(insert “Pointing Leonardo DiCaprio” meme) We’ve all perked up in the middle of a movie, music video, or television show when we catch a familiar face or voice. For trivia lovers, media consumption isn’t at its best unless you’ve got IMDb pulled up on your smartphone.
Video games are no exception. This immersive media format crams cameos into the weirdest niches, which can make identifying cameos and bit parts even more of a challenge. While we’re all familiar with Keanu Reeves’s Cyberpunk 2077 appearance and Norman Reedus’s likeness in Death Stranding, these 10 cameos might actually surprise you.
J.K. Simmons as Ketheric Thorm (Baldur’s Gate 3)
J.K. Simmons is likely best known for demanding pictures of Spider-Man as newspaper owner J. Jonah Jameson, but his role in Dungeons & Dragons game Baldur’s Gate 3 is among his best. As a gamer, taking on grieving Cult of the Absolute leader Ketheric Thorm is already frustratingly difficult, but Simmons’ gravely and sinister sound takes Thorm from “intimidating” to “anxiety-inducing.”
Sean Bean (Hitman II, Hitman III)
Actor Sean Bean’s Hitman character is among franchise fans’ favorites. The actor first lent his voice to “Elusive Target” Mark Faba in Hitman II, but gamer fanfare made this baddie so beloved, devs brought him back for the third entry. Also, did you know “faba” means “bean” in Latin? Some food for thought! (Alright, I’m done, I swear)
Conan O’Brien & Andy Richter (Halo 4)
Conan O’Brien has long incorporated gaming into his late-night programs. The comedian’s Clueless Gamer” segment is among his most well-known, and his Grand Theft Auto V review boasts more than 21 million views on YouTube. The former Saturday Night Live writer has more than one gaming cameo under his belt — like his goofy spot in Death Stranding — but his appearance in Halo 4 alongside longtime riff partner Andy Richter is one only superfans might catch. The pair are unrecognizable in their gear, but their quirky back-and-forth about area rugs will immediately get a laugh from fans who recognize their voices.
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Liam Neeson (Fallout 3)
In the Fallout franchise’s third release, Neeson gives voice to the protagonist’s dad, James. The game’s executive producer, Todd Howard, revealed the role of James was crafted specifically with the Northern Irish actor in mind. I’d like to hold out hope for a spot in the Amazon Prime Video project, but a 2022 interview with one Fallout: London project lead revealed Neeson lost interest in the franchise.
Drew Carey (The Sims: House Party)
Perhaps the funniest celebrity appearance is comedian and Clevelander Drew Carey’s brief spot as himself in The Sims’ expansion House Party. If you throw an in-game party legendary enough, Carey rolls up in a limousine, confidently sauntering onto your property. A pop-up appears with a message from Drew Carey: “Heyyyyyyy! My agent said I just HAD to come over. Let’s crank this party up!” Gracious hosts can then invite Carey in, but he’ll have to endure not-so-subtle schmoozing from other partygoers.
Buzz Aldrin (Mass Effect 3)
Storied astronaut Buzz Aldrin nails a monologue at the end of the third Mass Effect entry. Aldrin lends his voice to one of the Stargazers, shadowy humanlike figures seen summarizing the climactic story of player character Commander Shepard.
It’s only fitting an epic historical figure gets to wax poetic about the interstellar expedition of those on the Normandy (SR-1 and SR-2).
Megan Fox (Mortal Kombat 1)
Jennifer’s Body star Megan Fox couldn’t possibly be a better fit for Mortal Kombat 1‘s Nitara. Fox brings back to life the Vaeternian vampiress first seen in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. Fox’s Nitara is a playable character, but until Mortal Kombat 1‘s 2023 release, she hadn’t been playable in nearly 20 years.
Neil Patrick Harris (Saints Row 2)
“Legendary,” indeed. How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris plays the role of DJ and Sons of Samedi loyalist Veteran Child. Doogie Howser, M.D. dishes out drugs to college kids until the character meets his demise at the hands of protagonist and player character Playa.
Margaret Qualley (Death Stranding)
Margaret Qualley (The Leftovers, The Substance) lent her voice and likeness to the English version of Hideo Kojima’s brainchild, Death Stranding. The actress pulled double-duty, using motion capture to portray UCA scientist Mama as well as the character’s twin, Lockne. The siblings, born conjoined, have the ability to communicate with one another from anywhere around the world.
Kyle MacLachlan (Grand Theft Auto III)
More than 20 years ago (ew!), Twin Peaks actor Kyle MacLachlan lent his voice to a side character in Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto III. The actor voiced wealthy media tycoon and weirdo Donald Love. He only lent his voice to the recurring character once, but today, gamers can find MacLachlan in Amazon Prime Video’s small-screen adaptation of Fallout.
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A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
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