I just noticed that David Lynch plays one of the major characters in his own show Twin Peaks and it got me wondering about other instances like how Stan Lee appeared in his superhero movies, but only as a cameo. Is there a name for when it happens longer than a cameo appearance like in Twin Peaks?
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I have always seen them being credited in the movie as himself or as herself, like Neil Patrick Harris in Harold and Kumar.– Abhishek MishraApr 21, 2018 at 4:11
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Hitchcockian cameo LOL.– ibrahim mahrirApr 21, 2018 at 4:21
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Quentin Tarantino is also well known for doing this. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quentin_Tarantino_filmography– CharlesApr 21, 2018 at 6:31
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What about even longer/more central/more appearances/multiple characters? IE, Mel Brooks - in just about any of his films– ivanivanApr 21, 2018 at 13:50
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2 Answers
The trope you are thinking of is: Descended Creator
This is when a crewmember or executive for a show makes an appearance in a part that would ordinarily be cast with a professional actor — or the crewmember is also an actor. This may start out as a Creator Cameo, with their original "extra" part becoming an Ascended Extra.
Your Stan Lee example comes under Creator Cameo trope while David Lynch Comes under the Descended Creator trope.
answered Apr 21, 2018 at 5:20
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5Ouch. I accidentally clicked on your link not knowing it's from tvtropes. Hopelessly trying to find my way out of the labyrinth.– user37459Apr 21, 2018 at 7:21
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@polfosol Restrict yourself to one tab, find an interesting external link, close the tab once you've finished reading it. (Unless you stumble upon another such wiki...) Apr 21, 2018 at 18:06
Is there a name for when it happens longer than a cameo appearance like in Twin Peaks?
Although @NikhilEshvar has already provided a good answer, I believe the As Himself trope also sufficiently describes what you're looking for, and specifically characterizes long term appearances (though, it's restricted to the actor playing themselves).
This trope is when a real-life celebrity or famous figure is playing a fictionalized version of themselves, as a main character or recurring character. This is mostly a television trope, but there are film examples. For shows that take place in an alternate Hollywood, such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage and The Larry Sanders Show, this is the norm.
Remember, if it's just a short gag, or one episode, that's either a Special Guest or a straight Cameo.
