Anime is one of those worlds where anything can happen. Whether it’s giant robots fighting in space or high school students getting magical powers, the possibilities are endless. But what happens when this imaginative world spills over into our real world?
Sometimes, anime breaks that veil between the fictional world it creates for us and the world we live in, especially by having real celebrities guest-star in anime. So here are ten unforgettable moments when real celebs appeared in anime.
10 celebrities who made an appearance in anime:
1. Stan Lee
First up, we have the legend himself, Stan Lee, the father of Marvel Comics. His influence on pop culture is astounding, as are his cameos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But did you know he’s also made his mark in anime? Stan Lee appears in the anime Heroman, which he co-created.
We see a character named Stan in this series, a kindly old man with a thread of wisdom that reminds us of the great comic book creator. It is a nice tribute to his eternal legacy and art of storytelling.
2. Freddie Mercury
Yes, the iconic Queen frontman has made a cameo in the world of anime! He appeared in the anime Cromartie High School as a mute and extremely strong high school student, complete with his distinctive mustache and unforgettable style.
The scene was a fun tribute to the rock legend who embodied his larger-than-life personality. It was proof of how music and anime can intersect in the most unexpected ways.
3. Donald Trump
Whether you love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Donald Trump is always in the headlines. In the anime Inuyashiki, Trump appears as the President of the United States.
The show portrays him in a way that reflects his real personality and controversial public image, hence adding a layer of political satire to the story. This is a very bold cameo scene that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, making the show even more interesting and fun.
4. Muhammad Ali
The greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali, also made his way into the world of anime. In the rest of the series, which is all about martial arts and intense battles, he appears as a character named Mohammed Ali Jr., a former colleague of Yujiro Hanma who is trying to improve his martial arts.
Although the character is nothing like the real-life Ali, it is inspired by him. The scene pays tribute to the legendary boxer and his skill, charisma and his lasting legacy in the world of sports.
5. Simon Pegg
British actor Simon Pegg, best known for his roles in movies like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, made a surprise appearance in one of the most popular zombie anime Highschool of the Dead.
Pegg’s cameo was certainly an unexpected but enjoyable surprise for fans, blending his comedic charm with the intense zombie-filled world of the anime. Even though his character couldn’t survive for very long, his humor led to a memorable scene that left an impression on viewers.
6. Brad Pitt
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt has a surprising connection to anime. The comedy series Yakitate!! in Japan features a character named Brad Kidd who bears an uncanny resemblance to Pitt. The character is an attractive, blond and cool-looking bread artisan. Furthermore, Brad Kidd is modeled after a character from a 1980s cartoon to show his American ancestry.
The series is a quirky show about bread baking, and having a character that resembles Pitt adds an extra dose of entertainment for fans. Although it has never been officially confirmed that the character is based on him, the resemblance is too strong to ignore.
7. Daft Punk
The mysterious French electronic music duo, Daft Punk, took their love of anime to another level with Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5system. This feature length anime basically serves as a visual album for their record Discovery.
The duo appears as animated versions of themselves. The uniquely interesting blend of music and anime storytelling showcases the duo’s creativity and anime’s cross-cultural appeal. This is a must-watch for fans of both Daft Punk and anime
8. Barack Obama
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, made a memorable appearance in the anime Mr. Osomatsu. In the show, Obama appears to give advice to the Matsuno brothers, but this time with a twist, he has a mustache.
His character is portrayed in a very comical and exaggerated manner, blending his real-life charisma with the quirky style of the series.
9. Revo
Revo, the creator of the Japanese band Sound Horizon, made a memorable appearance in the anime Attack on Titan: Junior High. Revo’s powerful voice and strong presence in the anime’s first opening theme, ‘Guren no Yumiya,’ set the tone for the rest of the series.
While this isn’t a traditional cameo, his contributions to the show’s soundtrack have left an impressive impression on fans. Revo’s music perfectly complements the epic and emotional journey of ‘Attack on Titan.’
10. Steve Jobs
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs appears in the anime My Mental Choices Are Completely Interfering with My School Romantic Comedy.
The anime depicts Jobs as a technological genius and influential figure in the world of science and technology, mirroring his real-life influence. It’s a clever nod to one of the most influential individuals in modern technology that also adds an extra level of intrigue to the anime’s unique story.
From rock stars and technology icons to political figures and pop culture superstars, these real-life celebrities add a touch of reality to the vibrant world of anime. It’s a fun reminder of how interconnected our worlds are and how the magic in anime can transcend boundaries, making the impossible possible. So the next time you sit down to watch the latest episode of your favorite anime, just remember, you never know when a familiar face is going to appear!
