Lots of celebrities have made cameo appearances in music videos. Some of these celebrities featured in music videos even before they gained popularity, while others were already big names when they signed on for the gig. From actors to models and TV reality stars, here is a list of celebrities that have appeared in music videos, their roles in the video, and how the song performed on the charts.
Tom Hanks in “I Really Like You” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen’s I Really Like You was released on March 2, 2015, as the singer’s lead single for her third studio album, Emotion. The music video which was released on March 5, 2015, features Oscar winner Tom Hanks. The actor was featured lip-syncing the lyrics of the song while traveling to the location of the video set and then dancing in the streets of New York City with the singer, Carly Rae Jepsen. Carly’s mentor and early advocate Justin Bieber also made an appearance in the music video. The song peaked at #14 on the Canadian Hot 100, and within the top ten charts in Scotland, Czech Republic, and several other countries. It also maintained the #3 position on the UK Singles Chart for 2 consecutive weeks.
Andrew Garfield in “We Exist” by Arcade Fire
Canadian indie rock band, Arcade Fire released the song We Exist on May 16, 2014. The song was the 3rd single from their album, Reflektor. The song’s music video stars Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield, who played the role of Peter Parker aka Spiderman in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012). In the rather emotional and powerful video, Andrew portrays a young person who is struggling with gender identity. The video scenes were shot during the Arcade Fire’s 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival concert. In 2014, the song peaked at #3 on the Belgium chart – Ultratip Flanders, #36 on the Canada Rock (Billboard) chart, and #46 on the US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard). The music video was also nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Music Video on December 5, 2014.
Pamela Anderson, Nia Long and Tracee Ellis Ross in “Touch The Sky” by Kanye West
Touch The Sky was released as the 4th single from Kanye West’s 2nd studio album, Late Registration in early 2006. The song features American rapper Lupe Fiasco. The music video which features Baywatch star Pamela Anderson, Nia Long and Tracee Ellis Ross is based on daredevil Evel Kanyevel (Kanye West’s character) and his effort to fly a small rocket across the Grand Canyon in 1974. The production cost for the ‘70s style music video was around $1 million and is the 25th most expensive music video ever made. In 2006, the song made #6 on the UK Singles Chart, #42 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and other international music charts.
Kristen Stewart in “Ride ‘Em On Down” by the Rolling Stones
The single Ride ‘Em On Down was released in 2006 by The Rolling Stones from their Blue and Lonesome album. The album is the 23rd in the UK and 25th in the US studio album of the band. Actress Kristen Stewart played the role of a bad girl racer in Rolling Stones’ music video Ride ‘Em On Down. The song peaked at #4 in the US Billboard 200 chart, and #1 on other international music charts.
Kylie Jenner in “Come and See Me” by PARTYNEXTDOOR
Canadian artist PartyNextDoor (PND) released Come and See Me as a single from his 2nd album PartyNextDoor 3, on March 23, 2016. Kylie Jenner played the love interest of PartyNextDoor in the music video. In Kylie’s signature style, she applies her make-up, Kylie Cosmetics like a pro. Kylie Jenner and PND fanned flames to the rumors of a romance between them by acting intimate scenes together in the music video. The song which also featured Drake peaked at #55 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was nominated for Best R&B song at the 2017 Grammy Awards. The song also featured in the soundtrack of the NBA 2K17.
Gigi Hadid in “PILLOWTALK” by Zayn Malik
English singer and songwriter Zayn Malik released his solo single PILLOWTALK from his debut album Mind of Mine on January 29, 2016. Zayn’s girlfriend at the time, American model and Vogue cover girl Gigi Hadid appeared in the music video. In the clip, Gigi appears to be twirling around Zayn, hypnotizing him, and then provoking black tears as Zayn sings. PILLOWTALK debuted at #1 on the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100. Zayn Malik is the first British singer to debut at #1 in the US with a debut single.
Dianna Agron, Chris Messina and Christina Elise in “I’m Not The Only One” by Sam Smith
I’m Not The Only One is a song by English singer Sam Smith from his debut album In the Lonely Hour. The song was released for digital download by Capitol Records on August 31, 2014. The main theme of the song and video is the cycle of infidelity. Actors Chris Messina, Dianna Agron and Christina Elise featured in the music video. Glee’s Dianna Agron played the role of a wronged wife in the emotionally-charged music video, while The Mindy’s Project’s Chris Messina acted as the reason and cure of her heartache. Christina Elise, on the other hand, played the role of mistress. The song peaked at #3 on the UK Singles Chart and #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The video has also received over 1 billion views.
Ian McKellen in “Listen To The Man” by George Ezra
Listen To The Man is English singer, George Ezra’s 5th single from his debut album Wanted on Voyage. The song was released for digital download on October 28, 2014, in the United Kingdom. Legendary actor, Sir Ian McKellen featured in George Ezra’s Listen To The Man video. Ian McKellen is a multi-award winning English actor, best known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. In the clip McKellen perfect lip-synced part of the lyrics of the song, while dancing around. Listen To The Man peaked at #41 on the UK Singles Chart.
Eddie Murphy in “Remember The Time” by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s Remember The Time is a single from his 8th studio album, Dangerous. The song was released on January 14, 1992, by Epic Records. Eddie Murphy appeared in the song’s nine-minute video as an Egyptian pharaoh, alongside model Iman and basketball player Magic Johnson. The music video was promoted as a short film features a physically complicated dance in an Ancient Egypt setting. The song peaked at #1 on the US Billboard R&B Singles Chart, #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and #10 in 9 countries.
Anna Kendrick in “Pow Pow” by LCD Soundsystem
Pow Pow is the 1st single from LCD Soundsystem’s 3rd album, This Is Happening. The song was released on April 17, 2010. The clip to the song was released in November 2010 featuring actress Anna Kendrick. Kendrick played the role of a shape-shifter who collects the souls of wicked men. She had just been nominated for an Oscar Award for the category of Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film Up in the Air when she appeared in the video.