15 Famous Faces You Forgot Were in Iconic Music Videos

Even the biggest stars sometimes surprise us with where their careers have taken them. Before Marvel heroes and Oscar-winners filled red carpets, many iconic actors made unexpected cameos in some of your favorite music videos. From emotional ballads to energy-packed pop hits, these A-listers traded film scripts for music video storyboards, giving fans unforgettable, sometimes overlooked, pop culture moments. Here, we spotlight 15 actors whose unexpected appearances in music videos will have you hitting rewind and seeing famous tracks in a whole new light.

Adrian Grenier

Long before becoming Entourage‘s Vincent Chase, Adrian Grenier was the charming love interest in Britney Spears‘ “(You Drive Me) Crazy.” The video also featured an appearance by Melissa Joan Hart, who starred alongside Grenier in the movie Drive Me Crazy, which was named for the song, per E! News. This cameo highlighted Grenier’s knack for blending in seamlessly with the world of pop stardom.

Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes brought effortless allure and style to Will Smith‘s “Miami,” making her mark in a video celebrating sun, fun and vibrant nightlife. The appearance in her future Hitch co-star’s video remains a memorable pop culture nod for fans of both cinema and music.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry stunned fans when she joined forces with Limp Bizkit in “Behind Blue Eyes.” The music video contains scenes from the motion picture Gothika, in which the Academy Award winner stars, as reported by IMDb. Berry’s star power added depth to an already gripping visual experience.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson showed off her dramatic chops in Justin Timberlake‘s “What Goes Around…Comes Around,” taking the video’s tale of love and betrayal to cinematic heights. It was directed by Samuel Bayer, with Johansson chosen for her acting skills as well as her looks, according to Songfacts. Johansson turned what could have been a simple cameo into an unforgettable music video performance.

Scott Eastwood

Scott Eastwood brought smoldering intensity to Taylor Swift‘s sweeping “Wildest Dreams,” playing her on-screen lover in the lush video. His rugged charm and chemistry with Swift gave the visual a romantic old-Hollywood glow. Eastwood’s appearance became instantly iconic among Swifties and film buffs alike, despite the fact that none of his agents wanted him to take the role, as reported by Billboard.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal‘s cool cameo in Vampire Weekend’s “Giving Up the Gun” caught fans off guard with its surreal blend of celebrities and indie rock flair. The video also featured appearances by RZA, Lil Jon and Joe Jonas for a tennis-themed showdown. The actor’s participation became a defining example of indie-pop crossover magic.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck starred in Jennifer Lopez‘s “Jenny From the Block” video, which focused on the paparazzi’s intense interest in their relationship at the time, according to Entertainment Tonight. Their collaboration made the music video an instant classic and a must-watch for celebrity followers.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox brought fiery passion and tumultuous drama to Rihanna and Eminem‘s “Love the Way You Lie.” The music video, directed by Joseph Kahn, stars Dominic Monaghan and Fox as lovers in a violent relationship, as reported by CBS News. Fox’s appearance added intensity and depth to a song that dominated charts and conversations.

Antoni Porowski

Antoni Porowski became a fan favorite with his playful cameo in Taylor Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down,” joining a joyous celebration of inclusivity and self-expression. All five Queer Eye members (Porowski, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness, Bobby Berk and Karamo Brown) made an appearance in the video, per Billboard. Porowski’s charm added to the feel-good, vibrant atmosphere of the music celebration.

Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito delighted a new generation of fans as One Direction’s big-hearted director in “Steal My Girl.” DeVito plays the singers’ director in the video, who meets them in the middle of the desert to start filming, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. DeVito proved that his larger-than-life personality could steal the scene in any format, including music videos.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. put his expressive artistry front and center in Elton John‘s music video for “I Want Love,” featuring the actor lip-syncing the song in a single continuous take. The role marked an unexpected and moving collaboration between two legends from different worlds.

Milo Ventimiglia

Milo Ventimiglia made a memorable impression in Fergie‘s “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” Before Ventimiglia was a TV heartthrob on This Is Us, Fergie took notice of him on Heroes and got him to star as her conflicted boyfriend in a video full of heartache and hope, per Entertainment Tonight. His appearance remains etched in fans’ memories as one of the standout storytelling moments in pop music.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba surprised fans when he starred in the video for Mumford & Sons‘ “Lover of the Light.” The actor’s involvement went beyond a cameo — he also directed the memorable clip for the band’s hit track from their Grammy-winning album Babel, according to Rolling Stone. The result was a music video that felt like a short film anchored by his captivating performance.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks showed his lighter side in Carly Rae Jepsen‘s infectious “I Really Like You,” lip-syncing and dancing through city streets with childlike wonder. The video follows the actor as he wakes up in the morning, interacts with fans on the street and rides in a taxi, lip-syncing the catchy pop song throughout, according to Fox News. Hanks once again proved his ability to win hearts in any entertainment format.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf delivered one of the most memorable performances in Sia‘s “Elastic Heart,” captivating audiences with his raw emotional energy. His intense chemistry with dancer Maddie Ziegler turned the video into a controversial internet sensation, as reported by Rolling Stone.