What is a cameo?
A cameo is a brief appearance by a famous person in a film, TV show or other work, often playing themselves or a small role. Viewers usually enjoy spotting them.
Cameos can be surprising guest appearances by celebrities, directors appearing in their own films or creators making a brief nod to fans. Alfred Hitchcock famously appeared briefly in most of his films, such as walking past the camera or boarding a bus. Fans watched closely to spot him.
In Marvel films, Stan Lee, the co-creator of many Marvel characters, made cameos in more than 30 movies, playing characters such as a mailman, a bus driver and a security guard. Cameos can also involve actors from earlier versions of a story appearing in a new one.
Where the word comes from
The word cameo originally referred to a small carved piece of jewelry, usually showing a person's profile in raised relief. Like the jewelry, a cameo role is small but memorable. The term began to be used for brief appearances in theater and film in the early 1900s.
Did You Know?
Some actors have appeared as cameos in so many films that they have become part of the fun, such as Bill Murray's surprise appearances.