Cameo appearance
Since its first use in 1851, a "cameo role" or "cameo appearance" has been a brief appearance in a play (or later, a movie) that stands out against the general context for its éclat or dramatic punch. A cameo role is often played by an actor of greater status than required by the role. A short appearance is also considered a cameo if played by someone better known for something other than acting, such as a director, politician or sport player.
Cameo roles in opera include The Tenor in Der Rosenkavalier Act I, and The Forest Bird in Siegfried.
Allegedly one of the earliest cameo appearances in film history is that of Erik Satie and his artist friends in the silent movie Entr'acte (1924, see below). Mike Todd's film Around the World in 80 Days (1956) was studded with cameo roles and gave the term wide ciculation outside the theatrical profession.
The most famous cameo appearances are probably those of Alfred Hitchcock who frequently appeared in movies he was directing.
Cameos are often uncredited, and, except for a director's appearance in his or her own film, usually involve a spoken line.
People who have had cameo movie appearances
- Frankie Avalon, Grease
- Larry Bird, Blue Chips
- Bob Cousy, Blue Chips
- Tom Cruise, Austin Powers in Goldmember
- Oscar Goodman, Casino
- Charlton Heston, Wayne's World 2
- Paris Hilton
- Jesse Jackson, Medium Cool
- Peter Jackson, in each of the Lord of the Rings movies
- Samuel L. Jackson, Kill Bill Volume 2
- Jason Kidd, Like Mike
- Stephen King has had cameos in several of his films and TV shows.
- Wladimir Klitschko, Ocean's Eleven
- Anna Kournikova, Me, Myself & Irene
- Carl Lewis
- Lennox Lewis, Ocean's Eleven
- Terrence Malick, Badlands (director cameo)
- Dirk Nowitzki, Like Mike
- Ruben Olivares
- Jorge Porcel
- Jason Robards, Enemy of the State
- Chris Rock, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Rundown
- Al Sharpton, Coming to America
- Martin Sheen
- Phil Spector, Easy Rider
- M. Night Shyamalan, in each of his films (except Wide Awake).
- Britney Spears, Austin Powers in Goldmember
- Michael Spinks, Cannonball Run 2
- John Travolta, Austin Powers in Goldmember
People who have had cameo television appearances
