We are familiar with
celebrities appearing in films or TV shows as cameos, such as Stan Lee’s numerous MCU cameos, Dwayne Johnson and
Chris Evans, who made brief cameos in Free Guy. But things will go beyond our expectations if a celebrity portrays themselves in a particular movie. Sometimes, an actor’s career will lead them to look deep inside themselves in order to bring something unique to their role – especially if that role is based on the actor themselves.
In the list below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 examples in which there was only one man or woman for the role. Still, if the character they are portraying shares their name, then it turns out to be fair game.
#1 Bob Barker in “Happy Gilmore” (1996)
Source: @imgur
Bob Barker has earned allegiance from anyone who has spent a day lounging on the couch watching “The Price Is Right” re-runs. Still, this self-portrayal converted him into a competitive jerk, who we’d never bet against in a fistfight once again, even with a much younger opponent.#2 Entire Cast in “Coffee and Cigarettes” (2003)
Source: @imdb
It’s no doubt that “Coffee and Cigarettes” is on this list, which features a bevy of celebs portraying themselves and enjoying the titular social crutches. Occupied by talented actors, musicians, and personalities, the movies succeeded in making us wonder how closely these stars represented their own roles.#3 Jean-Claude Van Damme in “JCVD” (2008)
Source: @imdb
One of Van Damme’s best-ever roles is considered the role of himself! Stressed by an unblinking monologue recited straight to the camera, the Muscles from Brussels ensure there was no room for Razzies with his portrayal in the 2008 “JCVD.”#4 Matt Damon & Ben Affleck in “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” (2001)
Source: @imdb
Following the success of “Good Will Hunting”, Kevin Smith dragged the two good friends into a movie once again. However, in this film, Chuckie and Will are lessened to cartoonish action hero versions of themselves. #5 Neil Patrick Harris in the “Harold & Kumar” franchise (2004-)
Source: @tenor
Before portraying himself in the stoner comedy series, this prominent child actor’s star had nearly faded. It's hard to believe that the standout "How I met Your Mother" has trouble finding the limelight. His boisterous transformation into a drug-addicted, prostitute-loving, highly erratic version of himself in these movies changed all that and we're all happy. more for that#6 Peter Falk in “Wings of Desire” (1987)
Source: @filmmakermagazine
In this movie, it turns out that Peter Falk is an angel who refused his holy status to instead live life as a human being. It’s not easy to think of a better juxtaposition than tossing the grizzled "Columbo" actor into a role like this.#7 Bill Murray in “Zombieland” (2009)
Source: @imdb
In Zombieland, Bill Murray plays himself as a zombie. Despite his time on screen being limited, the actor seems positively gleeful. Bill portraying himself is every bit as laughable as any character he has brought to life. #8 Entire Cast “This Is the End” (2013)
Source: @thecinephiliac
Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill and others trapped in the mansion get most of the attention, but it's the unmatched performances of actors like Michael Cera that keep our attention. No matter who you fall in love with in this laugh-out-loud one-minute apocalyptic comedy, the total sum definitely outweighs its parts.#9 Stan Lee in “Mallrats” (1995)
Source: @filmschoolrejects
It goes without saying that Kevin Smith only wants people to be themselves. In this turn, world-renowned comic book writer and creator Stan “The Man” Lee showed up as himself to give love advice to the comic book-obsessed Brodie. Referring several comic creations to his lost love, Stan comes off as sincere and passionate, until it’s revealed that he’s been recycling line, from sincerity to hilarity.