Top 30 Most Surprising SNL Cameos

When Rami Malek and Kenan Thompson audition to play a music icon, they try to match Prince’s singular energy. The two each put their own spin on the musician until Daniel Craig interrupts them. Thinking he’s auditioning to play a literal prince, the James Bond star arrives in his own silly outfit. The British performer is also game for anything with a goofy appearance. He’s not afraid to make fun of himself, showing that he doesn’t take his profession too seriously. His impressions end up winning over the audience in a major way. Stealing the sketch and the role, Craig reminds people of his comedy chops.

In this monologue, Sydney Sweeney pokes fun at her celebrity status and personal life. One of the funniest moments comes when she addresses her rumored affair with co-star Glen Powell. This leads to a hilarious cutaway, with Powell there to deliver a silent performance. It’s nice to see these “Anyone but You” stars still working together and playing pranks on their fans. Turning their fake relationship into a joke, both stars find a way to laugh off the tabloids. They aren’t a couple in real life, but they certainly have enough chemistry to pull off this moment.

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#28: Mark Hamill

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On this home-shopping show, the presenters try to sell off “Star Wars” collectibles. The segment then takes a shocking and hilarious turn when they bring out Mark Hamill. Appearing to be a hostage, the actor tries to go along with this ridiculous situation. Hamill has to contend with the inept hosts and even deliver some memorable quotes. There are a few more surprises as the sketch continues, including an entertaining interaction with Harrison Ford. The Luke Skywalker performer gets to show off some of his vocal impressions and joke about his breakthrough role. With this enjoyable premise, the guest helps to satirize crazed fan bases with this appearance.

On this sports program, the presenters mention the prevalence of Taylor Swift at NFL games. The guys then go off the rails mentioning various references to the musician, her relationships, and her music catalog. It all culminates in a funny cameo from Travis Kelce. The latter just wants to talk football, but only has a brief moment at the end to say his piece. Kelce adds a ton of charisma to this skit as he avoids talking about his high-profile romance with Swift. It’s even more surprising to see the athlete show up as the partnership hit viral status.

Appearing on “Weekend Update” to discuss holiday gift ideas, Chloe Fineman offers up a unique substitute to the usual cliches. She reenacts a scene from “Save the Last Dance” with all of its unintentionally hilarious details. Fineman also welcomes the film’s star Julia Stiles to help her complete the routine. Fans of the 2001 movie will enjoy the performer’s strange moves, not to mention the bizarre context behind the entire performance. Stiles steps in with all the confidence of her original role. Her appearance elevates this segment into a goofy and nostalgic takedown of the teen romance.

In a recurring segment, Andy Samberg plays Nicolas Cage and welcomes other actors to chat about his profession. This time he welcomes the real man in a fun subversion of the premise. Cage plays along with Samberg’s impression, but he also throws out some hilarious critiques. The star takes aim at his co-star’s exaggerated features and over-the-top delivery. They even come together to satirize Cage’s filmography, discussing the outrageous elements of his projects such as “Ghost Rider.” The absurd idea also has both men complimenting each other before it’s all over. In the end, they hint at their next adventure with an incredible reference to “National Treasure.”

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#24: Two Wild & Crazy Duos

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Instead of using three bachelors, this dating show includes two iconic duos from “SNL” history. Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg reprise their roles as the R&B singers, bringing their own compositions with hilarious lyrics. The other other competitors are the Festrunk brothers, better known as the Wild and Crazy Guys. With a sketch this chock-full of legends, you can’t go wrong. There are enough funny references and jokes in here to make you forget the original premise. It’s especially fun to see Dan Aykroyd and Steve Martin return with the same energy as they brought in the 1970s. Even if the scene flies off the rails, the performers still bring the laughs in this endlessly entertaining segment.

Taking on an unlikely role, Will Ferrell made the most of his Janet Reno impression. His version of the politician loves to dance and has a stubborn personality, making the real woman’s cameo even more surprising here. She busts through the wall and matches Ferrell’s impersonation in a hilarious shake-up of this recurring sketch series. Showing that she isn’t too self-serious, Reno plays well opposite a comedy legend. She’s not the typical performer, but the leader shows that she’s a good sport that can dish out funny jabs of her own. The attorney general also sticks around to share an unforgettable dance with her scene partner.

