32 Authors Who Surprised Us with Epic Movie Cameos!

Among the most intriguing Easter Eggs hidden in films adapted from books lies the cameo by the book’s original author. Yet, there are instances when it becomes even more exciting when an acclaimed writer appears in a film that they had no creative input on. Here, we delve into some of our favorite examples showcasing both scenarios.

S.E. Hinton (The Outsiders)

18-year-old Susan Eloise Hinton, known as S.E. Hinton, made an impressive literary debut in 1967 with her groundbreaking teenage drama, “The Outsiders.” Later, in 1987, she acted in one of Francis Ford Coppola’s best films, portraying a nurse.

Cheryl Strayed (Wild)

In 1995, podcaster Cheryl Strayed embarked on a life-transforming hike through the wilderness, an experience she later documented in her memoir, “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” published in 2012. Two years after the book’s release, this story was brought to the big screen as a movie starring Reese Witherspoon. Interestingly, Cheryl herself made an appearance at the film’s beginning as the woman who drops Strayed off at a motel. Additionally, her real-life daughter, Bobbi Strayed Lindstrom, took on the role of Cheryl’s younger self in the movie.

Lee Child (Jack Reacher)

In the 2012 film adaptation of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels, the author himself made an appearance as a police officer, giving the title character, played by Tom Cruise, a doubtful glance. Later, in 2016’s Jack Reacher: Never Look Back, the writer appeared as a TSA agent and was spotted walking past Alan Ritchson as he entered a diner in the finale of Amazon Prime’s first season of Reacher.

Hunter S. Thompson (Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas)

In 1998 and 2011, Johnny Depp played roles based on Hunter S. Thompson’s personal accounts: first in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and later in “The Rum Diary”. Regrettably, Thompson passed away in 2005 before the release of “The Rum Diary”, but he did make a brief appearance in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” as a silent partygoer at a lively gathering.

Kathryn Stockett (The Help)

Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 first novel, titled The Help, became a major bestseller and was later turned into an Oscar-winning movie. The story unfolds through the eyes of African American maids working for well-off white households in 1960s Mississippi. Among the star-studded cast, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone, Kathryn Stockett herself makes a cameo appearance as a housewife participating in a gathering.

Ken Kesey (Even Cowgirls Get The Blues)

In the movie adaptation of Tom Robbins’ novel, “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,” directed by Gus Van Sant, Tom Robbins played a crucial part as the narrator. One unexpected character in this 1993 road drama was Ken Kesey, who portrayed Uma Thurman’s character’s father, known for his countercultural writings.

Greg Behrendt (He’s Just Not That Into You)

Funny writer Greg Behrendt was serving as a script consultant for HBO’s “Sex and the City” when he conceived the notion for “He’s Just Not That Into You”. Collaborating with Liz Tuccillo, they penned this bestselling self-help book. The story later transformed into a popular romantic comedy film, where Behrendt portrayed a minister at a wedding in the movie.

Amy Tan (The Joy Luck Club)

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say Amy Tan’s groundbreaking 1989 novel, “The Joy Luck Club,” presents an intricate tapestry of stories, each told from the unique perspective of a female family member within a Chinese household. In the opening party scene of the 1993 film adaptation, both the author and Ming-Na Wen shine brilliantly, making this one of my personal favorite films starring the latter.

Marshall McLuhan (Annie Hall)

In a noteworthy moment from the Best Picture Oscar winner, Annie Hall, character Alvy Singer (portrayed by Woody Allen) engages in a contentious discussion with a cinema-goer over the work of media theorist Marshall McLuhan. To silence him, Alvy calls upon McLuhan himself to intervene and put the man in his place. At this point, Alvy looks directly into the camera and remarks, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if life were always this simple.

John Le Carre (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)

Many exceptional spy films (and series) that have left an impression recently were influenced by the writings of John Le Carré, including his 1974 novel “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” In the 2011 movie version, the master of suspense even made a brief cameo as a guest at a party.

Stephen King (Pet Semetary)

Numerous Stephen King roles in films and TV shows, based on his extensive literature, have left lasting impressions. One of the most renowned is from the 1989 adaptation of “Pet Sematary”, where he deviated from his usual roles by portraying a priest conducting the funeral for Missy Dandridge (Susan Blommaert).

Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting)

In one of the top films from the 1990s, director Danny Boyle’s 1996 comedy-drama “Trainspotting,” the character Renton (Ewan McGregor) attempts to secure one final dose before quitting his drug habit under a dealer named Mikey Forrester. However, Forrester can only provide him with a pair of enema pills instead. Interestingly, the character of Mikey Forrester was portrayed by Irvine Welsh, the Scottish author who penned the original novel.

Sapphire (Precious: Based On The Novel “Push” By Sapphire)

To prevent mix-ups with another movie released in 2009 titled “Push,” the film adaptation of Sapphire’s 1996 novel, also called “Push,” was renamed after its main character yet still acknowledges the original source material by using the full “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.” The author (formerly known as Ramona Lofton) can be seen in the climactic, Oscar-winning drama as a daycare employee near the end of the movie.

Kurt Vonnegut (Back To School)

In the 1986 comedy “Back to School,” some of Rodney Dangerfield’s funniest one-liners are showcased. This film is also recognized for its amusing, brief appearance by Kurt Vonnegut. The renowned satirical author pops in to meet the wealthy character Thornton Melon (played by Dangerfield), immediately after his son, Jason (Keith Gordon), challenges him about writing a midterm paper on Vonnegut himself. However, it should be noted that Melon still manages to fail this assignment.

Gore Vidal (Gattaca)

Beyond my admiration for Gore Vidal’s profound and inspiring literary endeavors, I must also acknowledge his brief yet impactful career as an actor. One of the roles that stands out to me is that of Director Josef, a character he played masterfully in the iconic ’90s sci-fi film “Gattaca,” released in 1997.

Stephenie Meyer (Twilight)

In the 2008 movie premiere of Twilight, it’s quite possible that Stephanie Meyer, the author herself, made a cameo. She’s spotted for a moment in the Carver Cafe, seated at the bar, busily typing on her laptop. Furthermore, she reappears in the fourth installment of the Twilight series, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, as a guest at Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) and Edward’s (Robert Pattinson) wedding.

Salman Rushdie (Bridget Jones’s Diary)

As a movie critic looking back on 2001’s charming romantic comedy, “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, I found myself in the shoes of our titular heroine, Renée Zellweger. At a bustling book launch party, I couldn’t help but notice the captivating presence of novelist Salman Rushdie engaged in lively conversation with a cluster of fellow authors. In an attempt to tactfully insert myself into their intellectual exchange, I eagerly awaited my opportunity. However, when the writer politely solicited my thoughts, I found myself fumbling and sheepishly inquired about the location of the restroom, a question that was anything but subtle.

Charles Bukowski (Barfly)

1987’s dramedy “Barfly,” directed by Barbet Schroeder, chronicles the L.A. escapades of a heavy drinker named Henry Chinaski, portrayed by Mickey Rourke. The script was penned by Charles Bukowski, who drew inspiration from his own life events, and interestingly enough, he himself appears in the movie as a frequent bar patron.

Colleen Hoover (It Ends With Us)

Among the much-anticipated films set for release in 2024, based on a novel, is the romantic drama titled “It Ends With Us“, featuring Blake Lively. This movie is an adaptation from the original work by author Colleen Hoover. In an interview with E!, Colleen shared that she appears briefly as a party guest in the film, but she also admitted that the 12-hour filming session was quite demanding for her.

Stan Lee (Mallrats)

Stan Lee, a highly respected and adored comic book author, was almost like the monarch of cameos, appearing in numerous Marvel films until his death in 2018. But before he graced the screen with brief appearances in movies based on his creations, he made an appearance as himself in Kevin Smith’s 1995 comedy, “Mallrats.” In this film, he shares some insightful romantic advice with Brodie (played by Jason Lee).

Maya Angelou (Poetic Justice)

As a movie enthusiast, it’s quite fitting that a film titled “Poetic Justice” would feature the cameo of one of the 20th century’s most impactful poets. The legendary Maya Angelou, renowned for her work like “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” graced the screen as Aunt June in John Singleton’s 1993 romantic drama, a film that also starred Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur.

