Top 10 Strangest Music Video Cameos

“Trying Not to Love You” (2012) by Nickelback
This entertaining video doubles as a Jason Alexander showcase, because he steals the show with not one but two great performances. The “Seinfeld” actor stars as a barista named Bud, who falls for a customer played by Brooke Burns. Naturally, he sets out to win her heart the only way he knows how…by making intricate designs in her coffee. Unfortunately, Bud soon must fight with another barista…also played by Jason Alexander. As an enraptured crowd gathers around them, the two engage in something of a coffee-making competition to win the affections of the woman, who just wanted a latte. It’s silly, fun, and so unabashedly over the top that it almost makes you forget about the song altogether.

“Sorry for Party Rocking” (2012) by LMFAO
Electronic dance music duo LMFAO aren’t exactly known for subtlety, so it’s not surprising that this music video features a party they’re allegedly sorry for. The fever dream of a clip has so much going on—including zebras —that you might miss the “Baywatch” actor’s brief appearance. At one point, Hasselhoff shows up, driving what can generously be described as a car, when one half of LMFAO pulls up beside him. The two share an odd exchange before the musician goes back to party rocking. It’s a confusing cameo, and the actor looks as surprised to be there as we are seeing him. But it’s wild enough to fit in with the rest of the video.

“Listen to the Man” (2014) by George Ezra
Sir Ian McKellen is one of the most respected actors in the world. His presence brings gravitas to every role, and he often elevates a film just by being in it. So, seeing him dressed like he’s ready for a tropical rock concert is definitely a sight to behold. In this clip, McKellen lip syncs, dances, annoys the singer, and eventually becomes the most overqualified hype man around. The video is undeniably entertaining, and the actor is clearly having fun, showing off his lighter side. It just feels a little surprising, as if our eyes can’t quite process what they’re seeing at first. It must have inspired some viewers to watch it again to ensure they didn’t imagine it.

“Mountain Lion” (2015) by Future User
Armstrong spent much time embroiled in performance-enhancing drug scandals. So it seems surprising that the cyclist would appear in a music video about such substance use in professional sports. As the clip starts, audio from testimony regarding doping plays while a masked man gets ready to go out with his skateboard. He takes to the streets, repeatedly stopping to consume illicit substances. At one point, we see Armstrong in his biking gear, which begs the question, did he read the video’s treatment before agreeing to be in it? However, it makes sense when you realize that the band wanted to shine a light on what they felt was the government’s focus on PED usage at the expense of other substance use.

“Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too” (2007) by Say Anything
Although seeing the Fonz himself pop up in this classic music video must have inspired its share of double takes, it’s entirely possible that some of Say Anything’s target audience isn’t all that familiar with Henry Winkler. But that just makes the “Happy Days” actor’s cameo that much funnier. Watching him lip-sync certain sexual lyrics would be entertaining enough on its own. But it becomes even more amusing if the viewer thinks it’s just some random man. In fact, the video doesn’t really treat Winkler’s appearance like anything major. He isn’t given a starring role, and is mostly relegated to the background. However, it turns out that the legendary actor is a family friend of the band’s lead singer Max Bemis.

“A Sorta Fairytale” (2003) by Tori Amos
There are many things you could call this video, but forgettable isn’t one of them. It has such striking imagery that the appearance of the Oscar-winning actor might just be the least memorable thing about it. The video portrays a bizarre love story between a leg with Amos’ face and an arm with Brody’s face. Although their budding romance hits a snag along the way, eventually, the limbs reconcile. And with a kiss, the rest of their bodies grow, making them whole. The romance between two limbs with faces concept might be kind of odd and nightmare-inducing, but it somehow feels appropriate for the song.

“Vanilla Twilight” (2010) by Owl City
The basketball legend has a long history with music. However, people might not usually associate him with reflective, piano-driven songs. This clip depicts a dreamlike occurrence in the sky that causes people to stare in astonishment. Shockingly enough, Shaq is one of them. It’s hard to decide what’s more surprising, seeing him or that the video treats his presence like a non-occurrence. With no one around him to tower over, Shaq somehow looks like a regular person, not the man whose dunks broke backboards. However, he doesn’t technically do anything that couldn’t be done by someone else. Of course, perhaps that’s the beauty of the whole affair.

“The Lazy Song” (2011) by Bruno Mars
We associate some actors with certain characters, and if that association is strong enough, it can be hard to think of them as anything else. There are few performances more iconic than Leonard Nimoy as Spock. That’s why this video is so strange. Everything he does seems designed to make peoples’ brains explode. Seeing the acting legend walking around in loungewear, scaring a kid at the grocery store, and more must have caused jaws to hit the floor in complete shock. If that wasn’t enough, his “Star Trek” co-star, William Shatner, also has a small cameo. Indeed, Shatner can be seen on the TV Nimoy’s character is watching.

“I Really Like You” (2015) by Carly Rae Jepsen
If any actor might be too big for music videos, it’s Tom Hanks. Between acting, receiving awards, and showing up at people’s weddings, you’d think he’d already have enough on his plate. But America’s dad was happy to not only star in beloved Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen’s video, but to dance and lip sync along to the song too. As expected, the Oscar-winning actor gives a spirited performance and knocks it out of the park. Seeing him cut loose and perform is enough to put a smile on almost anyone’s face. Of course, it’s also an unexpected sight. Even as you’re watching it, you might find yourself expecting to wake up soon.

“Weapon of Choice” (2001) by Fatboy Slim feat. Bootsy Collins
On paper, this music video sounds a little too out there for most audiences. Instead, it has become a beloved classic that many consider one of the greatest videos of all time. It begins with the iconic actor sitting on a chair. But he soon gets up and shows off his quirky dance moves. It’s undoubtedly captivating, as we’re unable to take our eyes off him as he grooves around. Of course, it’s also odd in the best way. No explanation is given, and he ultimately goes back to his seat as if nothing happened. Maybe it was all a dream? We don’t know, but we can’t get enough of it.

Which of these cameos surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!