Top 20 Most Surprising SNL Cameos

[@WatchMojo]

For more SNL videos, check out our playlist!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5DIo4WjqN50fbM What is your all-time favorite surprise cameo from “SNL”? Let us know in the comments.

[@diegoperezcotto7938]

Jake Gyllenhaal and Barack Obama

[@Sofia-qn6fs]

Barbra and madonna was my favourite pick. Amazing list watchmojo

[@seanpatrickcain2]

RIP Alex Trebek

[@amieallen3709]

Maybe almost ok?

[@sopheaktraoum5103]

Gag

[@silence.9376]

*KZbin is getting real comfortable with these Double 15 second no skip ads*

[@cool358]

No

[@kingstar744]

addblocker use it ^^

[@pawswithnohome8995]

@@kingstar744 It doesn't work!

[@kingstar744]

@@pawswithnohome8995 yes it dose im using Adblocker plus.

[@mikeking1948]

Infuriating

[@davidpumpkinsjr.5108]

I liked when Nicolas Cage interviewed Nicolas Cage on "Get in the Cage".

[@kidalex77]

That's high praise!

[@camilleurueta9629]

There can be no list WITHOUT Nicolas Cage!!

[@deelee1569]

Nick's stoic expression was awesome 🤣

[@retnavybrat]

I love how Mike Meyers was able to simultaneously stay in character while freaking out over Streisand's appearance.

[@genapruitt]

I knew the Barbra Streisand cameo HAD to be number one!! LOVED it when I saw it live and still love it to this day!! :)

[@sandraandrews9907]

Yes, I do too!! The sketch with Madonna (as well as Roseanne) brought an unexpected surprise to those in the sketch as well as those watching at home.

[@seansherrod8725]

DITTO

[@JRMagro]

I can not understate how important it was for Keenan to get that brief moment on stage with Eddie and the rest of the legends. While he was never a traditional stand up comedian, he has been consistently featured in comedy roles on TV and the big screen for over 20 years. Whether you think he's funny or not, he deserves his due.

[@iec7587]

good long career but in no way shape or form does he belong with those guys

[@JRMagro]

@@iec7587 gee. Thanks for your opinion. I meant to address the official comedy committee to get confirmation about this! Oh wait.. thats not a thing.. so uh? F off? Did I ask for your opinion? Naw. I love Keenan , his work in goodburger , all that , Keenan and Kel , and SNL has given him enough to warrant his presence. Once again, ill repeat myself, he is not a stand up comedian. But in terms of sketch/tv comedy, he def belongs. You won't change my mind. So, dont bother arguing 😊

[@iec7587]

@@JRMagro F off??a little touchy. Are you a family member? I said he has done well but to be put up there with 3 comedy legends and Tracy who is a far superior talented comedian is ludicrous. And you asked for others' opinions as soon as you submitted yours. That is kind of how a commenting board works in case you didnt know.

[@JRMagro]

@@iec7587 nope. Never asked. You gave yours without invitation. Hes not a family member. Im just tired of people thinking they have the right to go around disregarding other peoples opinions. You're allowed to feel that way, but comment it by yourself, not in response to my opinion. Get a life instead of going around KZbin just looking to pick a fight. Especially about something so random and insignificant. Are you really that bored or just have no life? I'm praising somebody, trying to spread positivity, while you look to bring everyone down. Go find another hobby. And naw. Coming from a stand up comedian myself. Keenans career is just as storied and deserves just as much credit as the others. Like I said, keep disagreeing all you like sir. You won't change my mind. Now, if you excuse me, im done with this. I got to go get ready for a date. Bet you've never heard of those before. 😘

[@iec7587]

​@@JRMagro I disagree. keenan's career is just as storied??? (maybe like Tracy's)you are delusional. Just killing time while I have a Zoom conf call running in the background. Y Hope your date works out.

[@lorddio99]

The cameo by Barbara Streisand on Coffee Talk is legendary. I remember seeing it when it was live, and it still kind of exciting see Barbara pop out right at the end.

[@sadiebowman2682]

What about Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer? She was genius!