Jean Shepherd (A Christmas Story)

One of the most beloved Christmas films ever made, “A Christmas Story” from 1983, was influenced by Jean Shepherd’s semi-autobiographical book titled “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash.” Interestingly, not only did the humorist and radio personality lend his voice to director Bob Clark’s classic comedy, but he also appeared briefly in a scene set at the mall, portraying a man standing in line with his child to meet Santa Claus.

John Irving (The World According To Garp)

1982’s “The World According to Garp,” featuring Robin Williams, is a blend of drama and comedy that follows a writer dealing with his wife’s infidelity and the notoriety of his mother, an outspoken feminist activist. This Academy Award-nominated film was adapted from John Irving’s novel and includes a brief appearance by the author himself as a referee in a wrestling match scene.

Peter Benchley (Jaws)

It’s hard to fathom the sense of accomplishment experienced by the author whose book sparked the highest-earning film of all time (at that point), later dubbed the first Hollywood blockbuster. Indeed, it was Peter Benchley who penned the basis for director Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1975 horror masterpiece, Jaws. Interestingly, not only did he provide the source material for this cinematic classic, but he also made a brief appearance in it, playing the role of a television field reporter visiting Amity Island beach at the film’s start.

Veronica Roth (Divergent)

Veronica Roth, creator of the dystopian young adult novel series that became the popular Divergent films, has a unique appearance in the first movie from 2014. Unlike many author cameos, her role is noticeable and cool. She’s depicted as an unnamed character within the Dauntless faction, and she appears during the zipline sequence.

Michael Crichton (The Andromeda Strain)

Michael Crichton, the writer behind Jurassic Park and ER, made a single appearance on screen in his acting career – a brief, uncredited role in the 1971 sci-fi pandemic drama The Andromeda Strain. In this film, he portrayed “Bearded Surgeon.

Emily Giffin (Something Borrowed)

The romantic comedy “Something Borrowed” from 2011 was based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Emily Giffin. In the film, Giffin makes a brief appearance as a woman listening to a conversation between Rachel (played by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Marcus (Steve Howey) on park benches. In a TikTok post, Giffin shared that the book her character is reading in the scene is actually the sequel to “Something Borrowed,” titled “Something Blue.” Due to Giffin’s character speaking directly into the camera during every take, her cameo had to be shortened for the final edit.

James Dickey (Deliverance)

James Dickey’s most renowned piece is “Deliverance,” a novel that was transformed into a critically acclaimed movie just two years afterward. Interestingly, the author himself made an appearance in the intense thriller towards its end. He played Sheriff Bullard, who cautioned Jon Voight’s character to depart and never return, as the four men were being threatened by hostile locals during their canoe expedition.

Fannie Flagg (Fried Green Tomatoes)

Fannie Flagg earned an Academy Award nomination for co-writing the screenplay of the 1991 film adaptation of her 1987 novel, “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe,” which was abridged to simply “Fried Green Tomatoes.” Notably, the book’s author, entertainer, and frequent guest on “Match Game” also made an appearance in the critically-acclaimed comedy-drama, portraying a self-help expert who guides women on rekindling passion in their marriages.

William Peter Blatty (The Exorcist)

One unforgettable instance of a horror film derived from real-life events is the 1973 release, “The Exorcist,” which was adapted from William Peter Blatty’s novel that drew inspiration from a supposed possession case. Interestingly, the author himself (who went on to direct the less recognized sequel, “The Exorcist III” in 1990) makes a brief appearance in this timeless chiller, playing Burke Dennings in a conversation with Chris MacNeil on her film set.

Truman Capote (Murder By Death)

1976’s humorous mystery film “Murder By Death” showcases an outstanding acting ensemble, counting Truman Capote among its members. Known for writing classics like “In Cold Blood” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Capote portrays the eccentric aristocrat Lionel Twain, who invites a group of detectives and their companions to his lavish mansion for a party that ends disastrously.

Graham Greene (Day For Night)

In the 1973 romantic comedy-drama film “Day for Night,” penned by Graham Greene, an unexpected cameo occurs where he portrays an insurance agent. Interestingly, it wasn’t until after the filming that director and lead actor, François Truffaut, discovered this fact, which saddened him as he was a big fan of the author’s work.

2025-01-28 03:38