57 celebrities you probably forgot guest-starred on 'How I Met Your Mother'

Publish date: 2024-07-27
Updated

Joe Manganiello had a recurring role as Brad, one of Marshall's friends from law school.

Joe Manganiello on season two, episode five of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Brad and Marshall became closer after their girlfriends broke up with them. On season two, they went to brunch together and Marshall was teased by Ted and Robin for his newfound bromance. 

"Glee" actress Jayma Mays guest-starred as a coat closet attendant at a club.

Jayma Mays on season one, episode five of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Ted bonded with her but forgot to exchange phone numbers. 

"The Wonder Years" star Danica McKellar played Trudy on one of the series' most puzzling episodes — "The Pineapple Incident."

Danica McKellar on season one, episode 10 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Ted spent the entire episode trying to piece together details from a night when he got drunk and couldn't remember anything. 

Busy Philipps later appeared as Trudy's friend, Rachel.

Busy Philipps on season three, episode three of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

They were sorority sisters who Ted may or may not have had a threesome with. 

David Burtka, Neil Patrick Harris' real-life husband, had a recurring role as Scooter.

David Burtka on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

He was Lily's old high school boyfriend and repeatedly tried to win her back on several episodes. 

Ted asked a student named Penelope, played by "Alias" star Amy Acker, to help him do a rain dance.

Amy Acker on season one, episode 22 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Penelope was studying Native American culture. Ted hoped that if they made it rain, it would prevent Robin from going on a trip with her coanchor, Sandy Rivers.

Jane Seymour played Professor Lewis, one of Marshall's teachers at law school.

Jane Seymour on season two, episode six of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

She went through a divorce, and Marshall was convinced that was the reason why she was a harsh grader.

"Gotham" actress Morena Baccarin played Chloe, a barista who had a crush on Marshall.

Morena Baccarin on season two, episode seven of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Barney and Ted warned Marshall that Chloe had "crazy eyes" and said he should be cautious. 

Comedian Wayne Brady appeared throughout the series as Barney's half-brother, James.

Wayne Brady on season two, episode 10 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

James identified as gay and went on to get married — a milestone that initially disappointed Barney. 

"Pretty Little Liars" star Lucy Hale played Robin's younger sister, Katie.

Lucy Hale on season nine, episode 19 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

She first appeared on season two and returned for Robin's wedding during season nine. 

Fellow "PLL" star Ashley Benson also had a role on "HIMYM."

Ashley Benson on season eight, episode 14 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

She played 20-year-old Carly, who briefly dated Ted — and turned out to be Barney's half-sister.  

"Breaking Bad" actor Bryan Cranston guest-starred as Ted's demeaning boss, Hammond Druthers.

Bryan Cranston on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Lily tried to teach Hammond a lesson by stealing one of his prized possessions. 

Cranston isn't the only "Breaking Bad" cast member who showed up on "HIMYM." Bob Odenkirk also appeared on a few episodes.

Bob Odenkirk on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

His rough disposition and the way he treated his coworkers (including Marshall) earned him the nickname "Artillery Arthur."

"The Price Is Right" star Bob Barker appeared as himself and was the first of many game show hosts to appear on the show.

Bob Barker season two, episode 20 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Barney believed Barker to be his father, and went on "The Price Is Right" to confront him. 

"The Vampire Diaries" star Candice King looked unrecognizable with red hair on season two.

Candice King on season two, episode 21 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

She played Lily's cousin named Amy, who was in beauty school. She gave Marshall frosted tips shortly before his wedding to Lily. 

Enrique Iglesias serenaded Robin as Gael, a man that she met in Argentina.

Enrique Iglesias and Cobie Smulders on season three, episode one of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

All the women at MacLaren's were drooling over him. 

Ted got drunk with a girl named Amy — played by Mandy Moore — and woke up the next morning with a butterfly tattoo on his back.

Mandy Moore on season three, episode one of "How I Met Your Mother." NBC

Throughout the episode, Moore's character mocked and made fun of Barney. 

"Grey's Anatomy" actress Abigail Spencer's character was simply referred to as "Blahblah" — because Ted couldn't remember her name.

Abigail Spencer on season three, episode five of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

She and Ted briefly dated after meeting online.

On season three, "Star Trek" actor John Cho's character successfully convinced Marshall to join his company.

John Cho on season three, episode six of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Shortly after joining, Marshall resigned because he didn't agree with the company's environmental policies. 

In 2007, model Heidi Klum made an appearance as herself.

Heidi Klum on season three, episode 10 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Klum met Barney at a Victoria's Secret after-party, and gave him some love life advice. 

"Scrubs" actress Sarah Chalke starred as Stella, the woman who would break Ted's heart and leave him at the altar.

Sarah Chalke on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

She left Ted to be with her ex-husband and the father of her daughter, Lucy. 

Britney Spears guest-starred as Abby, a receptionist at the dermatologist office where Ted's future fiancée worked.

Britney Spears on season three of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

She ditched her glasses and dressed up in an attempt for Ted to notice her. 

Smulders' real-life husband Taran Killam appeared on a few episodes.

Taran Killam on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

His character, Blauman, was part of the legal department at Goliath National Bank, where Barney and Marshall also worked.

"Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek played Robin's first boyfriend Simon, from her days as a teen pop sensation in Canada.

James Van Der Beek on season three, episode 16 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Simon and Robin met on the set of her music video for "Sandcastles in the Sand."

"Growing Pains" actor Alan Thicke had a recurring role as another character from Robin's pop star past.

Alan Thicke on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

He played her father in a music video, and they worked together on a show called "Space Teens."

Regis Philbin joined the gang on their hunt for the perfect burger on season four.