[@Edmund._.Dantes]

Matt Damon's Brett Kavanagh was hilarious

[@audreyquinn73]

No doubt. The Eddie Murphy appearance with friends was amazing, but I think the Matt Damon as "Brett Kavanagh" portrayal was SNL GOLD!

[@BEvans2010]

When Janet Reno showed up on "Janet Reno's Dance Party."

[@MrAtrophy]

ditto, but her family hated it and it's pretty much gone. I think it has something to do with rights the family pulled.

[@BEvans2010]

@@MrAtrophy That’s a shame. Thankfully, I think I have it on one of the snl Will Farrell DVDs.

[@justapeacefulmanwhosbornin7291]

Impressive top 3 surprise cameos on SNL: 1. Barbara Streisand & Madonna. 2. Robert DeNiro & Joe Pesci. 3. Barack Obama. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@sweetjoey2]

with 1 YOU CAN TELL THEY NEVER even told roseanne or mike she was coming on they just did it the looks on their faces is priceless

[@MissAllen-yk9lk]

WHAATT MS.MOJO IS NOW SHOWING HER FACE?? This my friend is the surprise cameo.

[@NickPiers]

My favourite was Janet Reno's appearance after Will Ferrell made a hilarious impersonation of her for several skits. I just always remember when she shouts "IT's OVER, JANET!" off screen and bursts through a wall.

[@donaldearle7497]

Janet Reno's dance partys!!!

[@housepianist]

I still can't get over how Sarah Palin and Tina Fey look so much alike.

[@edecioparedes7424]

Same here..

[@301rs]

You betcha.

[@jimcarey7150]

Tina is so hot without her usual eyeglasses. Put them on and she looks like a smarmy librarian spinster, though. Why would you mar your appearance like that?

[@paulc9643]

I remember seeing #1. Man that was the biggest thing when it happened because, if I recall, Lorne had been wanting her to host for years.

[@daryl772003]

Emilia Clarke and Rose Leslie when Kit Harrington hosted and Lindsay Buckingham on Kenan's sketch "what's up with that?". If I had to pick a John mulaney cameo it would have been his cameo with bill hader on weekend update

[@davidrobinson5122]

I would have loved to have seen Sir Thomas Sean Connery walk up behind Darrell Hammond on Jeopardy on Saturday Night Live

[@nancymontgomery8897]

Or Burt Reynolds come up behind Norm McDonald on Jeopardy.

[@foxybrown1g]

I remember when Babs walked out on the stage! I literally screamed!! I can only imagine how Madonna felt. Well it was all over her face so I guess I don’t have to imagine after all! 😂

[@ghowardgilbert2281]

That’s way, way back when SNL was actually funny

[@sghost67]

Wish I could have heard the actual skit versus the narrator.

[@betaloop8166]

They'd definitely have more views if they stopped burying diamonds in dog doodoo.

[@shanelewis961]

I can only imagine how much better it would have been to see the skits in their entirety, and not hearing the voice ramble on and on...

[@Spekt3r]

You ever heard of copyrights?

[@playerpage]

They can't afford the rights.

[@davidzasloff8797]

All great appearances. One of my favorites was the time years ago when Peter Tosh, the musical guest, performed “Don’t Look Back” from his current album. That was a cut that Mick Jagger had sung backup on, and about halfway through Tosh’s performance, Jagger himself wandered onstage, grinned his mega-mischievous grin, and sang his part right next to Peter.

[@kingdingaling413]

Matt Damon as kavanaugh was so spot on it was unreal

[@diegoperezcotto7938]

Barack Obama and Jake Gyllenhaal they are the best and awesome surprising SNL cameos in all the time

[@aubreyharper4829]

Ringo star too u_u

[@TwoPair72]

Anyone remember Joe Cocker waking on stage with John Belushi singing Have a little help from my friends.

[@zman92630]

Sure do. That's when SNL used to be funny.

[@foxybrown1g]

@@zman92630 HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Thank you for that! My husband and I stopped watching it after the David Spade/Chris Farley era. Just the other day we were talking about this! How in the heck are shows like MadTv &/or In Living Color not on the air but SNL is!

