We’ve seen time and time again actors playing the same character in a movie. Different names, different job descriptions, but all in all the same way of acting. We each have a different level of tolerance for such a thing, although it becomes far more manageable when the character they’re playing is… themselves.

Yes, actors have played themselves on several occasions, often as a small cameo, sometimes as a bigger role. It tends to be the result of gaining significant fame; you become a cultural icon on your own. These are the times actors played themselves across cinema.

John Malkovich in Being John Malkovich

The ultimate example. The entire plot of this surreal 1999 film revolves around a puppeteer finding a portal into the mind of John Malkovich. The actor gamely plays a fictionalized, frustrated version of himself to perfection.

Bill Murray in Zombieland

In the 2009 zombie apocalypse, Bill Murray survived thanks to his acting chops. His cameo as himself, pretending to be a zombie to get around town, is one of the funniest and most memorable parts of the entire film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Last Action Hero

In a movie all about blurring the line between fiction and reality, Arnold makes a brief cameo as himself. The 1993 film shows the ‘real’ Arnold at a movie premiere, much to the confusion of his own character.

Neil Patrick Harris in Harold & Kumar

Before his ‘How I Met Your Mother’ comeback, NPH played a wild, car-stealing version of himself in “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.” This hilarious 2004 role helped redefine his entire public image for a new generation.

Keanu Reeves in Always Be My Maybe

Keanu Reeves nearly stole the whole show with his brief role in this 2019 rom-com. He plays a ridiculously pretentious and over-the-top version of himself, resulting in one of the most awkward double dates ever filmed.

Ben Affleck in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Ben Affleck pops up as himself on the set of a “Good Will Hunting” sequel in this 2001 comedy. He gets to complain about his career and trade insults with Jay and Silent Bob in a classic scene.

Al Pacino in Jack and Jill

Why did Al Pacino play himself in this infamous 2011 Adam Sandler movie? We may never know. He plays a desperate version of himself who falls for Sandler’s female character, Jill, leading to the “Dunkaccino” commercial.

David Bowie in Zoolander

When Derek Zoolander and Hansel needed a judge for their epic “walk-off,” they needed someone up to the task. The legendary David Bowie made a surprise appearance as himself in the 2001 comedy, lending the absurd scene instant credibility.

LeBron James in Trainwreck

The basketball superstar played a hilarious, surprisingly sensitive version of himself in the 2015 Amy Schumer comedy. He acted as Bill Hader’s supportive, but very frugal, best friend.

Michael Jordan in Space Jam

In the 1996 classic, Michael Jordan plays himself after his first retirement from basketball. He gets pulled into the Looney Tunes’ world to help them win a high-stakes game against a team of monstrous aliens.

Megan Fox in The Dictator

Sacha Baron Cohen’s 2012 comedy The Dictator was filled with shocking moments, including a quick cameo from Megan Fox. She appears as herself, having a brief and transactional meeting with the film’s lead character.

Bruce Willis in Ocean’s Twelve

This 2004 sequel had a complicated plot where Julia Roberts’ character impersonates the real Julia Roberts. It gets even more meta when Bruce Willis, playing himself, shows up and isn’t fooled for a second by the charade.

Bob Barker in Happy Gilmore

The beloved host of The Price is Right, Bob Barker, had an epic fistfight with Adam Sandler on a golf course, creating one of comedy’s greatest scenes.

Mike Tyson in The Hangover

The moment the guys realize whose tiger they stole is a classic. Mike Tyson’s appearance in the 2009 hit, air-drumming to Phil Collins before knocking out Zach Galifianakis, became an instant highlight of the whole movie.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Airplane!

In the classic 1980 parody, basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar plays pilot Roger Murdock. A young fan keeps insisting he’s Kareem, leading to a hilarious back-and-forth where the pilot tries to stay in character.

Chuck Norris in Dodgeball

When the Average Joes need a miracle to win the tournament, they get one in the form of Chuck Norris. The martial arts icon appears as himself in the 2004 film, giving a decisive thumbs-up as a last-minute judge.

David Hasselhoff in The SpongeBob Movie

Nothing swims faster than David Hasselhoff, at least according to The SpongeBob Movie. The Hoff literally propelled the plot of the 2004 film, serving as a human speedboat for SpongeBob and Patrick.

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