20 celebs you never knew starred in TV shows
These famous faces love a good cameo...
Last updated 8th Oct 2020
Bet you don't remember these familiar faces who have made unexpected guest appearances or cameos in your favourite TV series! You probably blinked and completely missed them, left the sofa to grab more snacks, or just totally forgot about them because they seemed so random.
Some may have been utter failures, but many are the best moments of TV and will make you howl with laughter. See our gallery of celebrities who made appearances in TV series...
Chris Pratt in The O.C.
Before Chris Pratt became a mega Hollywood star, he actually played a short role in the American hit series, The O.C. You're remembering him now - the shaggy-haired, tree hugging environmental activist, Che Cook, who takes his 'soulmate', Seth Cohen, on a trippy adventure to the woods - oh so boho.
Selena Gomez in Barney and Friends
Let's throw it back to 2002 and Selena Gomez's Disney Channel days. When she was just a kid, she was on set with the big purple dinosaur in Barney and Friends. It's also where she met pal Demi Lovato.
Danny DeVito in Friends
"What's the matter, you never seen a 50-year-old stripper cry before?" - Danny DeVito's most iconic line in his 'raunchy' appearance on Friends as a male stripper. The 5ft and rather round Danny (playing Roy) turned up to Phoebe's bachelorette party dressed as a police officer - as you can imagine, it all ended in tears.
Ed Sheeran in Game of Thrones
Ed Sheeran swapped his guitar for a suit of armour while playing a Lannister soldier in an episode of Game of Thrones - obviously he was made to sing.
Demi Lovato in Grey's Anatomy
Demi appeared in one episode and played a paranoid schizophrenic teenager named Haley May. But, this "crazy woman" diagnosis turned out to be wrong. Hayley actually had small hole in her inner ear, making her extra sensitive to sound - no wonder she wanted to claw her eyes out (literally).
Jim Carrey in The Office
How could we forget the "Finger Lakes Guy"? Jim Carrey played a character interviewing for the job of Regional Manager in season 7's final episode. He became known as the "Finger Lakes Guy", constantly obsessing over making it back to Finger Lakes.
Victoria Beckham in Ugly Betty
Victoria Beckham plays herself in an episode titled "A Nice Day for a Posh Wedding" - we like what you did there. Obviously she steals the show, which rather upsets Willie on her big day.
Sir Ian McKellen in Coronation Street
Sir Ian McKellen walked Corrie's cobbled street as a con-merchant 'novelist' , appearing in 10 episodes.
Usher in Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Remember seeing Usher play 'The Love Doctor'? Nope, didn't think so. Usher appeared, dressed head to toe in white, singing love-guru advice to Sabrina.
Britney Spears in How I Met Your Mother
Oops, she did it again! If you didn't love Britney enough already - she's even made guest appearance on HIMYM as the receptionist, Abby, at dermatologist Stella's office. She had a crush on Ted, then swiftly moves on to Barney.
Paris Hilton in Supernatural
Paris Hilton played the demonic creature taking the form of… wait for it...herself (LOL)
Donald Trump in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The current President of the United States has actually made many cameo appearances in shows such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and films Zoolander and Home Alone.
Matt Damon in Will & Grace
Matt Damon sings? Yes, yes he does. Spotted in the 2002 episode playing Owen, and competing against Jack for a spot in the Gay Men's Choral.
Gigi and Bella Hadid in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Before they were the biggest supermodels on the catwalk, they were the teenage daughters of Yolanda Hadid featured on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Lady Gaga in The Hills
In her pre-stardom days, Lady Gaga appeared in The Hills. Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port were tasked with styling her before a solo performance. They referred to her as just "some girl named Lady Gaga" - if only they saw her now.
Kesha in The Simple Life
Do you remember The Simple Life? Do you remember that Kesha and her mum featured on The Simple Life? Crazy, right? There she became bffs with Paris Hilton, and later wrote a song called "Paris Hilton's Closet", inspired by the time she chundered in her wardrobe.
Emma Stone on In Search of the Partridge Family
Flashback to when Emma Stone was just 16, she competed on reality TV singing songs.
Rihanna in Bates Motel
Ri Ri made two appearances in Bates Motel. She played the role of Marion Crane, appearing in a steamy sex scene and is spied on in the shower by Norman Bates. Rather than killing off Marion Crane, like in the original movie, there is a major plot twist - instead of our girl Ri Ri getting murdered - her ex-boyfriend is stabbed instead.
Michelle Obama in Parks and Recreation
Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, played herself in Parks and Recreation as a speaker at the National Parks Conference pledging to end childhood obesity. We just love her.
Taylor Swift in New Girl
Taylor had a small part in hit US comedy New Girl, playing the character of Elaine who is a guest at the wedding of Shrivrang and Cece. Taylor confesses her love for Shivrang and they run away together - but don't worry, Cece isn't heartbroken as it turns out she wanted to call the wedding off too!