[@foxybrown1g]

@Chad Wilson - I was so impressed by John Belushi because Joe Cocker’s movements were so sporadic and took so much effort! I bet he has to take a nap for like 2 days after doing that bit!

[@Cutay7BOOTAY]

I do! I was five!

[@Don-jk6zz]

That's my favorite SNL cameo.

[@jenplinguist]

Paul McCartney must have cameoed at least a dozen times in the 80s and 90s, and each and every time it was always beyond thrilling! I would flit around in my own Ed Grimley dance out of excitement. I'm sorry I wasn't born earlier to enjoy the first years of SNL, but this was completely gold tv for me and that era!

[@hongkongnananewterritories1513]

When Saturday Night Live came on TV in 1975, we in Ottawa, Canada didn't have cable! We had a huge antenna on our roof! When the Emmy's were on that year and SNL won a ton of Emmy's. I can remember as if it was yesterday, watching, wondering what in hell was SNL and who were all those SNL staff! We did get cable shortly after and was lucky to have seen those SNL shows with those great actors.

[@cynstein]

i was 5 years old when the show started (ugh gave away my age lol)

[@ggggg8853]

arnold is such a great actor you can see he remebers his lines in the sketch

[@alisongorski3664]

How about back in the '80's when the two Paul Simon's showed up, the singer and the Senator, who was running for President.

[@Mskittenlover12]

Anxiously awaiting John Mulaney's next episode because the five timers club episodes are always iconic and he hosts so frequently, I know we'll get it soon 🥺

[@marvelboi3416]

You guys forgot about Beyoncè surprise cameo on SNL when Andy Samberg, Justin Timberlake and Paul Rudd was doing the "Single Ladies" music video parody 😂 lol!!

[@morgansmith9533]

We’re the dancers 👯‍♀️

[@marvelboi3416]

@@morgansmith9533 haha 😂😂😂!!!

[@Harpie84]

I totally agree with #1: I remember when that happened and the cast weren’t the only ones just verklempt.

[@almightyhypnotoad]

Mega-Streisand

[@mygdok]

One of the best cameos I know of is from when David Schwimmer hosted the show. He comes out for the monologue, essentially doing the Friends theme song in spoken word fashion, eventually introducing Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston. But then out comes Gary Coleman, the guy who played the oldest Brady boy from The Brady Brunch, and the guy from Good Times.

[@jackiegreiner8303]

I think you mean Barry Williams played the oldest Brady boy, Greg.

[@mygdok]

@@jackiegreiner8303 I read it as Gary Coleman, the guy who played the oldest Brady boy from The Brady Brunch (Barry Williams), and the guy from Good Times...three different people, and not the commenter saying that Gary Coleman was in The Brady Brunch.

[@jackiegreiner8303]

​@@mygdok Ok. I reread it and I agree, especially since there's no way to confuse Gary Coleman with Barry Williams. LOL

[@art.of.verser]

Chappelle, Rock, and Morgan make their surprise cameos during Eddie Murphy's hosting duties in 2019? What's not to like?

[@Jman417]

Make a list : celebrities that should host snl. Rip Alex trebek. You made me feel smart when I watched jeopardy.

[@blackguyofthesouth2161]

I was surprised Sandra Bullock hasn't hosted. Olivia Colman would be great. Both naturally funny.

[@sherriebrand1771]

I want Carol Burnett to give in to the begging and pleading!!

[@arielfangirlmendez]

Did anyone remember that one episode host by brittany spears (she was the musical guess)

[@theclockworkpineapple]

Lindsey Buckingham finally showing up on "What's up with that" is my personal favorite. I didn't actually think he'd ever show up.

[@walshnormandy1605]

yep. totally loved that. have to say Barbara Streisand is def #1, but I also have a thing for Barry Gibb and the Jimmy Fallon parody

[@TheMikester307]

I'll give a nod to the cast of "Taxi" showing up when Danny DeVito hosted in the very early 80s. "Taxi" had just been canned by ABC, and it would soon move to NBC, (and was almost on HBO!) Perfect!

[@sandraandrews9907]

Oh yes, I remember that so well!! The Taxi cast didn't get a chance to give a final cast bow, so it was fitting that they did it on the show!!

