Recognize That Face?
There was a time when Hollywood and the gaming world were two entirely separate universes, but today, seeing an A-list actor pop up in your favorite title is part of the fun. These appearances range from starring roles to blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Easter eggs. With that in mind, here are 20 of the best celeb cameos in video games.
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1. Keanu Reeves in Cyberpunk 2077
If there’s one video game cameo that needs no introduction, it’s Johnny Silverhand. Appearing exclusively in the mind of your character V, Keanu Reeves took on a full performance, capturing the attitude and essence of his Cyberpunk personality. Every line delivery and lingering interaction is expertly done by Reeves.
2. Conan O’Brien in Death Stranding
Death Stranding was full of cameos, but Conan O’Brien’s certainly stood out from the crowd. Meeting him in-game as a “Cosplayer” hologram is bizarre, but he also gives you an otter hat that makes swimming easier. It’s a hilarious break from the heavy atmosphere of the story.
3. Stan Lee in Marvel’s Spider-Man
The legendary Marvel Comics icon loved to appear in cameos for the films under his company’s banner, and his inclusion in Marvel’s Spider-Man is no different. Players can find Stan playing it cool as a diner cook who shares a nice interaction with Peter Parker and Mary Jane, as a nod to the father of so many amazing heroes.
4. Samuel L. Jackson in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Taking on the role of the primary antagonist, Samuel L. Jackson voiced the legendary and deeply corrupt Officer Frank Tenpenny back in 2004. He brought his signature intensity and flair for dialogue to the streets of Los Santos, making Tenpenny one of the most hated and memorable villains in the entire series. You’ll find his performance makes the stakes of the story feel incredibly personal.
Sean Reynolds from Liverpool, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
5. Snoop Dogg in True Crime: Streets of LA
If you managed to collect all the hidden bones in this open-world classic, you were rewarded with the ability to play through a special mission as the D-O-double-G himself. Snoop Dogg lent his likeness and his smooth voice to the game, allowing you to cruise around Los Angeles and take down criminals with his unique style. It remains one of the most iconic "hidden" celebrity features.
6. Matthew Perry in Fallout: New Vegas
After reaching out to him because of his love for Fallout 3, Matthew Perry jumped at the opportunity to join the Fallout: New Vegas cast. Playing as Benny, he introduces you to the vast Mojave Wasteland and delivers one of the best monologues in video game history.
7. Kit Harington in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Known for playing “Jon Snow” on Game of Thrones, Kit Harington took a sharp turn with Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare’s villainous Admiral Salen Kotch. Serving as the leader of the Settlement Defense Front, Harington shows off a serious side to his acting prowess as this intense antagonist.
8. Nicolas Cage in Dead by Daylight
In a move that feels perfectly on-brand for his eccentric career, Nicolas Cage joined this horror-survival game, playing an exaggerated version of himself. He’s a playable survivor who was sucked into the Entity’s realm while filming a movie. And he even recorded custom dialogue that reflects his high-energy personality.
9. Gary Coleman in Postal 2
One of the strangest and most self-aware cameos in history occurs when you run into Gary Coleman signing books at a mall in the town of Paradise. He plays a fictionalized, highly aggressive version of himself. It’s a bizarre, satirical moment that fits the chaotic and often offensive tone of the Postal series perfectly.
Nikita Kachanovsky on Unsplash
10. Phil Collins in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
This was a landmark moment for the series because it featured the first-ever in-game concert by a real-life music superstar. You actually have to complete a series of missions to protect Phil Collins from hitmen before you can watch him perform "In the Air Tonight" in its entirety. It’s a fantastic tribute to the 1980s setting.
11. Burt Reynolds in Saints Row: The Third
When the city of Steelport is overrun by zombies, the only person cool enough to help you out is the legendary Burt Reynolds, playing the mayor of the city. He delivers his lines with a wink and a nod. You can even call him up as a "homie" later in the game to help you fight rival gangs.
12. Jack Black in Brütal Legend
While he technically stars as the main character Eddie Riggs, Jack Black’s presence is so massive that the entire game feels like one long, interactive tribute to his personality. He brings his infectious love for heavy metal and high-energy comedy to every line of dialogue. It’s clear he had a blast recording for this project.
13. Gary Oldman in Call of Duty: World at War
Before he was stuffing Oscar trophies into his attic, Gary Oldman turned in a legendary performance as Viktor Reznov. His popularity with fans led to multiple callbacks in later games. He really gave the proceedings some gravitas by acting like a real soldier.
Brett Cove at https://www.flickr.com/photos/brettdcove/ on Wikimedia
14. Mark Hamill in the Batman: Arkham Series
While he didn’t provide his likeness to these games, Mark Hamill nailed the Joker like nobody since. Many consider his take on the Clown Prince of Crime to be the best video game version of the character ever created. There’s just something about his cackling giggle that truly instills terror.
15. Patrick Stewart in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The game developers really wanted to go out with a bang, so they hired Sir Patrick Stewart to play Oblivion’s Emperor Uriel Septim VII. You’ll hear his regal, caped crusader, narrate your introduction to the game world. Sadly, his character ends too quickly.
16. Drew Carey in The Sims: House Party
Throwing a wild rager in The Sims: House Party could earn you the friendship of The Price Is Right host Drew Carey! He arrives in a limo and hangs out with partygoers throughout the night. It was one of the first times a real-world celebrity made a guest appearance in a life-simulation game, setting a trend for the future.
Nikita Kachanovsky on Unsplash
17. Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe in Beyond: Two Souls
Elliot Page and Willem Dafoe starred as the lead actors in this story-driven adventure. Both of their performances were captured using motion-capture performance technology and translated into the digital space. You’ll feel like you’re playing through a big-budget movie.
18. Liam Neeson in Fallout 3
When you start Fallout 3, you’re embarking on a journey to find your father, who has been missing for years. Lucky for you, your dad is voiced by none other than Liam Neeson! Neeson portrays Captain James, who guides you through the early stages of the game.
19. Martin Sheen in the Mass Effect Trilogy
Playing the enigmatic and morally gray leader of the Cerberus organization, Martin Sheen voiced the Illusive Man with a perfect blend of charm and menace. He’s a character who always seems to be three steps ahead of everyone else, and Sheen’s cool, calculated delivery makes him a captivating presence on screen.
Brian McGuirk from Providence, RI on Wikimedia
20. Idris Elba in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty expansion featured a brand new superhero named Solomon Reed, voiced by the one and only Idris Elba. Mr. Elba walks into Night City like a gritty, spy-fi movie action hero. There’s just something about his talent that screams undercover “James Bond.”
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