The 15 Most Expensive Cameos in Hollywood History

Hollywood loves a splashy cameo, where a famous face pops up for a moment and steals the show. But these quick appearances often come with jaw-dropping price tags, as studios pay top dollar for star power to boost a film’s buzz or prestige.

I’ve compiled a list of the 15 most expensive cameos in Hollywood history, ranked from the least to the most costly. These fleeting roles, sometimes just seconds long, show how much studios will spend for a touch of magic, with some actors earning millions for mere minutes on screen.

Glenn Close – ‘Hook’ (1991)

Glenn Close, known for ‘Fatal Attraction’ (1987), made a brief appearance in ‘Hook’ as a bearded pirate punished by Captain Hook. Her uncredited cameo lasted under a minute, but she reportedly earned $250,000 for the quirky role.

Close’s star status and the film’s big budget, directed by Steven Spielberg, justified the hefty paycheck. Her playful performance added a memorable moment to the Peter Pan tale, proving even a quick role can have impact.

Charlie Sheen – ‘Scary Movie 5’ (2013)

Charlie Sheen, star of ‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003-2015), appeared in ‘Scary Movie 5’ for a brief, self-parodying scene alongside Lindsay Lohan. He was paid $250,000 for a single day’s work, a nod to his bad-boy reputation.

Sheen donated $100,000 to Lohan for her tax debts and gave the rest to charity, showing his heart behind the headlines. The cameo’s humor leaned on his wild persona, making it a pricey but fun addition.

Mark Hamill – ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015)

Mark Hamill, iconic as Luke Skywalker in ‘Star Wars’ (1977), returned for a silent, seconds-long cameo in ‘The Force Awakens’. He earned $1 million for his brief, non-speaking appearance at the film’s end.

The massive fee reflected his status in the beloved franchise and fan anticipation for his return. Hamill’s mere presence sent theaters into a frenzy, proving a single glance can be worth a fortune.

David Bowie – ‘Zoolander’ (2001)

David Bowie, the music legend behind ‘Let’s Dance’ (1983), played himself as a judge in a ‘walk-off’ scene in ‘Zoolander’. His minute-long cameo cost $1 million, a testament to his cultural cachet.

Bowie’s iconic status in music and fashion made his appearance a perfect fit for the satire. The hefty price tag added instant credibility to the comedy, making it a memorable moment.

Alec Baldwin – ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ (1992)

Alec Baldwin, known for ‘The Hunt for Red October’ (1990), delivered a fiery, five-minute cameo as a cutthroat salesman in ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’. He earned $1 million for his intense monologue, a standout in the film.

Baldwin’s commanding presence elevated the drama, and his star power justified the cost. The scene remains one of the most quoted in cinema, showing the value of his brief role.

Hugh Jackman – ‘X-Men: First Class’ (2011)

Hugh Jackman, star of ‘The Wolverine’ (2013), reprised his role as Wolverine in ‘X-Men: First Class’ for a 20-second, uncredited cameo. He didn’t take a cash payment, instead securing a donation to his children’s school.

Jackman’s cheeky line and star power made the moment iconic, proving he could command a high-value deal without a direct paycheck. His conditions showed a savvy blend of heart and strategy.

Sean Connery – ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ (1991)

Sean Connery, legendary for ‘Goldfinger’ (1964), played King Richard in a brief cameo in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’. He earned $500,000 for a few minutes, which he donated to charity, per biographer Richard Yule.

Connery’s gravitas added a regal close to the film, justifying the cost. His charitable act made the pricey cameo even more memorable, blending star power with goodwill.

Bill Murray – ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (2021)

Bill Murray, iconic for ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984), reprised his role as Peter Venkman in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ for a brief cameo. He reportedly earned $300,000 for his nostalgic appearance, alongside original cast members.

Murray’s return thrilled fans, and his comedic legend status drove the high fee. The cameo’s emotional weight tied the reboot to its roots, making it worth every penny.

Harry Styles – ‘Eternals’ (2021)

Harry Styles, pop star and actor in ‘Dunkirk’ (2017), made a surprise cameo in ‘Eternals’ as Eros, appearing in a single scene. He reportedly earned $380,000 for his brief Marvel debut.

Styles’ global fame and rising acting career justified the cost, hinting at a bigger role in future films. His appearance sparked buzz, proving a short moment can have massive impact.

Zendaya – ‘Dune’ (2021)

Zendaya, known for ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021), appeared in ‘Dune’ for just seven minutes as Chani. Her $300,000 paycheck reflected her rising star power and the film’s massive budget.

Her brief role was pivotal, setting up her larger part in the sequel. Zendaya’s magnetic presence made the cameo a smart investment for the sci-fi epic’s allure.

Benedict Wong – ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ (2021)

Benedict Wong, from ‘Doctor Strange’ (2016), played sorcerer Wong in a few action-heavy scenes in ‘Shang-Chi’. He earned $2 million for his brief but dynamic cameo in the Marvel hit.

Wong’s growing fanbase and key role in the MCU justified the high fee. His scenes added humor and continuity, making the paycheck a worthwhile expense for the franchise.

Julia Roberts – ‘Valentine’s Day’ (2010)

Julia Roberts, star of ‘Pretty Woman’ (1990), played an Army captain in ‘Valentine’s Day’ for a few minutes. Her $3 million paycheck was driven by her A-list status and past work with director Garry Marshall.

Roberts’ charm boosted the rom-com’s appeal, making her brief role a marketing win. The hefty fee reflected her ability to draw crowds, even for a short appearance.

Bruce Willis – ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ (2004)

Bruce Willis, known for ‘Die Hard’ (1988), played himself in a tongue-in-cheek cameo in ‘Ocean’s Twelve’. His few minutes on screen cost $5 million, thanks to his action-star clout and ties to the franchise.

Willis’ self-aware performance added star power to the already stacked cast. The massive paycheck showed Hollywood’s willingness to splurge for a brief, memorable moment.

Dwayne Johnson – ‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001)

Dwayne Johnson, later a star in ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017), made his Hollywood debut as the Scorpion King in ‘The Mummy Returns’. His few-minute cameo earned him $5.5 million, a record for a first-time actor.

The role led to a spin-off film, ‘The Scorpion King’ (2002), proving the cameo’s value. Johnson’s charisma and physicality justified the massive investment for his brief appearance.

Ving Rhames – ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ (2011)

Ving Rhames, known for ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994), appeared as Luther Stickell at the end of ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ for a few minutes. He earned $7.7 million for the buddy-buddy cameo, up from $3 million for the prior film.

Rhames’ fan-favorite status in the franchise drove the high fee. His brief scene tied the film together, making the hefty cost a strategic move for the blockbuster.

Which pricey cameo shocked you the most, or do you know another star who earned big for a quick role? Share your thoughts in the comments!