[@kamransanayei3969]

The greatest cameo was when Mick Jagger came in unannounced (to even the SNL cast and crew) to join Peter Tosh.

[@keithwilson9743]

I remember seeing that episode live.

[@sandraandrews9907]

Yes, I remember that as well!!

[@cesarbernal3095]

I really loved that you can actually see the presenter, this is one of those cases where a beautiful voice matches a beautiful face, with all due respect.

[@TaraLyz]

I will ALWAYS love The Barry Gibb Talk Show. The fact that now SIR Barry Gibb himself cameoed in the reprise is hands down my favorite moment on SNL. This skit was so good my church parodied it for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night that was SNL themed just a couple of years after the first version aired. I nearly cried it was so good. 😂 I would love to see Jimmy and Justin revisit this skit again and hope to be in the audience if/when they do. #ForeverABeeGeesFan 🕺🎭❤

[@busterbluesun]

Totally left out when Tom Hanks and Dana Carvey imitated Dennis Miller on Weekend Update. Those three were hilarious!

[@jondishmonmusicandstuff2753]

When Barbra Streisand's showed up on the set with Roseanne Barr talking about voice was like butter

[@taylorh.3484]

I love that one.

[@winniethepoodle]

'its like buttah'

[@debbiethompson3460]

I totally remember that one...the reactions of Mike, Madonna and Roseanne was so crazy!!!

[@tilly2636]

Just discovered The Barry Gibb Talk Show as I don't get SNL here in Scotland. One of the funniest series of sketches I have ever seen. Love Jimmy and Justin. Just brilliant.

[@ouraddress7104]

Great picks! However, it would be REALLY nice to be able to actually see and hear the sketches.

[@leesashriber5097]

Agreed! She talked over the sketches. Introduce the sketch and let enjoy the great laughs and memories. 😊

[@Sapphichearts]

I think they do it because of copyright stuff

[@batgurrl]

I thought cameos were people playing themselves but John Goodman as Linda Tripp was the MEANEST thing they ever did but hysterically funny each time. She deserved it

[@PoeticProse7]

Mark Hamill, when he was being 'auctioned' in a segment.

[@nativeflutterbynails3016]

There are no more Mark Hamil's

[@nativeflutterbynails3016]

When they make him say I love the smell of napalm in the morning lol

[@jengentry06]

Have to agree with your #1 pick. First of all, Mike Meyers' "Coffee Talk" is one of the funniest sketches on SNL (I'm a bit more old school in that), and that particular episode is hilarious. Great to know their appearances of shock were real.

[@sputnikalgrim]

Jimmy and Justin together is comedic gold. Justin alone is a world class music superstar. Jimmy alone is a talk show host that annoyingly interrupts guests and fake laughs uncontrollably. Change my mind

[@corneliushough5373]

Agree 100% that's why I never watch Fallon's show. What is he 12? JT is always funny on SNL.

[@ofekzilbershtein9614]

You forgot the time when Sacha Baron Cohen came as Admiral General Aladeen and brought a kidnapped Martin Scorsese with him

[@sherriebrand1771]

No offense, but I think a lot of US forgot that time, too.

[@ccdogpark]

Cohen is about as funny as a turd in the punch bowl.

[@CJ-xe2wi]

It was so much fun to hear her talk over every sketch, instead of actually hearing the actors!! P.O.S.

[@HoosierDaddyCFB]

Keep crying

[@MrZackavelli]

@@HoosierDaddyCFB That's what the comment section is for; Keep crying about the crying

[@kkplac5886]

@@HoosierDaddyCFB It`s criticism....But watch mojo never gives a damn anyway what their subscribers think

[@karlosdelacruz3803]

The Extras in Matt Damon's sketch Doh!!! Everything about it was soooo good! 😅

[@ashleybrown4754]

I like the part where you said Madonna played a self-absorbed version of herself. Was there a 2.0 version I wasn't aware of?

[@deannahorton3975]

I saw the Jim Brewer/Joe Pesci live and it was the best. I still love that one, because their faces fell and Colin would not look DeNero in the face. It was awesome.

