The 1970s were a fascinating time in Hollywood, when established stars would sometimes pop up in the most unexpected places. Having worked as a movie theater projectionist during that decade, I caught many of these surprising appearances that had audiences doing double-takes. From musicians trying their hand at acting to politicians making their silver screen debuts, these cameos often came and went so quickly that if you blinked, you might miss them.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. David Bowie in “The Man Who Fell to Earth” (1976)
- 2 2. Elvis Presley in “The Mystery Train” (1975)
- 3 3. Muhammad Ali in “The Super Fight” (1970)
- 4 4. Andy Warhol in “Cocaine Cowboys” (1979)
- 5 5. Bob Dylan in “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid” (1973)
- 6 6. Keith Moon in “That’ll Be The Day” (1973)
- 7 7. Art Garfunkel in “Carnal Knowledge” (1971)
- 8 8. Salvador Dalà in “Impressions of Upper Mongolia” (1975)
- 9 9. Mick Jagger in “Performance” (1970)
- 10 10. John Lennon in “The Concert for Bangladesh” (1972)
- 11 11. Bruce Lee in “Marlowe” (1969)
- 12 12. Neil Young in “Journey Through the Past” (1974)
- 13 13. Ringo Starr in “The Magic Christian” (1969)
- 14 14. George Harrison in “Life of Brian” (1979)
- 15 15. Alice Cooper in “Sextette” (1978)
- 16 16. Cher in “Good Times” (1977)
- 17 17. Paul McCartney in “The Rutles” (1978)
- 18 18. Richard Nixon in “Laugh-In” (1970)
- 19 19. Colonel Sanders in “Hell’s Bloody Devils” (1970)
- 20 20. Andy Kaufman in “God Told Me To” (1976)
1. David Bowie in “The Man Who Fell to Earth” (1976)
While this was actually Bowie’s starring role, many audiences at the time were shocked to see the rock star in such a serious dramatic performance. His ethereal presence as an alien visitor perfectly suited the role, though many viewers initially thought they were seeing a lookalike. The film has since become a cult classic, largely due to Bowie’s haunting performance.
Save for later
Want to come back to this story? Save it with your email so it is easy to find again.
2. Elvis Presley in “The Mystery Train” (1975)
In one of his last film appearances, Elvis made an uncredited cameo as a mysterious passenger. Many viewers missed this appearance entirely, as he wore dark glasses and had no lines. The scene lasted barely 30 seconds, but devoted fans still debate whether it was actually him or a clever lookalike.
3. Muhammad Ali in “The Super Fight” (1970)
While not technically a cameo, Ali’s appearance in this computer-simulated boxing match against Rocky Marciano surprised audiences. The revolutionary film used early computer technology to create a hypothetical match between the two champions. Many viewers at the time thought they were watching actual footage.
4. Andy Warhol in “Cocaine Cowboys” (1979)
The art world icon appeared briefly in this controversial independent film, playing himself at a party scene. Most viewers didn’t expect to see the famous artist in such a gritty movie. His presence lent an air of authenticity to the film’s depiction of the 1970s New York underground scene.
5. Bob Dylan in “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid” (1973)
Dylan’s appearance as the mysterious character “Alias” surprised both his fans and Western movie enthusiasts. While he also contributed to the soundtrack, his acting performance showed a different side of the folk legend. His enigmatic presence perfectly matched the film’s moody atmosphere.
6. Keith Moon in “That’ll Be The Day” (1973)
The Who’s drummer appeared as a teddy boy in this British coming-of-age film. His natural charisma translated surprisingly well to the screen, though many viewers didn’t recognize him without his usual place behind the drum kit. The role showed Moon could act as wildly as he performed.
7. Art Garfunkel in “Carnal Knowledge” (1971)
Though not strictly a cameo as he had a substantial role, Garfunkel’s appearance in this serious drama surprised audiences who knew him only as a singer. His performance alongside Jack Nicholson showed remarkable depth and earned critical acclaim, proving musicians could successfully cross over into serious acting.