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#22: The Dictator & Martin Scorsese

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Sacha Baron Cohen’s Admiral General Aladeen stops by to plug “The Dictator,” mentioning the biased critiques of his film. He intimidates various people for positive reviews including a kidnapped Martin Scorsese. The acclaimed director is electrocuted until he gives Aladeen the right answer, playing into the dark humor of this segment. Scorsese is especially game to show up for a movie that isn’t even his own. Playing well off of Cohen’s genius, the filmmaker shows that he has potential in more comedic roles. His final sendoff even includes a few fun references for cinephiles to enjoy.

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#21: Dr. Evil

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Top 20 Most Surprising SNL Cameos

In light of evil headlines, Mike Myers returned to “SNL” with one of his best movie characters. He brought back this villain for a funny cold open about the North Korea and Sony debacle. Dr. Evil’s speech feels straight out of an “Austin Powers” script, complete with some hilarious jokes aimed at everyone from Kim Jong Un to James Franco. There are even a few references to the spy series that spawned this character in the first place. With some great makeup work, the actor disappears into the role once more in a laugh-inducing skit. Myers even gets to make fun of himself with a “Love Guru” shoutout. By the end of this scene, he proves that he hasn’t lost any of his sketch-comedy talents.

In a parody of Eminem’s “Stan”, Pete Davidson plays Stu, a young man with an increasingly unhealthy obsession with getting his hands on a PS5. Throughout the skit, we’re teased with potential cameos from Dido and even Elton John but, these turn out to be fellow castmates, Kate McKinnon and Bowen Yang. But even as the words “Slim Shady” flash up on Stu’s TV, we still can’t quite believe that we’re actually seeing “The Real Slim Shady”. As he unwraps a PS5, he has some choice words for Stu. This sketch was the Christmas gift we didn’t even know we wanted.

In an interview, Dr. Fauci joked that he would want Brad Pitt to play him on “SNL,” and his wish was their command. In the cold opening for their “At Home” series, Pitt adopts Fauci’s recognizable voice and mannerisms to address some of the misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic … particularly those shared by a certain individual. Pitt even received an Emmy nomination for his cameo, and high praise from the Doctor himself. Before wrapping up, the actor removes his costume to pay tremendous gratitude to the real Dr. Fauci as well as everyone who has been working tirelessly on the frontlines.

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#18: Judge Judy

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Cheri Oteri’s impression of this no-nonsense, badass TV Judge is one of her best and most memorable recurring characters from her SNL tenure. However, there is one person who thinks that there’s still room for improvement. Mid-skit, Cheri is interrupted by the one and only Judge Judy, who has come as an iron-fisted justice to show Cherie what it means to spit fire in the courtroom. If you thought Cheri’s Judge Judy was direct, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Cherie fights for a piece of the action but, she’s simply no match for the OG.

When Steve Carell hosted the show in 2018, he made it crystal clear that an “Office” reboot was not in the cards. But then it isn’t just fans who are disappointed by the news. Carell’s old castmates appear amongst the audience to jump on the reboot bandwagon and try to persuade him to think of the money. Arguably though, the most hilarious cameo comes from Carell’s wife — and former “SNL” cast member — Nancy and their kids, who are also keen to see the show revived. He invites his co-stars on stage and we wait with bated breath... for the announcement that never comes. Well, at least we got this mini-reunion.

Riding high on his Oscar nomination, Jonah Hill is brought crashing back down to earth when the audience shows more interest in his “Wolf of Wall Street” co-star, Leonardo DiCaprio. But although Leo’s name is mentioned several times, it doesn’t seem probable that he would suddenly walk out onto the 8H stage. Making his one and only appearance on the show, the Oscar-winning actor calls Hill out for acting like a big shot. He tops off his memorable cameo by reenacting one of “Titanic’s” most iconic moments. How has “Lee” never hosted before? Quick, someone gets Lorne Michaels on the phone!