[@davidzasloff8797]

I heard things…I heard things…

[@kp4574]

I totally agree with your #1 pick, the Barbra Streisand cameo. But how could you not mention that the hilarious Roseanne Barr is in that sketch too?!?

[@lindaname9413]

You knpw I have always wondered why it is never mentioned. I don't even think she was creditied with playing on the screen. Thank you, now i know I am not crazy!!! or not.

[@sandraandrews9907]

I thought the same thing too!!

[@ashcraft555]

Wasn't she the host of that episode? The theme of this video is surprise cameos, so that isn't part of the topic. Madonna was a cameo and then Barbra was an even more unexpected cameo.

[@benjaminlebaron7128]

I was at the show with Stormy Daniels! Some cameos are pretty epic while others are just meh.

[@somberstricken4424]

Congrats on being their but she's definitely a meh. She's awful.

[@elizabethgerard7258]

Honorable mention, Mr. T on Mr Robinson's Neighborhood

[@idreamofjj]

Number one was also my favorite. I actually saw it LIVE!!! Good times! ✌️

[@anni670]

Pesci & DeNiro were my faves...friggen hilarious

[@vickirodriguez8777]

I love it when Robert is cracking up watching Joe beat the crap out of the two guys😂

[@h.dgelinas9370]

Two glaring omissions: Honorable Mention: Janet Reno interrupting the Janet Reno Dance Party and Top 10: George H. W. Bush criticizing Dana Carvey's Cold Open (but since it was a remote video I can understand not qualifying on a technicality)

[@jaswku61618]

ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!!! Janet Reno was without a doubt number 1!!!!! “I like your dress, Janet.” “Thanks Janet.” 😁 And thank you so much for the reminder about. Bush critiquing Dana Carvey I can’t believe I forgot about that one!!!!! Absolute gold.

[@t.y.5565]

And Bush even exaggerated his mannerisms a little bit for it!

[@fernandoorozco5741]

God your in love with your voice, if you would stop yapping and let the sound of the real show play a little bit longer, it would probably be funnier and more entertaining!

[@gillsintheclassroom2135]

Man, how cool would it be to watch this without having everything narrated for you. She talks 10x more than all the cameos combined.

[@lytaquiroz1524]

John Mulaney as Stefon's lawyer is a better cameo that the one they chose for his honorable mention

[@lauriekeirsey3751]

It wasn’t a cameo, he was hosting that week.

[@caseyh9094]

@@lauriekeirsey3751 Bill Hader was the host that episode.

[@solimogess]

You forgot Beyonce with JT and Andy making the Single Ladies video.

[@nanamiminini]

paul rudd was hosting and beyonce musical guest. timberlake was the real cameo in this one

[@tracyanderson6377]

Brad Pitt hands down not just because he’s Brad Pitt but his heartfelt statements on Covid-19

[@factoryofdivisiveopinions]

Joe Pesci and DiCaprio were my personal favs.

[@patriciafranke1402]

My favorite was when Barry Gibb appeared. I loved it when all of a sudden there he was.

[@madamepampadour]

I like the way Madonna moved seats in the background so to be unnoticed. Very respectful.

[@taber555]

Actually that was the last Bee Gee skit that SNL did. A few days before, Robin Gibb past away in real life so when the skit aired, I thought it was in poor taste until Barry Gibb appeared and validated it...

[@donitacantrell778]

just awesome how you decide that we would rather hear you talk about the sketches instead of just letting us watch the them. the title should have been " me talking about the top most surprising SNL cameos"

[@jenller]

I loved Robert Deniro and Colin Quinn as Deniro. "Colin Quinn, Remote Control?"

[@jordynf4870]

when leo came out i was so surprised haha ❤️

[@blackguyofthesouth2161]

Matt Damon is the King of cameos.

[@Branmuffin7]

Haha when he was that random rocker in the movie Eurotrip

[@seansherrod8725]

As far as I’m concerned this list was PERFECT!!!

[@stephieaw1975]

I LOVE the shows with Alec...he's fantastic!

[@nancymontgomery8897]

Remember him as the scout master with Adam Sandler's Canteen Boy?

