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All the 'Only Murders in the Building' stars who played themselves in Hulu's hit show

Celebrity cameos have become a fan-favorite feature, keeping viewers guessing which star might appear next

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hulu's hit comedy-murder mystery 'Only Murders in the Building' has captivated audiences with its unlikely trio of amateur sleuths Mabel, Oliver, and Charles played by Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin. The show's charm lies in its intriguing whodunit plot and its star-studded cast, with famous names like Tina Fey, Nathan Lane, Cara Delevingne, Meryl Streep, and Paul Rudd making recurring appearances.

Set in the luxurious Arconia building, each season follows the trio as they unravel a murder mystery right under their noses. While the format has evolved slightly with the third season, deepening the main characters' arcs, one delightful constant has been the inclusion of a celebrity cameo each season often playing themselves and residing in the building’s penthouse. These guest appearances add an extra layer of excitement and have become a signature feature of the show, leaving fans eagerly anticipating which star might show up next in the world of 'Only Murders in the Building'.

Sting

Sting, the legendary musician known for hits like 'Desert Rose,' made a memorable appearance in the first season of 'Only Murders in the Building', playing himself as a resident of the Arconia.

Living in the penthouse, Sting becomes a suspect in the murder of Tim Kono, particularly due to his known dislike for dogs and his business connection with Kono, who had lost him a substantial amount of money.

His guilt over their argument before Kono's death fuels the suspicion, making his brief but impactful role pivotal in the series’ early episodes. Sting's involvement was a clever casting move, blending his real-life persona with the show's fictional murder mystery, ultimately helping to set the tone for the series’ blend of humor and intrigue.

Though he was quickly exonerated, Sting’s presence paved the way for other celebrities to make similar cameos, enhancing the show's unique charm.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer joined 'Only Murders in the Building' in Season 2, playing an exaggerated version of herself. As a new resident of the Arconia, she quickly becomes embroiled in the murder investigation surrounding Bunny Folger.

Schumer's character takes a keen interest in Oliver’s work, particularly wanting to adapt the trio’s true-crime podcast into a miniseries, with herself starring as Jan, the Season 1 murderer. Despite her initial suspicion, Schumer is swiftly cleared of any involvement in Bunny’s death.

Her comedic presence adds a different flavor to the series, continuing the show's trend of featuring celebrities playing themselves.

However, unlike Sting's more integral role in the first season, Schumer's involvement is more of a humorous subplot. While her adaptation idea doesn’t come to fruition by the season's end, her cameo contributes to the show's playful exploration of celebrity culture within the murder mystery genre.

Matthew Broderick 

In Season 3 of 'Only Murders in the Building', Matthew Broderick made a notable appearance, playing himself in Episode 7 The 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' star is brought in to replace Charles in Oliver’s Broadway production, 'Death Rattle Dazzle!' Broderick’s portrayal of himself leans into the actor’s reputation for creative freedom, leading to comical tension with Oliver.

Eventually, Oliver realizes he made a mistake by giving Broderick too much leeway and decides to bring Charles back, resulting in Broderick’s dismissal from the play. Though Broderick’s role is limited to a single episode, his presence continues the show's tradition of featuring celebrities in humorous, self-referential roles.

Alongside him, comedy legend Mel Brooks also makes a brief appearance, adding to the star-studded allure of the series. Broderick’s cameo highlights the show's ability to blend real-life personalities with its fictional narrative seamlessly.

Mel Brooks 

Mel Brooks, the legendary filmmaker, and comedian, made a brief yet delightful appearance in Season 3 of 'Only Murders in the Building'. Known for his iconic works like 'Young Frankenstein' and 'The Producers', Brooks adds another layer of humor to the series with his cameo.

Appearing via FaceTime with Oliver in Episode 7, 'CoBro,' Brooks offers a playful exchange that showcases his timeless wit. Though his role is small, his presence in the series adds to the charm and humor that 'Only Murders in the Building' is known for.

The inclusion of Brooks, alongside Matthew Broderick in the same episode, exemplifies the show's talent for integrating legendary figures into its storyline, even in brief moments. Brooks’ cameo is a nod to his influential career in comedy and serves as a treat for fans of his work, adding to the star-studded cast that the series consistently delivers.

Eva Longoria

In Season 4 of 'Only Murders in the Building,' Eva Longoria makes a notable appearance as herself, taking on the role of Mabel in a fictional film adaptation of the podcast. This self-referential casting adds a unique layer to the show, blurring the lines between reality and fiction in the world of true crime storytelling.

Longoria’s portrayal is a playful nod to her star power, enhancing the show's signature blend of humor and suspense. As Mabel, she brings a fresh dynamic to the narrative, contributing to the show’s ongoing exploration of fame, identity, and the nature of storytelling.

Her performance, though brief, leaves a lasting impact, further cementing 'Only Murders in the Building' as a series that expertly blends celebrity cameos with its intricate plot. Longoria joins the ranks of other stars who have played themselves on the show, adding to the rich tapestry of its quirky, star-studded universe.

Jimmy Fallon

In Season 1 of 'Only Murders in the Building,' Jimmy Fallon makes a memorable cameo as himself, contributing to the show's clever use of real-world celebrities within its fictional universe.

Fallon appears during a pivotal scene where the main characters, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, are thrust into the spotlight due to the growing popularity of their true crime podcast.

Fallon's role as a talk show host interviewing the trio adds a layer of authenticity and humor, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. His presence underscores the series' exploration of media influence and the obsession with true crime in contemporary culture.

By featuring Fallon, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, the show effectively satirizes the way media can elevate ordinary individuals into overnight celebrities. Fallon's cameo is brief but impactful, enhancing the show's commentary on fame while providing a moment of light-heartedness amid the mystery.

'Only Murders in the Building' Season 4 trailer