Cameos — brief appearances by famous personalities — have long been a fan-favorite Easter egg in films and TV shows. One of the undisputed masters of the cameo is Stan Lee, whose unforgettable appearances across the Marvel Cinematic Universe delighted audiences for years. But beyond Lee’s iconic contributions, there are plenty of other surprising and delightful celebrity cameos that have stunned viewers. Here are some of the most unexpected and memorable ones.
1. David Bowie in Zoolander
The legendary musician David Bowie made a hilarious and stylish appearance in Zoolander (2001) as the judge of the film’s absurd 'walk-off' between Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) and Hansel (Owen Wilson). His presence elevated the scene into a comedic classic.
2. Stan Lee in The Marvel Universe
Stan Lee’s cameos in Marvel films are the stuff of legend. From a beauty pageant judge in Iron Man 3 to a bus driver in Avengers: Infinity War, Lee’s appearances were a delightful tradition that fans eagerly anticipated in each Marvel release.
3. Stephen King in Sons of Anarchy
Horror maestro Stephen King made a surprising appearance in the gritty biker drama Sons of Anarchy. In Season 3, he played a mysterious cleaner named Bachman — a nod to his pseudonym Richard Bachman — helping dispose of a body with eerie efficiency.
4. Brad Pitt in Deadpool 2
Brad Pitt made an unexpected (and hilarious) cameo in Deadpool 2 (2018) as the Vanisher, a mostly invisible superhero. His character’s face is only revealed for a split second when he is electrocuted, creating one of the film’s most surprising laugh-out-loud moments.
5. Stephen Hawking in The Big Bang Theory
In 2012, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking made a memorable appearance in the 21st episode of the fifth season of The Big Bang Theory, engaging in a humorous exchange with the character Sheldon Cooper. His cameo was a perfect blend of intellect and comedy.
6. Stephen Colbert in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Television host Stephen Colbert, a known Lord of the Rings enthusiast, made a brief appearance as a Laketown spy in the 2013 film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. This cameo fulfilled a personal dream for Colbert, a lifelong fan of the franchise.
7. Johnny Depp in 21 Jump Street
In a nod to the 1987 TV show that launched his career, Johnny Depp made a surprise cameo in 21 Jump Street (2012). He appeared as Officer Tom Hanson during a climactic shootout, much to the delight of longtime fans.
8. Hugh Jackman in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
Hugh Jackman made a brief yet delightful cameo in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014), playing himself on a London stage alongside Alice Eve. The meta-humor surrounding his role as Wolverine added a fun layer to the scene.
9. Liam Neeson in Ted 2
In Ted 2 (2015), Liam Neeson humorously parodied his own intense persona. He appears as a shopper nervously asking about the legality of buying children’s cereal, delivering the scene with his trademark gravitas, making it both absurd and hilarious.
10. Ed Sheeran in Game of Thrones
Pop superstar Ed Sheeran made a notable cameo in Game of Thrones Season 7, singing around a campfire as a Lannister soldier. While his appearance was polarizing among fans, it was a memorable moment showcasing his musical talents in Westeros.