[@lenkacfk7155]

It's so sad that he probably won't be on anymore - after the shooting incident, I don't think he'll be doing comedy again anytime soon.

[@markoman5267]

Glad they didn't ruin it by showing the actual video.

[@TELLViSiON]

OMG 18:13 John Goodman could have been a great cast in the role played by Divine in the Hairspray remake

[@christopherberryhill3802]

"What the hell is a disco stick?" . "I think you know". 😆🤣

[@mattycapone4281]

How could you forget Janet Reno’s cameo.

[@jaswku61618]

Exactly!!!!! That was the BEST of all time!!!!!

[@doogalloonni]

With all the lunacy we are surrounded by, these moments keep us all centered with smiles on our faces!

[@adolfopena7358]

I swear you've already did this list before.

[@mywirsrxed]

They did, they just added ten more cameos.

[@blackguyofthesouth2161]

They did 10 not 20, two different numbers, therefore different video.

[@WatchMojo]

We update and expand on the lists based on viewer feedback and new possible entries.

[@kevoruco]

Matt Damon as Brett Kavanagh is one of my favorites

[@setaside2]

This was one of WatchMojo's all time best. Well done.

[@geoffreysonnen3482]

#1 was the very first i thought of, yet thought it wouldn't have been even mentioned here! i very nearly broke my legs jumping over the coffee table when Barbra did that surprise, "All this talk about buttah's making me hungry!" i was with my friend, Kevin, in the basement wreck-room, and man, did he laugh seeing my reaction!

[@pork123100]

Paul mccartney and streisand were only ones where cast looked surprised

[@peterjford]

My favorite cameo, and probably my favorite SNL moment was Reverend Jessie Jackson reading Green Eggs and Ham.

[@Booma151676]

Pesci and DeNiro should’ve been 1

[@bullsboat1]

One of my favorites, keep up the great work

[@CanadaDan]

Be it the cameos or the show in general SNL has been awesome every single season for decades. Hope it continues strong

[@SilvioDiego]

this was really enjoyable to watch, thanks!

[@conrad1478]

8:06 “You’re looking at half of Netflix’s budget right here😄” - Dave Chappelle Imagine if Richard Pryor and Bernie Mac stood on stage with them🥲RIP legends

[@elfredyjuega3303]

I loved the nic cage cameo with andy sandberg playing him, it's hilarious

[@clarkkent4227]

Kenan got very lucky during the Madonna and Lady Gaga sketch

[@beckybennight1564]

Janet Reno did a cameo. It was hilarious!

[@BurrShotHam711Jenna]

Lin-Manuel Miranda in the Mean Girls Burn Book and he also was Julián Castro

[@fabulouswoman5068]

Her talking over the actors ruined it. Thumbs down.

[@mrshiv6450]

Agreed! Let me play 1/3 of the skit and talk over 85% of it. I use this link to go find originals so I can enjoy the whole thing. Sheesh.

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

Leonardo DiCaprio was awesome. It was HILARIOUS. Madonna and Lady Gaga was HILARIOUS and AMAZING. Barbara Streisand and Madonna is just pure awesomeness

[@isaacgleeth3609]

The Barbra Streisand cameo during the Coffee Talk segment is a great TV moment. It was funny to see Mike Myers try to stay in-character

[@itsholidaybb]

I would like to express my love for Joe Pesci... that is all.

[@pietzychannel]

I love the judge judy

[@melindamckechnie7042]

Love Matt Damon and brad pitt.

[@lindadesosa2168]

Dan Crenshaw was great and his appearance helped get him noticed in a large group of primary candidates.

[@fj5680]

Janet Reno's Dance Party? As a pre-teen watching those (and not too familiar with politics) my mind was blown. I truly thought it was Janet Reno on there each week, only to be very confused when the real Janet Reno crashed the party.

[@jaswku61618]

❤️YES!!!! When she busts through that wall- omg 😂

[@Awakward_Stank]

I'd like to say that just before the Matt Damon piece, for me, was an advertisement done by Matt Damon... the universe trying to tell me something about him. 😆 🤣

[@Myah234]

I cant imagine Barry Gibb’s reaction to the skit. Thats my fave skit ever