A cameo role or cameo appearance (/ˈkæmioʊ/; often shortened to
just cameo) is a brief appearance or voice part of a well-known person
in a work of the performing arts. 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 movie or show playing a minor role can be referred to as
a cameo as well, such as Alfred Hitchcock's frequently performed
cameos.Originally, in the 1920s, "cameo role" meant "a small character
part that stands out from the other minor parts". The Oxford English
Dictionary connects this with the meaning "a short literary sketch or
portrait", which is based on the literal meaning of "cameo", a
miniature carving on a gemstone. More recently (late 20th century),
"cameo" has come to refer to any short appearances, as a character,
such as the examples below.Cameos are generally not credited because
of their brevity, or a perceived mismatch between the celebrity's
stature and the film or television series in which they are appearing.
Many are publicity stunts. Others are acknowledgements of an actor's
contribution to an earlier work, as in the case of many film
adaptations of television series, or of remakes of earlier films.
Others honour artists or celebrities known for work in a particular
field.
just cameo) is a brief appearance or voice part of a well-known person
in a work of the performing arts. 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 movie or show playing a minor role can be referred to as
a cameo as well, such as Alfred Hitchcock's frequently performed
cameos.Originally, in the 1920s, "cameo role" meant "a small character
part that stands out from the other minor parts". The Oxford English
Dictionary connects this with the meaning "a short literary sketch or
portrait", which is based on the literal meaning of "cameo", a
miniature carving on a gemstone. More recently (late 20th century),
"cameo" has come to refer to any short appearances, as a character,
such as the examples below.Cameos are generally not credited because
of their brevity, or a perceived mismatch between the celebrity's
stature and the film or television series in which they are appearing.
Many are publicity stunts. Others are acknowledgements of an actor's
contribution to an earlier work, as in the case of many film
adaptations of television series, or of remakes of earlier films.
Others honour artists or celebrities known for work in a particular
field.
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