Back when dinosaurs roamed the land and we had to walk seven miles through a snowstorm to and from school (uphill both ways, naturally), MTV still played music videos—and people were still interested in them! Even celebrities agreed to be in them, and sometimes the video was so good that its unknown stars became famous themselves.
But as the amount of videos that generate buzz and lure famous faces into making cameo appearances steadily decreases, I fear that The Hills and the rest of MTV’s faux-reality TV shows just might’ve killed the music video star. Luckily, we have the technology to re-watch these videos and reminisce about all the surprise celebrity (or soon-to-be celebrity) guests who popped up.
1. Fatboy Slim, “Weapon of Choice”
Christopher Walken already had somewhat of a cult following before he pranced and flew through the air for Fatboy Slim. This video, combined with his “More cowbell!” skit on Saturday Night Live, introduced his stone-faced visage to a whole new generation.
2. “Dancing in the Dark,” Bruce Springsteen
It’s impossible to watch this video and not start to emulate the Boss’s dance moves. His passionate arm pumping and swiveling hips are so alluring, even Courteney Cox is powerless to resist.
3. “We Are All Made of Stars,” Moby
Considering this video is made up of “stars” like Ron Jeremy, Kato Kaelin, Corey Feldman, and Gary Coleman, being asked to make an appearance might be considered an insult. Regardless, it’s nice to see that these C-listers can still poke fun at themselves and earn a paycheck.
4. “Touch My Body,” Mariah Carey
This 2008 video was the first one I’d been excited about in a long time, namely because it guest stars one of my favorite celebs, Jack McBrayer, of 30 Rock fame. McBrayer easily steals every scene, though Mariah does put up a valiant effort to compete by wearing the smallest scraps of clothing ever made.
5. “Say It Isn’t So,” Bon Jovi
Gladiator fights, Emilio Estevez in a Western duel, a massive food fight, Claudia Schiffer setting Matt LeBlanc’s room on fire, and the Terminator watching the chaos from his motorcycle—they just don’t make videos like they used to.
