Comedies mine their humor from every source possible, from the trials, tribulations and awkward mundanities of modern day life to media sources and general, everyday idiocy, and curiously it seems we as comedy fans also get a kick out of utter normalcy. That's because there is a rich trend in comedy films of actors appearing as themselves, often grotesque versions, but themselves all the same. This usually consists of people such as athletes, musicians, and pretty much anyone who is famous that will garner a reaction from the audience, sometimes with success as in the cases listed within this article, and sometimes not, like whenever Paris Hilton does it. These appearances can be either small cameos, or have a significant impact on the story line, such as Al Pacino's head-scratching turn in Jack & Jill. Still, at least he probably made enough money to never have to care about how ridiculous he made himself look both character-wise and professionally. While the appearances can sometimes make little sense or be predictable as with Pacino and Paris, they are almost always entertaining, if sometimes for the wrong reasons. But not every appearance has to suck, and some of even the briefest "as themselves" cameos in movies can be the highlight of the film. Just ask Bill Murray...
20. Bill Murray In Space Jam
Is there anything better than Bill Murray being Bill Murray? At the beginning of 1996's Space Jam, he is seen trying to convince Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, the two greatest basketball players of all time, that he has what it takes to play in the NBA. This follows the revelation that the NBA has been forced to shut down after aliens from Moron Mountain steal the talent of its biggest stars to guarantee victory over the Toon Squad team put together by Bugs Bunny. With typical self-conscious irony, he says the league needs new players, such as himself to fill the gap, before his bold claims are later proven to have been true when he helps Jordan and Bugs' team triumph over the MonStars. After years of bringing his unique brand of smarm and swagger to roles, the cameo gave Murray the opportunity to offer unlikely proof that his claims always had substance, and the comic effect is great.
19. David Bowie In Zoolander
Zoolander quickly became a cult favorite after its release and part of its charm, beyond the ludicrous performance of Ben Stiller, is the vast amount of cameos from some surprising figures, including Billy Zane, Tommy Hilfiger and Fred Durst. The best of all comes in the middle of the movie, when Derek is challenged to a walk-off by Hansel in a wonderfully ridiculous set-piece. And who better to judge a walk-off than pop and rock legend David Bowie?