Actresses Who Played Themselves in TV Shows

Sometimes an actor steps into a scene without a character name and simply brings their real life persona to the story. These appearances can move a plot along, add industry detail, or let a series fold real careers into a fictional world in smart ways that people remember.

This list gathers twenty actresses who appeared as themselves in scripted television and variety series. Each entry notes where they turned up, what the story did with the cameo or arc, and how the show used the real person to shape an episode or a run of episodes.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus appears as herself in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ during the ‘Seinfeld’ reunion arc where she works with Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld on staging the reunion inside the show. Her scenes include planning sessions, a table read, and on set moments that mirror the steps of a real production.

The storyline folds in the history of ‘Seinfeld’ and shows her working through script beats for Elaine while navigating Larry’s constant rewrites. She shares scenes with Jason Alexander and Michael Richards as the group rebuilds old dynamics inside a new episode framework.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu plays herself in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ when a brief relationship with Larry begins after they meet at a social event. Their scenes move from the excitement of a new connection to an abrupt end after an awkward mishap at her home.

The appearance ties into the season’s early episodes and affects how other characters view Larry’s personal life. She also interacts with Leon and members of the regular ensemble which sets up jokes about celebrity privacy and everyday etiquette without changing her public image.

Margo Martindale

Margo Martindale appears as herself in ‘BoJack Horseman’ under the running bit Character Actress Margo Martindale where she gets pulled into BoJack’s schemes. She helps with capers that include the change to the Hollywood sign which becomes the permanent Hollywoo gag inside the series.

Her appearances track a path that includes going on the run and ending up in prison before crossing paths with BoJack again. The show uses her real resume as a springboard for stunts and crimes that ripple through storylines with Mr Peanutbutter and Princess Carolyn.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet plays herself in ‘Extras’ while filming a wartime drama and chats with Andy and Maggie between takes. The episode shows how a major production operates on set as she balances rehearsals, wardrobe, and downtime conversations with other actors and crew.

Her appearance also includes a running conversation about work choices and awards strategy which becomes a device for plot turns with Andy. She participates in phone and on set moments that push Maggie’s personal story while grounding the series in real industry logistics.

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore appears as herself in ‘Entourage’ in a storyline that revisits her history with Vincent Chase while both move around the same studio orbit. Scenes at premieres, meetings, and calls show how personal relationships can cross with casting decisions and marketing plans.

Her episodes use the agent and manager pipeline to trace how projects progress through the system. The series places her in multiple settings with Vince and Eric so the audience can see how old connections can affect a blockbuster schedule and a press plan.

Anna Faris

Anna Faris plays herself in ‘Entourage’ during a run where Eric weighs the upside of representing her while protecting other clients. The show tracks lunches, office visits, and location days that reveal how talent meetings can shift a deal.

Her scenes map to story beats about project packaging and the balance between friendship and business. She crosses paths with the main group during shoot windows and planning calls which lays out the real steps in negotiating schedules and roles.

Isabella Rossellini

Isabella Rossellini appears as herself in ‘Friends’ in the episode with Ross’s laminated list. A chance encounter at Central Perk turns on whether the list is final and whether a spur of the moment request can change anything.

The cameo shows the group dealing with a celebrity meeting in a familiar setting and records how Isabella handles the request with grace. It becomes a clean button for the episode while keeping the characters inside their regular hangout.

Bette Midler

Bette Midler plays herself in ‘Seinfeld’ as the star of the stage musical version of the in universe film ‘Rochelle, Rochelle’. During a charity softball game she is injured in a collision with players tied to the main cast which threatens the show and triggers frantic caretaking.

Kramer ends up tending to Bette while producers scramble to handle an understudy and ticket holders. The episode shows backstage decisions about whether the star can return and how one accident can throw a whole production into doubt.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor appears as herself in ‘The Nanny’ when Fran Fine’s world bumps into high profile charity and theater circles. A misunderstanding involving jewelry sets off a chain of hectic visits and attempts to make things right.

Her scenes place Taylor with Fran and Maxwell Sheffield at events and in private rooms that reflect real donor culture. The show uses her status to illustrate what happens when a household staffer stumbles into a star’s orbit and must fix a very public problem.

