The Simpsons' many years on the air have seen the show gather an especially large cast, with many major names from across film and television agreeing to provide their stellar vocal talents. The animated series has featured some of the biggest international stars, offering some of the franchise's wildest and zaniest roles to date.
Some of these global celebrities have had surprisingly small roles in the cartoon sitcom. Despite their brief appearances, however, these famous figures have managed to make their cameos count, providing their Simpsons counterparts with some of the show's most dynamic personalities.
Known to comic-book fans as the lead of the 1960s' Batman series, Adam West developed a cult following before his sad passing in 2017. The late actor also made multiple appearances in the animated production, demonstrating his impressive acting capabilities.
Adam West's minor roles are among some of the show's most entertaining moments. The television icon sends himself up to absurd lengths, as both himself and his famous portrayal of the Caped Crusader. Meanwhile, Adam West's reprisal of his Family Guy character, known as the "Mayor of Quahog," brings many laughs to proceedings, as he asks Mayor Quimby if he's a "cool mayor."
As one of the Beatles' lead vocalists, Paul McCartney has achieved huge international fame. His cameo in "Lisa The Vegetarian" is widely considered a classic moment from the Simpsons episode, as he joins Lisa and his wife Stella in Apu's garden above the Kwik E Mart.
Paul McCartney's part may be brief, but it also forms one of the show's most touching scenes. The singer gives a warm and friendly vibe, as he guides Lisa through her decision to become a vegetarian. It's a beautiful sequence, which Paul McCartney imbues with heart and sincerity.
Born in California, Tom Hanks has developed an extensive filmography over the years, including such iconic films as Toy Story and Forrest Gump. His voice can be heard in The Simpsons Movie, as the actor becomes the face of the U.S. government's campaign for a new Grand Canyon.
Tom Hanks' appearance provides one of the biggest laughs within the family's cinematic debut, with his star turn utilizing Hanks' genial personality to great comedic effect. The actor's jovial tones contrast hilariously with the government's corrupt proposal, which involves the destruction of Springfield, ensuring that Tom Hanks' scene will be remembered for years to come.
Originally from Essex, Russell Brand is one of Britain's best-loved comics and has arguably succeeded more in the US than the UK. One of his biggest roles stateside can be found in the episode "Angry Dad: The Movie," where he presents Homer with the Golden Globe award for "Best Animated Short Film."
Brand gives a humorous turn as the awards host, with the controversial star acting shocked by Homer and Bart's antics. This leads to an amusingly frank reference to Russell Brand's unfortunate history with drugs, as his animated counterpart proclaims how none of the people he spent rehab with were his "friends."
As the star of movies such as 21 Jump Street and Hail, Caesar!, Channing Tatum has developed a considerable fan base over the years. The actor's vocal talents are featured in Season 25's "Steal This Episode," which sees Tatum play Homer Simpson in the fictitious Judd Apatow film "Steaming Valor."
Channing Tatum's version of Homer is delightfully silly, as he gives a rather exaggerated portrayal of the Simpsons' father figure. The actor's cartoon counterpart is said to have purposefully put on weight for his melodramatic performance, which proves to be one of the show's greatest guest turns yet.
Nick Park's artistic talents have entertained audiences ever since his Oscar-nominated short "A Grand Day Out," with many fans excited for his next Wallace And Gromit movie. The British director's Simpsons debut comes in the episode "Angry Dad: The Movie," as his animated self anxiously waits to hear whether his latest short movie has won an Oscar.
This entertaining cameo from Nick Park delivers one of the episode's funniest moments. The Lancashire-born filmmaker demonstrates a great sense of wit in his brief role, as he declares himself to be "more clay than man." Nick Park's cartoon appearance is full of personality, as he imbues his Simpsons character with a lovably quirky nature.
Best known as the voice of LEGO Batman in The LEGO Movie, Will Arnett has delivered plenty of memorable animated characters over the years. One of his more overlooked roles comes in the form of his Simpsons appearance, where he plays Deputy Director Gratman in Season 25's "Steal This Episode."
The comic personality provides an entertainingly gruff portrayal of the FBI's deputy director, as he orders his team to arrest Homer for online piracy. Gratman plays to Will Arnett's strengths as a comedy actor well, with this stern individual taking ludicrously extreme lengths to capture the Nuclear Power Plant worker.
Originating from Slough, Tracey Ullman has an impressive track record in regards to her cartoon performances, with the award-winning actor having also provided one of the best small roles in a Pixar movie. Her Simpsons appearance can be found in the episode "Bart's Dog Gets An F," where she voices both Sylvia Winfield and Emily Winthrop.
Tracey Ullman's dual parts act as a fun nod to The Simpsons' television history, with the cartoon family having originally made their debut on The Tracey Ullman Show. Despite being voiced by the same actor, the comedian manages to imbue both her characters with two distinct personalities, demonstrating her expert acting capabilities. Tracey Ullman is amusingly grumpy as Sylvia, whilst her role as Emily Winthrop sees her adopt a snarkier tone, offering a pair who audiences love to hate.
Formerly the CEO of 21st Century Fox before its acquisition by Disney, Rupert Murdoch has been the focus of many jokes throughout the Simpsons' long history. The business mogul also made a brief cameo as himself, in the episode "Sideshow Bob's Last Gleaming," where he meets Homer and the Springfield residents at the Super Bowl.
Rupert Murdoch proves to be a good sport throughout his bit part, which presents him in a less than favorable light. Murdoch is shown to be a prison convict, who declares himself to be a "billionaire tyrant" in one of the episode's funniest lines. The businessman sends himself up in a hilarious fashion, offering a satirical take on his media personality.
Most famous for his cooking show Kitchen Nightmares, Gordon Ramsay has amassed a large global following over the years. The Scottish chef makes a particularly noteworthy appearance in Season 23's "The Food Wife," where he appears in a dream sequence supposedly conjured from Marge's mind.
Gordon Ramsay's performance provides much hilarity, as the television personality scorns Marge for inviting Homer to a posh restaurant. The cameo also pokes fun at the chef's well-known potty mouth, as his attempts to use the word "F" word are amusingly bleeped out. Gordon Ramsay's small role is brilliant fun, and ends in an especially memorable fashion, with Gordon Ramsay claiming it was actually "his" dream rather than Marge's as originally suggested.
