him play a completely different kind of character. Perhaps that’s why he slipped by, unnoticed. The usually eccentric Reubens stars as Tucker Cobblepot, a restrained, distant man who views his newly born son as an abomination. Along with his equally heartless wife, played by fellow “Pee-wee” alumnus Diane Salinger, Reubens’ character dumps young Oswald into the sewers where a family of penguins awaits. Although nobody caught the cameo at first, this has since become one of Reubens’ most memorable roles. Perhaps because of this, Reubens would go on to play Penguin's father again in the TV series “Gotham.”
#11: Bruce Campbell
Top 10 Bruce Campbell Performances
“Fargo” (1996)
Written, directed and produced by the Coen Brothers, this Oscar-winning black comedy follows a man who concocts a plan to kidnap his wife for ransom, the criminals he hires and the pregnant police chief on their trail. “Fargo” may feature Frances McDormand, William H. Macy and Steve Buscemi, but did you also know that Ash Williams himself can be spotted on screen, literally? That’s right, when Buscemi and Peter Stromare’s small-time crooks have Jean Lundegaard tied up and blindfolded, Gaear watches the tube to pass the time. The show that captures his attention before the arrival of his partner Carl happens to be a soap opera with Campbell acting in a dramatic scene that leaves Gaear momentarily speechless.
#10: Brad Pitt
Top 10 Movie Moments That Made Us Love Brad Pitt
“Deadpool 2” (2018)
The Vanisher remains invisible until his days with X-Force come to an abrupt end. In a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment, Brad Pitt makes a shocking and hilariously brief cameo as Vanisher flies into a telephone pole. It’s a brilliant waste of a great actor and the cameo is only made funnier when you consider that Pitt was originally in talks to play Cable before scheduling interfered. So, instead of playing Cable, he got electrocuted by some cables. Pitt’s not the only “Ocean’s Eleven” actor present. An unrecognizable Matt Damon also appears as a beer-bellied redneck named Dickie Greenleaf, who’s clearly gone through some changes since “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Oh, and the other guy talking to Damon about toilet paper? That’s Alan Tudyk!
#9: Jimmy Buffett
“Jurassic World” (2015)
“Jurassic World” is wall to wall with product placement, but let’s be honest. If a Jurassic theme park was real, it would probably have more corporate sponsors than dinosaurs. Among the many brand names in the film is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. When the pterosaurs break free from their aviary, the Margaritaville patrons are forced to flee for their lives. In the midst of all this anarchy, one man grabs two large margarita glasses before taking off. This margarita enthusiast is Jimmy Buffett himself. Producer Frank Marshall has snuck Buffett into a few of his films over the years, including “Hook.” This is easily Buffett’s most meta cameo, however. While we never learn the fate of Buffett’s character, the Margaritaville was the climax’s greatest casualty.
#8: Lucy Lawless
Top 10 Shocking Facts We Learned from Lucy and Desi
“Spider-Man” (2002)
We all know that Bruce Campbell appeared throughout the original “Spider-Man” trilogy, but he’s not the only actor with close ties to director Sam Raimi. As Spider-Man rises up as the hero New York needs, several residents share their thoughts on the web-slinger. A punk rock woman is turned on by the idea of a guy with eight hands. Given that she’s best known for playing the titular character in “Xena: Warrior Princess,” it likely didn’t occur to you that this New Yorker is Lucy Lawless. Raimi actually helped develop the “Xena” TV series, which was co-created by Lawless’ husband, Robert Tapert. Of course, we’re still waiting for an official crossover between Spidey and Xena. That’s gotta exist somewhere in the Spider-Verse, right?
#7: Dan Aykroyd
Top 10 FUNNIEST Movie Cameos
“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984)
We now go from one Ghostbuster to another. Trying to escape from Shanghai, Indy and his friends get some help from a British military officer named Art Weber. Dan Aykroyd plays Weber, although it likely took audiences multiple viewings to realize this. It’s easy to overlook Aykroyd’s presence since the camera never zooms in on his face. Plus, he puts on a thick English accent and delivers his lines at a rapid pace. Aykroyd isn’t the only big name that makes an appearance in this scene. Director Steven Spielberg, co-writer George Lucas, associate producer Kathleen Kennedy, and executive producer Frank Marshall can all be spotted at the airport. Talk about cameo overload!
