15 Celebrity Cameos in Kids' Cartoons You Forgot Happened
Many animated shows made for children have featured surprising celebrity cameos that slipped under the radar. These guest appearances added a fun layer for older viewers and now serve as nostalgic surprises for those who grew up watching.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Cartoons have always had a knack for sneaking in celebrity appearances that delight both kids and adults alike. While some cameos are impossible to forget, others were so subtle or unexpected that most viewers missed them entirely. Whether it was a music icon voicing a character or a Hollywood legend playing themselves, these guest spots added unique flavor to childhood favorites.
1. David Bowie – SpongeBob SquarePants
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David Bowie voiced the character Lord Royal Highness in the 2007 SpongeBob SquarePants TV movie “Atlantis SquarePantis.” His smooth, melodic voice gave the ruler of Atlantis a charming and mystical quality. At the time, many younger viewers had no idea they were hearing a rock legend. The role blended Bowie’s otherworldly persona with the show’s quirky humor.
2. Michael Jackson (sort of) – The Simpsons
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In the episode “Stark Raving Dad,” a character named Leon Kompowsky claimed to be Michael Jackson. While Jackson provided the voice, he was credited under a pseudonym due to contractual reasons. The singing, however, was done by a sound-alike performer. Fans didn’t find out for years that it was really Jackson’s voice during the speaking scenes. It remains one of The Simpsons’ most iconic and mysterious cameos.
3. Betty White – Penguins of Madagascar
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Betty White voiced an adorable yet fierce zoo volunteer named Gladys in an episode of Penguins of Madagascar. Her character was both sweet and terrifying, offering a perfect role for the beloved actress. The contrast between her kind voice and the strict personality of Gladys added comedy to the episode. Betty brought charm and authority to the role, making it instantly memorable.
4. Mark Hamill – The Powerpuff Girls
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Mark Hamill lent his voice to several characters in The Powerpuff Girls, including the villainous Him and Snake. Known best for Star Wars and his role as the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, Hamill’s talent for voice work often went unnoticed. His roles on the show were creepy, unpredictable, and perfect for the offbeat tone. Hamill’s voice added depth and menace to the characters.
5. Johnny Depp – SpongeBob SquarePants
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Johnny Depp appeared as Jack Kahuna Laguna in a 2009 special episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. The character was a laid-back surf guru who helped SpongeBob and friends ride the big wave. Depp brought his usual quirky style to the role, making the character stand out. At the time, most viewers did not connect the voice with the A-list actor.
6. Leonardo DiCaprio – Captain Planet and the Planeteers
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A young Leonardo DiCaprio voiced a character named Commander in one of the later episodes of Captain Planet. The episode aired before DiCaprio became a major star, so many fans never noticed. He played a teenage environmental activist, matching the show’s message. The role was brief but notable in retrospect. It shows how early DiCaprio’s environmental passions began.
7. Jodie Foster – The X’s
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In Nickelodeon’s lesser-known spy-themed cartoon The X’s, Jodie Foster voiced the character of Trudy X in one episode. Known for her serious roles in film, Foster’s cameo was completely unexpected. She brought a polished and mature tone to the fast-paced family cartoon. While the show had a short run, her appearance added prestige. Many viewers had no idea she was involved at the time.
8. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley – Family Guy
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While Family Guy is more adult-focused, it was often watched by teens and even younger audiences. In one episode, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley from KISS played themselves. Their appearance tied into the show’s love for pop culture references and rock music. Both musicians voiced their characters, making it authentic and entertaining.
9. Whoopi Goldberg – Teen Titans Go!
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Whoopi Goldberg appeared as the character Rose Wilson’s therapist in an episode of Teen Titans Go! The cameo was brief, but her distinctive voice was unmistakable. She brought a calm, grounded presence to the otherwise chaotic tone of the show. Kids might not have recognized her, but adults definitely took notice. It added an extra level of humor and wisdom to the scene.
10. Meghan Markle – The Looney Tunes Show
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Before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle voiced a character named Stacy in a 2010 episode of The Looney Tunes Show. She played a stylish friend of Lola Bunny during a fashion-centered storyline. Her brief appearance flew under the radar, especially after her royal fame took over headlines.
11. Adam West – The Fairly OddParents
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Adam West frequently voiced a fictionalized version of himself in The Fairly OddParents. In the show, he played Catman, a parody of his classic Batman role. His self-aware performance was both nostalgic and hilarious. West embraced the absurdity and became a recurring favorite. It was a smart blend of childhood humor and adult-level parody.
12. George Takei – Kim Possible
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George Takei voiced Sensei, the wise and powerful martial arts teacher of Ron Stoppable, in several episodes of Kim Possible. His calm delivery and signature cadence added depth to the character. Takei’s appearance was a nod to his iconic sci-fi legacy. The role added gravitas to a cartoon centered around action and comedy. Fans of Star Trek immediately recognized his voice.
13. Jennifer Lawrence – The Bill Engvall Show Animated Segment
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Before her breakout in The Hunger Games, Jennifer Lawrence was featured in a short animated segment within The Bill Engvall Show, which aired small animated cutaways for comedic effect. Her voice role wasn’t a huge plot point, but it’s a fun pre-fame Easter egg. Very few fans remember this odd, brief appearance.
14. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Family Guy
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Dwayne Johnson voiced himself in a quick cutaway joke on Family Guy, where he appeared as a wrestling priest. It was a playful nod to his WWE origins and Hollywood crossover. The brief cameo was packed with humor and character. While easy to miss, fans who recognized him appreciated the joke. It was a fun moment that fit the show’s unpredictable style.
15. Bette Midler – The Addams Family (1992 cartoon)
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Bette Midler voiced Morticia Addams in the 1992 animated Addams Family series. Her dramatic flair was perfect for the darkly elegant matriarch. It’s one of her rare forays into animated kids’ TV, often overshadowed by her film and musical career.