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#15: Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock & Tracy Morgan

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Hosting for the first time since 1984, Eddie Murphy emerged onto the stage while the audience enthusiastically chanted his name. Naturally, such a momentous occasion couldn’t pass by without some surprise appearances, which is why we were thrilled when he was joined by comedy icons Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle. After some first-rate banter — including a Lizzo shout-out — these cameo comedy icons pay tribute to the comedian who paved the way for their own careers… especially Chappelle, who says he’s been following Murphy’s blueprint very closely. Joined by Keenan at the end, we get to revel in some of comedy’s finest entertainers.

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#14: Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon’s popular recurring skit featured Hans and Franz, two Austrian body-building enthusiasts who are more about the flex than the fitness. They idolize their “cousin” Arnold Schwarzenegger, who usually appears in the form of a cardboard cutout in the background. However, the real Schwarzenegger joined the show for a surprise cameo, too. In one skit, he invites the pair to give a fitness pep talk to some kids but, it soon becomes apparent that they’re simply clueless. Not only does he take the wind out of their sails, but he also shows them how it’s done.

After the 2016 election, it often felt like reality was imitating fiction. That’s why it seemed rather fitting that “SNL” would turn to fictional TV to send up some of the unusual choices who were joining the new cabinet. Walter White is brought out of retirement to become the new head of the DEA, upon Steve Bannon’s recommendation. He explains how his credentials are really no different than those of his new colleagues, even faking his own death. The skit is peppered with plenty of hilarious “Breaking Bad” references, and his countless witty quips have us cracking up every single time.

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#12: The Five-Timers Club

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When Justin Timberlake made it to the "five-timers club" of celebrities who've hosted "SNL" 5 times or more, the show resurrected an occasionally recurring skit that pictures the club as an actual club, of the members-only variety. This time, the show pulled out all the stops and featured cameos from no less than 8 people: Paul Simon, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, Alec Baldwin, Candice Bergen, and Tom Hanks all make appearances. The bit about the club members entertaining themselves by forcing current "SNL" players to fight each other to the death is a particularly funny one.

After the first televised debate of the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, “SNL” came to rely on surprise appearances from perennial host and guest star Alec Baldwin to do comedic justice to the resort mogul's over-the-top personality and distinctive speech patterns. At times, Trump can seem like an impossible man to parody, but Baldwin always delivers the goods, walking a fine line between the real President's outrageous actions and the winking zaniness of a great “SNL” parody. No matter how many times he reprises the role, we never get tired of watching this master Trump satirist at work, especially whenever he shares the screen with Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer.

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#10: Barry Gibb

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In a recurring sketch that answers the question, “What if Barry Gibb hosted a political talk show?” Jimmy Fallon played the titular character, with Justin Timberlake as his brother Robin. Inviting politicians and newsmakers for interviews is great. But of course, what is a show starring two-thirds of the Bee Gees… without some music? Around 10 years following the sketch’s debut, the real Barry Gibb makes a surprise appearance, joining the others to sing at the end of the segment. It was certainly an exciting moment for Bee Gee fans, and we get to see Barry’s humorous side, too.

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#9: Matt Damon

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Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court hearing was so bizarre that it didn’t require a huge leap from fact to satire. We all saw the “SNL” material practically write itself, so the only question left was: who would play the beer-loving nominee? Matt Damon delivers a faultless performance, mirroring some of the hearing’s more peculiar moments, from Kavanaugh’s constant sniffing and weird calendars to his intense mood swings and inexplicable rage. Reportedly Damon was only brought on board the night before the sketch was set to air; still, the payoff speaks for itself. We’re almost sorry that it was only a one-off occasion.

Two of “Saturday Night Live”’s most popular hosts - Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, who have hosted the show a combined total of more than 30 times to date - waggle their egos at each other in this 2006 skit, each trying to prove that theirs has been the more illustrious hosting career of the two. Seeing the two hosts together is entertaining enough – and seeing Martin Short as a waiter only adds to the fun – but it's Paul McCartney's wordless appearance that really steals the show. Not even Steve Martin's quick joke (“It's Paul Simon!”) can hide both actors' genuine surprise at seeing Sir Paul up close and personal.

