Top 10 Hidden Celebrity Cameos on South Park

This “Saturday Night Live” alum has contributed significantly to “South Park.” Hader’s involvement with the series began in Season 12 when he served as a writing consultant. He’s also been credited as a producer for multiple episodes. That said, even the most loyal “SNL” fans likely don’t recognize Hader as the voice of several “South Park” characters, from Alec Baldwin, to a “Yo Gabba Gabba!” monster, to – believe it or not – Kyle’s brother Ike Broflovski on a few occasions. Perhaps most notably, Hader joined the show’s co-creator Trey Parker as one of two farmers who apparently care a lot about “britches.” Watch Parker and Hader struggle to contain their laughter in the recording studio and you’ll see why they keep Hader around.

The late, great Norman Lear was behind several key examples of American television. Lear created, produced, and developed more than 100 shows, including “Maude,” “Sanford and Son,” and “All in the Family.” This TV idol was brought aboard for Season 7 of “South Park,” during which he operated as a creative consultant and worked closely with Trey Parker and Matt Stone. It was in this season that Lear guest-starred as Benjamin Franklin in the show’s 100th episode, “I’m a Little Bit Country.” Fitting since it’s been said that Cartman was loosely inspired by Archie Bunker. Lear remained a mega-fan of “South Park,” appreciating the series’ blend of poignant commentary and biting humor. He would also offer a heartfelt congratulations when the 200th episode rolled around.

Jay Leno is among the most prominent television hosts of all time. So it’s only natural that he’d be cast as… Cartman’s cat? Yes, as strange as it may seem, Leno gave life to Mr. Kitty in the Season 1 finale. Particularly in the early days of “South Park,” Matt and Trey had a habit of having major celebrities voice minor characters. In a few cases, such as this one, stars would appear as pets. Not only did Leno provide meows and hisses for Mr. Kitty in this instance, but he also voiced himself in a “South Park” short that aired on “The Tonight Show.” Leno took jokes about his facial structure right on the (pun intended) chin.

“South Park’s” creators took a major risk with Season 4’s “Pip.” Abandoning the major characters and setting to present an animated retelling of “Great Expectations,” this episode is among the least popular, even in Trey and Matt’s opinion! But one of its more interesting points is a cameo by Malcolm McDowell, best known as Alex from “A Clockwork Orange.” In an homage to “Masterpiece Theatre,” McDowell narrates this antiquated British novel – not as himself, but as a quote-unquote “British Person.” Because every Dickensian story needs an elegant yet whimsical narrator with a British accent!

This bombshell rose to fame in the ‘90s as Rachel Green on “Friends.” Widely regarded as the most successful sitcom of all time, “Friends” was in its prime in 1999, when Aniston appeared as Miss Stevens in “Rainforest Shmainforest.” While it’s interesting that Aniston’s cameo wasn’t more widely popularized, she’s very funny as a children’s choir director who constantly preaches about environmental awareness. The highlight is watching Miss Stevens slowly unravel and come to hate the rainforest as much as the rest of the tour group, leading to an expletive-laced rant about how she’s grown to feel about it.

Josh Gad is a famously hammy and goofy performer of stage, screen, and – briefly – “South Park.” In addition to his contributions to Disney films (namely as Olaf in the “Frozen” franchise), Gad had worked with Matt Stone and Trey Parker before guest starring on “South Park.” In particular, he originated the part of Elder Cunningham in their hit musical, “The Book of Mormon.” Gad would collaborate with Trey and Matt again in Season 21’s “Hummels & Heroin.” Here, Gad showcases his versatility, playing both the precocious Marcus Preston and a drug-slinging senior citizen named Ms. McGullicutty.

If you’re a loyal “South Park” fan, you’re likely aware that in this universe, the singer Lorde is actually Stan’s father Randy Marsh in disguise. Season 18’s “The Cissy” explains that Randy lives a double life as the innovative and down-to-earth singer, and offers some valuable insight on self-expression (albeit through parody of the gendered bathroom issue). The episode even features a ridiculously catchy song that sounds like it really could be Lorde singing. But in reality, it’s Australian vocalist Sia behind the mic. Not only did Sia give a wonderful performance of “Push (Feeling Good on a Wednesday),” but Lorde herself took the episode in good humor.

This legendary duo pretty much defined the “stoner comedy” genre. Celebrated for their stand-up routines, albums, and films like 1978’s “Up in Smoke,” Cheech & Chong are irreplaceable in American culture – even though they’re known for their vulgarity and drug use. But their irreverence is hardly out of place on “South Park.” In fact, this Season 4 episode features both Cheech and Chong, respectively playing Carlos Ramirez and Chief Running Pinto, both Mexican-Americans posing as Native Americans. Incidentally, this was Cheech and Chong’s first project together since 1985, though each comedian recorded his lines in separate locations.

Here’s another instance of a mega-celebrity voicing a random character on “South Park.” Henry Winkler is perhaps best known for portraying Arthur Fonzarelli on the classic sitcom “Happy Days.” Even if you’ve never seen that show, you’ve likely heard of “The Fonz.” The character is so popular, he’s practically a meme. Despite his place in TV history, Winkler is entirely unrecognizable as a child-eating monster in Season 2’s “City on the Edge of Forever.” Strangely enough, the Fonze himself shows up in this episode – but not voiced by Winkler, who simply provided growls and chewing noises for the monster.

George Clooney’s involvement in “South Park” is a prime example of a high-profile celebrity cameo that flies under the radar. Early on in Season 1, Clooney appeared as Stan’s dog, Sparky – though his contribution consisted solely of barking sounds. He’d later voice a doctor in the 1999 movie. What’s extra funny about Clooney’s involvement with the series is that the creators went on to poke fun at him in Season 10’s “Smug Alert!”, wherein the real Clooney’s Oscars acceptance speech is said to have caused a smog (or “smug”) storm. This just goes to show that nobody is safe from Trey and Matt – not the guy who helped get the word out about “The Spirit of Christmas.”