20. Stephen Hawking — In the first of three guest appearances, the renowned physicist joined the episode They Saved Lisa’s Brain, blending science with satire and elevating a simple moment into a cultural milestone. The cameo sparked a conversation about how high intellect can playfully mingle with a bold, cartoonish world, and it remains one of the most talked about moments in the series’ history.
19. Michelle Pfeiffer — In the role of Mindy Simmons, her sharp wit and confident charm electrified The Last Temptation of Homer, creating chemistry that heightened the storyline. Her performance left a lasting impression on fans, adding a memorable dynamic to the ensemble and drawing renewed attention to the episode’s clever exchanges.
18. Ernest Borgnine — In Boy Scoutz N The Hood, Borgnine delivered a warm, seasoned presence that contrasted with the show’s zany energy. His timing and subtle humor provided a steady anchor amid chaos, underscoring the episode’s playful homage to classic television tropes.
17. Matt Groening — The show creator appears in My Big Fat Geek Wedding, offering insider humor and meta commentary. His cameo provides a wink to fans about the show’s own production while blending seamlessly with the episode’s romance-forward plot.
16. Tony Hawk — In Barting Over, the celebrated skater brings a cool, athletic energy that reshapes several scenes. His presence adds to the episode with a blend of modern culture and lighthearted action, while his interactions with Bart introduce an unexpected charm.
15. Lucy Lawless — In Treehouse of Horror X, the star brings star power to the Halloween special, delivering a performance that balances scares with satire. Her appearance contributes to the anthology’s dynamic rhythm, adding a fresh voice to the familiar mix of segments.
14. Keith Richards / Mick Jagger — In How I Spent My Strummer Vacation, the rock legends contribute a playful energy that riffs on fame and the music industry. Their self-parody and musical moments keep the segment lively, leaving a remembered spark of rebellious humor.
13. Rodney Dangerfield — In Burns Baby Burns, appearing as Larry Burns, he delivers rapid-fire one-liners and a brash, endearing paternal aura that anchors the episode’s emotional beats amid the mayhem. His presence leaves a lasting mark on this installment.
12. Mr. T — In Today I Am A Clown, the action figure-turned-actor projects a forceful, unforgettable energy. His robust delivery and fearless timing fuel the sequence with iconic humor and a sense of street-smart bravado that fans instantly recognize.
11. Patrick Stewart — In Homer the Great, the actor appears as Number One, bringing regal authority and a commanding screen presence. The contrast between his dignified demeanor and the chaos around him highlights the series’ satirical take on secrecy and tradition.
10. Stephen Colbert — In He Loves to Fly and He D’ohs, the satirical host injects his signature wit into the narrative, turning a familiar fantasy into a playful caricature. The cameo resonates with viewers for its seamless blend of intellect and irreverence.
9. The Ramones — In Rosebud, the punk legends appear as themselves, delivering raw energy and a rebellious edge that complements the episode’s iconic twist. Their performance leaves a memorable moment that lingers long after the credits.
8. Elizabeth Taylor — In Lisa’s First Word, appearing as Maggie in one of two appearances, she lends star power and warmth to a tender milestone. Her voice work adds a timeless charm that anchors the episode’s emotional core.
7. Johnny Cash — In The Mysterious Voyage of Homer, as The Coyote, he brings a stoic, cool presence that enhances the episode’s quirky, road-memoir vibe. His contribution stands out as a memorable cameo fans still recall.
6. J.K. Rowling — In The Regina Monologues, the author injects a literary flair and a playful nod to fantasy worlds, merging her distinctive voice with the show’s humor and meta-textual jokes about fame and storytelling.
5. Mark Hamill — In Mayored to the Mob, playing himself, the actor adds a deft, tongue-in-cheek alignment with the episode’s mischief. His performance is a bright highlight, combining star power with a knowing wink to genre fans.
4. Pierce Brosnan — In Treehouse of Horror XII, voicing Ultrahouse 3000, his tech-savvy persona anchors a futuristic subplot within the Halloween special. The cameo is memorable for its suave poise and comic timing amid the spoofed sci-fi tropes.
3. Christina Ricci — In Summer of 4 Ft. 2, appearing as Erin, she brings a fresh, buoyant energy that elevates the episode’s youthful segments. Her performance resonates with audiences for its warmth and directness, contributing to the episode’s overall charm.
2. U2 — In Trash of the Titans, the iconic rock band appears as themselves, infusing the episode with a distinct musical atmosphere and helping to define the season’s cultural texture.
1. Albert Brooks — In You Only Move Once, portraying Hank Scorpio, his best-known role among the many appearances, the character’s charisma and menace remain standout. Brooks’ performance anchors the episode with a memorable villain energy that fans celebrate.