Lucy Lawless

Lucy Lawless voices herself in ‘The Simpsons’ segment ‘Desperately Xeeking Xena’ where a villain kidnaps her at a fan event. Bart and Lisa powered up as Stretch Dude and Clobber Girl try to rescue her while she comments on fan culture.

The segment plays with the difference between Lucy and her ‘Xena’ persona and includes her famous correction I am Lucy Lawless. It closes with practical escape moves and a wink at conventions and superhero storytelling.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher appears as herself in ‘The Big Bang Theory’ when James Earl Jones takes Sheldon on an impulsive night that includes dropping by her home. She opens the door and immediately sets a boundary after previous pranks from her colleague.

The cameo fits an episode built around conventions and the logistics of meeting famous guests. It shows how a star protects her space and how unplanned visits can cross a line even when the people knocking are well known.

Summer Glau

Summer Glau plays herself in ‘The Big Bang Theory’ on a train where the main characters spot her and debate how to introduce themselves. The scene tracks each attempt from awkward conversation starters to a chat that only begins after someone gets a little liquid courage.

The episode uses the confined setting to show etiquette and timing when fans meet a performer. It also ties her appearance to real promotional travel since actors often take regional trips during a production break or a press window.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey guest stars as herself in ’30 Rock’ in the episode ‘Believe in the Stars’ where she is seated next to Liz Lemon on a flight. Liz turns to her for guidance about a workplace conflict that has spilled over into personal time.

The story follows calls and messages that involve ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ and the ‘TGS’ team. Her scenes support a plot that deals with mentorship and conflict resolution within a busy media environment.

Betty White

Betty White appears as herself in ’30 Rock’ during a live episode that celebrates studio television and network history. She pops into the broadcast from within the building and banters with the cast in short beats that echo classic variety rhythms.

Her cameo connects the modern sketch within the show to earlier eras at the network. The production uses her presence to frame quick cutaways and in character acknowledgments during a special night performed in front of an audience.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone plays herself in ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ as a guest on the fictional late night program that anchors the series. Viewers see the booking steps, pre interview notes, and the on air segment as part of the same episode.

Backstage scenes define how segments are adjusted to fit time and tone and how a star’s image is balanced with comedy. The appearance also highlights the roles of producers and publicists who shape what viewers see.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres appears as herself in ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ with moments that include greenroom chat and negotiations about what will make air. The episode builds out the process for timing a monologue and setting questions for a walk out.

Her scenes help explain why last minute changes happen and how late night television depends on flexible guests. The realism comes through in the way the staff rewrites around her notes and manages breaks and resets.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews appears as herself in ‘The Muppet Show’ and performs musical numbers with the Muppets. Backstage pieces show her talking with Kermit about the running chaos while she prepares to go on.

The episode highlights her vocal range through duets and ensemble sequences. It also features bits with Miss Piggy and Gonzo that play off her image while keeping the variety format at the center.

Liza Minnelli

Liza Minnelli guest stars as herself in ‘The Muppet Show’ in an episode that layers a light mystery across the theater. She performs signature songs and moves between numbers and sketches as clues appear backstage.

Her time on the show blends musical theater with the Muppet troupe’s comedy. The format lets her interact with Kermit and Fozzie while the plot carries through to a final curtain reveal.

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall plays herself in ‘The Sopranos’ in the episode ‘Luxury Lounge’ during a Hollywood trip involving Christopher Moltisanti. She attends a gift suite tied to industry events which becomes a target during a desperate moment.

The incident becomes a key beat for Christopher’s path while showing how promotional rooms work during awards week. Her scenes capture the contrast between a classic star and the rough edges of the show’s criminal world.

Marisa Tomei

Marisa Tomei appears as herself in ‘Seinfeld’ after George hears she is drawn to men with his general build. An introduction is arranged and he shows up eager to meet her while trying to hide a major detail of his life.

The truth comes out during their conversation and she reacts immediately. The meetings take place in everyday spots like a park bench and an office which keeps the focus on the rules of honesty and the consequences for breaking them.

Share your favorite examples of actresses playing themselves in shows in the comments and tell us which cameo or arc you think worked best.