The Funniest TV Cameos of All Time
When it comes to television and film comedy, there’s nothing quite like a good cameo. Whether it’s a surprise celebrity popping up in the background of a sitcom, or an unexpected voice in an animated series, these funny cameos always manage to keep us laughing.
For decades, viewers have been entertained by some of the best cameos ever seen on the small screen. From classic TV show guest stars to A-list actors “borrowing” a comedy show for a single, funny evening, the list of funny TV cameos is extensive.
If you’re looking for a laugh, look no further than this collection of the funniest TV cameos of all time. These cameos are guaranteed to make you chuckle, chuckle, and chuckle some more.
Ricky Gervais in Derek
Ricky Gervais proved that he’s still king of the small-screen cameo with his hilarious turn in 2013’s Derek. Gervais appears in the show as Graham, a gruff, grumpy, wheelchair-bound office worker who’s brought on to cure Derek’s lack of motivation. Gervais managed to get huge laughs out of the character with his trademark deadpan delivery and caustic wit.
Phil Hartman in The Simpsons
The collaboration between Phil Hartman and The Simpsons is one of the show’s longest-running relationships. Hartman made countless guest appearances during the mid-to-late 1990s, voicing a number of memorable characters in classic episodes such as “Treehouse of Horror IV” and “Bart on the Road”. His most iconic performance was arguably Troy McClure, the washed-up B-movie actor who would introduce himself with a loud, “Hi, I’m Troy McClure!”.
Will Ferrell in Arrested Development
Will Ferrell proved his comedic timing still hadn’t abandoned him in his memorable guest appearance on the criminally underrated Arrested Development. Ferrell plays a barking-mad cornballer named Gene Parmesan, who is hired by the Bluth family to act as an undercover private investigator. Ferrell nails the character’s weird humor, creating an unforgettable cameo that would have been a great loss to television comedy had it not been included in the show.
John Lithgow in 3rd Rock From the Sun
Oscar-nominee John Lithgow delivered quite possibly the best performance of his career with his memorable guest spot on 3rd Rock From the Sun. Taking the role of Dick’s unhinged British employer, Lord Dennis Lincoln-Smythe, Lithgow managed to find the perfect balance between dark humor and zany physical comedy. His trademark brand of humor was on full display in the episode titled “A Christmas Story”, in which the character delivers one of the show’s biggest laughs by enthusiastically shouting, “Woo-hoo!”
Paul Rudd in Parks and Recreation
It was a coupling of comedy perfection when Paul Rudd guested on Parks and Recreation. His character, Bobby Newport, was a wealthy, entitled, and naïve young businessman running for local office against Leslie Knope. His bumbling attempt to appeal to voters made for a string of memorable appearances, with highlights including his attempt to woo a team of police officers by rapping Portishead’s “Glory Box”.
Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock
Alec Baldwin’s improvisational comedy skills were put to good use when he made several cameos in 30 Rock. Taking the role of Jack Donaghy’s father, Baldwin’s over-the-top mannerisms and belly laughs made his guest appearances a highlight of the show. His most memorable cameo was “Lead singer of Vampire Weekend”, in which he plays a fictionalized version of the band’s lead singer, Ezra Koenig, and attempts to pass himself off as a member of the band.
Jon Hamm in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Jon Hamm got to show off his comedy chops with his delightful guest spot on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The Mad Men star appeared as Reverend Wayne, an inappropriately amorous pastor with a taste for white wine and fresh-baked cookies. His charismatic performance would be remembered as one of the show’s funniest cameos, generating huge laughs with his clueless attempts to seduce Kimmy.
Eddie Murphy in Saturday Night Live
When you talk about TV cameos, it’s impossible to omit the impact that Eddie Murphy had on Saturday Night Live. The actor and comedian’s hilarious impersonations of Buckwheat and Gumby, as well as memorable characters like Vance the Night Court janitor and Little Richard Simmons, live on in SNL history as some of the show’s biggest and most enduring moments.
Billy Crystal in Futurama
Billy Crystal made a splash with his appearance in Futurama’s season four episode, “Where No Fan Has Gone Before”. He plays a brain in a jar named Hedonism Bot and provides some of the episode’s biggest laughs with his bawdy one-liners and willingness to do anything for a laugh. His brief cameo was rewarded with an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance.
Kerry Washington in Scandal
Kerry Washington’s surprise guest spot on Scandal gave fans of the show a real thrill. Taking the role of mysterious mercenary Lillian Moss, Washington brought a much-needed injection of mystery and intrigue to the show’s fourth season. Her standout performance earned her a Critics Choice Award nomination and added some much-needed suspense to the show’s narrative.
William Shatner in The Big Bang Theory
William Shatner brought a touch of Star Trek royalty to The Big Bang Theory when he showed up to guest star in season four. Shatner, who plays himself in the episode, appeared as a wedding guest and spent the entire episode teasing and teasing the hapless Sheldon Cooper, who is absolutely in awe of him. His one-liners, delivered with his trademark wit and charisma, made for some of the show’s funniest moments.
Whether it’s a celebrity taking a turn as a guest star or an established actor filling in a funny, memorable role, some of the funniest moments on television come from the best TV cameos. From Phil Hartman’s unforgettable appearances in The Simpsons to Alec Baldwin’s ad-libbed routine in 30 Rock, these TV moments never fail to leave us in stitches. So if you’re in the mood for some funny cameos, take a look at this list of the funniest TV cameos of all time.