#6: George Harrison
Top 10 Most Iconic Regina George Quotes
“Monty Python’s Life of Brian” (1979)
You may be surprised by the sheer number of times George Harrison has crossed paths with the Monty Python crew. Eric Idle directed a music video for “Crackerbox Palace” and Harrison was a producer for “The Lumberjack Song.” The former Beatle even helped get “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” off the ground, forming HandMade Films to finance the picture. Since this comedy classic probably wouldn’t exist without Harrison, the least the filmmakers could do was give him a cameo. As Brian makes his way through a crowd, Harrison can be seen greeting the so-called Messiah. Harrison’s character is named Mr. Papadopoulis, the Mount’s owner. Although he didn’t get much screen time, it’s safe to say that Harrison was this production’s savior.
#5: Cate Blanchett
Top 10 Most Impressive Cate Blanchett Accents
“Hot Fuzz” (2007)
Cate Blanchett took a break from Oscar-winning dramas to make an appearance in this laugh a minute comedy... not that you'd notice. Playing Janine, Nick Angel’s ex-girlfriend, she is concealed under a mask and coveralls, which not only hides Blanchett but means her character blends in with everyone else at a crime scene. Angel can’t even differentiate who’s who as he attempts to bid his former lover farewell. Since Blanchett is arguably the most accomplished performer in the movie, you’d think that the filmmakers would at least show her whole face. Yet, the filmmakers clearly went out of their way to make sure nobody in the audience spotted her. This just makes her uncredited cameo all the more hilarious.
#4: Stephen Colbert
Top 10 Epic Stephen King Cameos
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (2013)
If you haven’t noticed, Stephen Colbert is a pretty big “Lord of the Rings” fan. As a matter of fact, Peter Jackson has described him as the biggest “Tolkien geek” he’s ever met. In “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” Jackson finally gave the comedian a chance to visit Middle-earth. Since this franchise has so many characters, it isn’t surprising that Colbert got lost in the shuffle. However, he can briefly be seen as a Lake-town spy. He’s only onscreen for a few seconds, but at least Colbert can say that he’s officially part of Tolkien Mythology. Colbert returned the favor by letting Smaug crash in on “The Colbert Report.” In addition to incorporating celebrity cameos into his films, Jackson made his own brief appearance in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.”
#3: Glenn Close
“Hook” (1991)
“Hook” has a couple fun cameos, but this one is by far the sneakiest. Hiding an Oscar-nominated actress in plain sight is no easy task, but director Steven Spielberg pulled it off in this scene. Captain Hook isn’t at all pleased with fellow pirate Gutless, played by an unrecognizable Glenn Close. As punishment for doubting him, Hook condemns Gutless to the boo box with a couple scorpions. Although Gutless is supposedly a man, it wasn’t uncommon for women to disguise themselves as male pirates, so perhaps that’s the basis behind this cameo. It also wouldn’t be the last time Close has done drag.
#2: Steve Buscemi
Top 10 Best Unscripted Steve Carell Moments
“Pulp Fiction” (1994)
John Travolta and Uma Thurman are nothing short of captivating during the Jack Rabbit Slim's scene in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.” Since all eyes are on these two, audiences often fail to notice Steve Buscemi as their waiter. Dressed as Buddy Holly, Buscemi’s character serves up a bloody as hell steak and a five-dollar shake with no bourbon. Buscemi previously played Mr. Pink in Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs”, which is technically set in the same universe. Does this mean that the waiter is actually Mr. Pink hiding from the police? If so, he’s doing a great job at keeping a low profile.
#1: Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is BACK as James Bond in Next 007 Movie – The CineFiles Ep. 31
“Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” (2015)
Daniel Craig has become iconic for his portrayal of James Bond, but that’s not the only blockbuster franchise he’s taken part in. Everyone was stunned to learn that Craig played a Stormtrooper in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Which Stormtrooper, you ask? Remember the soldier that was put in charge of guarding Rey on Starkiller Base? The one Rey completely mind-tricked and forced to remove her restraints, leave the cell open, and drop his weapon? Daniel Craig. What makes this cameo especially ingenious is that the Stormtrooper is named JB-007, a clear homage to James Bond and his codename. Well played, Abrams, well played.
