A
cameo role or
cameo appearance (; often shortened to just
cameo) is a brief appearance or voice part of a known person in a work of the
performing arts, typically unnamed or appearing as themselves. These roles are generally small, many of them non-speaking ones, and are commonly either appearances in a work in which they hold some special significance (such as actors from an original movie appearing in its remake), or renowned people making uncredited appearances. Short appearances by
celebrities,
film directors,
politicians,
athletes or
musicians are common. A crew member of the show or movie playing a minor role can be referred to as a cameo as well, such as
Alfred Hitchcock's
frequently performed cameos.