Surprise cameos can often inject life into an otherwise predictable film. Cameos can also be effective scene-stealers, packing a comic or dramatic punch with their on-screen presence. Here are some of the top celebrity cameos.
1. Michael Cera: This is the End (2013)
While there are multiple cameos in this film, Michael Cera’s outrageous portrayal of himself in the apocalyptic comedy ”This is the End”, brings the most laughs. Both hyperactive and comically indecent, Cera manages to literally hit on Barbadian singer Rihanna, annoy Jonah Hill with a cloud of coke, and get offed in an untimely death as disaster hits the streets of Los Angeles. Line from the character: “Hey, man! Does this coke smell funny?”
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2. Matt Damon: Eurotrip (2004)
In this teen movie, the lead character Scotty gets a rude awakening upon hearing Donny (Matt Damon) sing. Scotty (Scott Mechlowicz) gets dumped by his long-time girlfriend, Fiona (played by Kristen Kreuk), just before graduation. Scotty later has the misfortune of hearing a song called “Scotty Doesn’t Know,” an ode to the affair that Donny the lead singer of the band had with Fiona, while she was dating Scotty. For most film goers, Damon will appear unrecognizable: he sports a shaved head, tattoos, and multiple piercings. Line from Damon’s character : ” This one’s for you baby. Happy Anniversary.”
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3. Johnny Depp: 21 Jump Street (2012)
In the remake of the iconic show, Johnny Depp plays an undercover agent in the movie. In a showdown scene with the bad guys from the movie, Depp manages to reveal himself by completely removing his physical disguise. He manages to shock the other undercover police of the movie, played by Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. The reveal offers momentary comic relief for a tense standoff between the police and the antagonists in the film. Line from Depp’s character: ”Do you have any idea how difficult it is to infiltrate a gang like this?”
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4. Will Ferrell: Wedding Crashers (2005)
Chazz Reinhold, portrayed by Will Ferrell, is a womanizing guru that instructs John Beckwith (Owen Wilson) on how to attend weddings to get easy dates. In his last appearance in the movie, Ferrell hams it up, as Reinhold now resorts to funerals to find ladies. None of his advice is much use to Beckwith, who loses his relationship with Clare Cleary (played by Rachel McAdams) but somehow manages to get the gusto that wins her both back. Line from Ferrell’s character: ”I’m just living the dream.”
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5. Samuel L Jackson: Iron Man 2 (2010)
Hell hath no Fury like Nick Fury. Samuel L. Jackson rounds a the cast of superheroes in Iron Man 2 to introduce Tony Stark, to the SHIELD agency. The patch-eyed and no-nonsense agent greets Stark just as Stark is reeling from problems concerning his best friend Lieutenant Rhodes and his health. Fury chastises Stark for his self-pity and offers him assistance with crisis Stark is experiencing. Line from Jackson’s character: ”I am real. I’m the realest person you’re ever going to meet.”
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6. Hugh Jackman: X-Men First Class (2011)
Hugh Jackman makes a brief but entertaining appearance as Wolverine ”X-Men: First Class.” Wolverine, known for his gruff and taciturn manner, doesn’t mince words in his pithy encounter with the lead characters of the movie. Although he only has one line, it’s a zinger! After a young Charles Xavier (played James McAvoy) and a young Magneto (portrayed by Michael Fassbender) try to recruit mutants, Wolverine tells them to both get lost.
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7. Billy Idol: The Wedding Singer (1998)
This heartwarming movie, based in the 80s, concerns a hapless wedding singer Robbie Hart, portrayed by Adam Sandler, watch his crush, Julie Sullivan (played by Drew Barrymore) accept a marriage proposal from the wrong guy. Filled with quintessential 80’s references, it is fitting that Billy Idol makes an appearance near the end of the film to give Robbie the encouragement needed to secure Julie’s heart. Line from Idol’s character: ”All he cares about are fancy cars, CD players and possessions. Even women are possessions to him.”
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8. Keith Richards: Pirates of the Carribean (2008)
Johnny Depp once remarked that he got his inspiration for playing Captain Jack Sparrow from Pepe Le Peu and a rock star. One of his inpirations stepped on set in the form of Keith Richards. Richards plays Captain Teague, Jack Sparrows father in the film, and teaches Jack about the possibilities of immortality. Line from Richard’s character: “It’s not just about living forever, Jackie. The trick is living with yourself forever.”
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9. Tom Cruise: Goldmember (2004)
In the opening credits of ”Goldmember,” Cruise takes on the iconic role of Austin Powers, during a film within a film. The meta- film called AustinPussy, has Cruise (as Powers) perform death-defying stunts and vanquish evil doers and he meets up with Dixie Normous (Gwyneth Paltrow in another cameo). Line from the character: ” Shall we shag now, or shag later?”
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11. Neil Patrick Harris: Harold and Kumar go to White Castle (2004)
In this stoner comedy, Neil Patrick Harris enjoys a scene stealing moment as a hitchhiker high on ecstasy. Harris is picked up by Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) but drives away with their car, when they enter a convenience store. Line from Harris’s character: ”I was at this party earlier tonight and some guy hooked me up with this incredible “X” – next thing I know I’m being thrown out of a moving car. I’ve been trippin’ balls ever since.”
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12. Tom Cruise: Tropic Thunder (2008)
Cruise’s unrecognizable turn as the paunch, foul-mouthed, epithet-spewing and bombastic mogul in the film ”Tropic Thunder” provides the film with many comical highlights. Cruise takes it to the next level in comedic acting with the bald-headed tyrant he played on-screen. Line from Cruise’s character: “A nutless monkey could do your job. Now, go get drunk and take credit at all the parties.”