8. Salvador Dalà in “Impressions of Upper Mongolia” (1975)
The surrealist master appeared briefly in this experimental film, playing himself in characteristically eccentric fashion. Many viewers thought they were hallucinating when they saw the famous artist pop up in this obscure documentary. His presence added an extra layer of surrealism to an already bizarre film.
9. Mick Jagger in “Performance” (1970)
While this was actually a starring role, many viewers were shocked to see the Rolling Stones frontman in such a challenging and controversial film. His portrayal of a reclusive rock star pushed boundaries and confused audiences expecting a simple music film. The movie has since become a cult classic.
10. John Lennon in “The Concert for Bangladesh” (1972)
Lennon’s unannounced appearance during the concert film caught audiences by surprise. Though he wasn’t featured prominently in the final cut, eagle-eyed viewers could spot him backstage in several scenes. His presence added historical significance to an already momentous event.
11. Bruce Lee in “Marlowe” (1969)
Though technically from 1969, this film gained wider release in the early ’70s, featuring Lee in a brief but memorable role as a martial arts thug. His scene, where he destroys James Garner’s office with a flying kick, became legendary. Many viewers were seeing Lee’s explosive screen presence for the first time.
12. Neil Young in “Journey Through the Past” (1974)
Young appeared unexpectedly throughout this experimental documentary, often in surreal scenarios that confused audiences expecting a straightforward concert film. His strange, dreamlike sequences included conversations with his own image in a junkyard mirror. The film became notorious for its abstract nature.
13. Ringo Starr in “The Magic Christian” (1969)
Released widely in 1970, this satirical film featured Starr in his first major non-Beatles role. His deadpan performance alongside Peter Sellers surprised many who knew him only as “the funny Beatle.” The film’s absurdist humor perfectly matched Ringo’s natural comedic timing.
14. George Harrison in “Life of Brian” (1979)
While Harrison was primarily involved as a producer who helped finance the film, he also made a brief, uncredited appearance. Most viewers missed his cameo entirely, though Monty Python fans still debate which background character he played. His financial backing essentially saved the controversial project.
15. Alice Cooper in “Sextette” (1978)
The shock rock icon appeared surprisingly clean-cut in this Mae West comedy, playing a singing waiter. The surreal sight of Cooper performing a straight musical number without his usual makeup and stage persona left audiences bewildered. His brief scene became one of the film’s most talked-about moments.
16. Cher in “Good Times” (1977)
Though known for her TV work with Sonny, Cher’s unexpected appearance in this lesser-known comedy surprised many viewers. Playing against type as a straight-laced librarian in a brief scene, she showed early glimpses of her later acting potential. Most audiences didn’t even recognize her without her signature style.
17. Paul McCartney in “The Rutles” (1978)
McCartney’s good-natured appearance in this Beatles parody mockumentary showed his sense of humor about his own legacy. His brief interview segment, where he pretended not to remember whether he was in the Beatles or The Rutles, became one of the film’s highlight moments.
18. Richard Nixon in “Laugh-In” (1970)
While technically a TV show, Nixon’s appearance was later included in several film compilations of the era. His stiff delivery of “Sock it to me?” became an unexpected cultural touchstone. The moment marked one of the first times a sitting president appeared in an entertainment context.
19. Colonel Sanders in “Hell’s Bloody Devils” (1970)
The KFC founder’s bizarre cameo in this exploitation film remains one of the strangest celebrity appearances of the decade. Playing himself in a scene where he serves chicken to bikers, Sanders seemed completely out of place. Many viewers thought they were hallucinating when he appeared.
20. Andy Kaufman in “God Told Me To” (1976)
Before his TV fame, Kaufman made an uncredited appearance in this cult horror film as a possessed police officer. His eerily straight performance, devoid of his usual comedy, shocked viewers who later recognized him. The role hinted at his range beyond his better-known comedic personas.