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#7: Larry David

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Back in 2015, “SNL” decided to send up the Democratic presidential primary candidates with a couple of special guest impressions. Although this cold open also featured Alec Baldwin as Virginia Senator Jim Webb, Larry David stole the show with his cantankerous, scowling Bernie Sanders impression. His spot-on cameo appearance as the famous U.S. Senator was such a big hit with audiences that the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” comedian has revisited it several times since then, and even appeared alongside the actual Bernie Sanders in a later sketch. For "SNL" viewers, it came as no big surprise when the two later found out they are related by blood.

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#6: Sarah Palin

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This cold open featuring Tina Fey's popular Sarah Palin impression starts innocently, with Fey, as Palin, taking questions from the press and giving typically silly answers. But then it cuts to a cameo montage of people criticizing Lorne Michaels for leading with the bit, including Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, and finally Sarah Palin herself. Fey is eventually notified that the actual Sarah Palin will be taking the stage, and bows out so that Palin herself can kick things off. It's a quick, tight bit with an unexpected twist, much like the time Hillary Clinton visited Kate McKinnon.

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#5: Madonna

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Musical guest Lady Gaga showed off her sketch comedy chops in this classic segment, which sees the singer joined on the stage by pop megastar and “SNL” favorite Madonna, in a surprise cameo appearance. The two play vicious and self-absorbed versions of themselves, trading venomous insults with each other as they try, and fail, to get along and perform together for the “Deep House Dish” music program. The skit packs in a flurry of subtle references to both singers, and pop music fame in general. Years later, the two stars actually would have a public disagreement, but that feud never reached the laugh-out-loud heights of this 2009 gem.

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#4: Alex Trebek

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Will Ferrell's mega-popular skits featured the future “Elf” actor as a worn-out, frustrated version of “Jeopardy!” game show host Alex Trebek, with three clueless celebrities – played by cast members and guests – taking the podium to answer simple pieces of trivia in the form of a question. Darrell Hammond's foul-mouthed Sean Connery impression is the first thing most people remember about it, but the last of the regular "Celebrity Jeopardy!" segments also featured a surprise cameo from the real Alex Trebek himself. He came out to help send off Ferrell from the segment... and let Hammond's Connery get in a few more off-color jabs at both their expense.

Back in 2007, when Barack Obama was still just a primary candidate for the office of President of the United States, he made this typically deadpan cameo on a skit set at Bill & Hillary Clinton's Halloween party. Various political guests show up in costume and share a joke or two with the beleaguered hosts; finally, a tall, slim guest approaches in an Obama novelty mask. After the usual commentary from the Clintons, their guest removes the mask to reveal... Senator Obama himself. It's a great example of the dry sense of humor Americans came to expect from Number 44 in the subsequent years of his presidency.

Jim Breuer's recurring "The Joe Pesci Show" sketch featured an impression of the famous actor as a violent maniac, similar to his characters in the films "Goodfellas" and "Casino," who used any perceived slight from his guests as an excuse to assault them. The segment also often used special guests to play Robert De Niro, who would validate Pesci's anger and join in alongside him. So when the real Pesci and De Niro eventually showed up on the sketch in an unannounced double cameo, the comedic tension was almost too much. The two veteran actors played their parodied selves to a “T,” and brought the house down in the process.

“SNL”’s studio audience was already delighted enough by the surprise appearance of superstar pop singer Madonna on this episode of Mike Myers' recurring talk show sketch, but even the Material Girl was star-struck when the legendary Barbra Streisand popped in. She entered at just the right time, too, during a moment when both characters were praising her singing voice. The rare cameo by Streisand was the result of a last-minute, off-the-cuff arrangement with “SNL” head honcho Lorne Michaels, so none of the cast knew it was happening until it did. The surprise and admiration radiating from Madonna's face was unscripted, totally real, and impossible to forget.