Regis Philbin on season four, episode two of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

He left his hosting gig on "Million Dollar Heads or Tails," to test the product. 

Kendra Wilkinson starred as herself on the cover of a tabloid magazine.

Kendra Wilkinson on the cover of a magazine on season four, episode 12 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBs

Wilkinson, and several other reality stars, tried to talk Marshall through his struggles to go "number two."

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag — aka Speidi — taunted Marshall for his bathroom insecurities.

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag on the cover of a magazine on season four, episode 12 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Luckily for Marshall, the problem didn't last too long. 

Kim Kardashian managed to help Marshall get over his fear of using a public restroom.

Kim Kardashian on the cover of a magazine on season four, episode 12 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Marshall admitted to not knowing why Kardashian was famous — a question many asked at the time. 

"Orange Is the New Black" star Laura Prepon played Ted's snobby college girlfriend named Karen.

Laura Prepon on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Lily and Marshall hated Karen's pretentious attitude.

"The O.C." star Rachel Bilson had a recurring role as Cindy, the roommate of Ted's future wife Tracy.

Rachel Bilson on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Cindy and Ted also dated, but it didn't last long. 

Carrie Underwood guest-starred as Tiffany, who strung Ted along.

Carrie Underwood on season five, episode 16 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Tiffany was in a complicated relationship with another guy but asked Ted to "be patient" because she didn't want to lose him. 

Jennifer Lopez guest-starred as an author named Anita on season five.

Jennifer Lopez on season five, episode 17 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

She made an appearance on "Come On, Get Up New York!" and helped Robin work through her relationship issues with Barney. 

"13 Going on 30" star Judy Greer played Royce, one of the many women Ted dated.

Judy Greer on season five, episode 23 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Royce was a fan of "The Wedding Bride," which Ted did not care for. 

"Once Upon a Time" star Jennifer Morrison had a recurring role as Zoey, Ted's enemy-turned-girlfriend.

Jennifer Morrison on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

She was an activist who often protested around New York City. 

"Twin Peaks" star Kyle MacLachlan played George Van Smoot — aka The Captain.

Kyle MacLachlan on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

The Captain was married to Zoey before she left him for Ted. 

In 2011, Katy Perry played Zoey's friendly, yet "gullible" cousin.

Katy Perry on season six, episode 15 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Ted and his friends couldn't remember the name of Perry's character, so they referred to her as "Honey" when they later told the story of how they met. 

"Project Runway" star Tim Gunn had a fitting role as Barney's personal tailor.

Tim Gunn is known for being a producer and mentor on "Project Runway." CBS

He showed up on short notice to help Barney with suit-related emergencies. 

Maury Povich played himself in the episode "Subway Wars."

Maury Povich on season six, episode four of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

One of Marshall's coworkers confused Povich for Woody Allen. 

Robbie Amell played Robin's dog-like boyfriend Nate Scooberman, who preferred the nickname Scooby.

Robbie Amell and Cobie Smulders on season six of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Robin met him at a park, shortly after Ted denied her request to get a dog. Their relationship didn't last too long.

Will Forte made two appearances as Randy Wharmpess, a colleague of Barney and Marshall's.

Will Forte on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Randy eventually quit his job to pursue his passion for brewing beers. 

John Lithgow played Barney's father, Jerome Whittaker.

John Lithgow on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

They were estranged for 30 years, but reconnected. 

"Lost's" Jorge Garcia played Steve "The Blitz" Henry on a Thanksgiving-themed episode.

Jorge Garcia on season six of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

He met Ted and Marshall at Wesleyan University. 

Nicole Scherzinger played Jessica Glitter, Robin's former BFF.

Cobie Smulders and Nicole Scherzinger on season six, episode nine of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Glitter and Robin grew apart after she had a baby, but the two reunited years later thanks to Marshall and Lily. 

"Jeopardy" star Alex Trebek guest-starred as a game show host, naturally.

Alex Trebek on season six of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

He appeared on a show called "Million Dollar Heads or Tails," which Robin auditioned to be the "currency rotation specialist" for.

Actor Martin Short played a senior partner named Garrison Cootes at an environmental law firm called Honeywell and Cootes.

Martin Short on season seven of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Cootes offered Marshall a position at the firm, but the latter was worried that he wouldn't pass the company's background check because of an old video of himself streaking.

"Harold and Kumar" star Kal Penn played good guy Kevin.

Kal Penn on season seven, episode four of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Kevin was Robin's therapist-turned-boyfriend. The two broke up over Robin's desire to not have kids. 

Ted claimed that he gave Weird Al Yankovic the idea for "Like a Surgeon."

Weird Al Yankovic on season seven, episode seven of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

It was later confirmed in a flashback starring the singer. 

Katie Holmes guest-starred as Naomi, a girl who Ted met at a Halloween party.

Katie Holmes on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

When Ted finally reconnected with her years later, he was disappointed to find out that they didn't have chemistry. 

"Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" star Rachel Bloom had a cameo as a drunk passenger on a train on season seven.

Rachel Bloom on season seven, episode 16 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

She threw a drink in Ted's face when he approached her. 

In 2013, "Full House" actor Dave Coulier guest-starred as himself.

Dave Coulier on season eight, episode 15 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

He appeared on a documentary about Robin's former singing career. 

Billy Zabka made several appearances as himself throughout the series.

Billy Zabka on "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

While people who watch "The Karate Kid" love Ralph Macchio's character, Barney has a special place in his heart for Zabka. 

"The Karate Kid" star Ralph Macchio showed up at Barney's bachelor party as himself.

Ralph Macchio on season eight, episode 23 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

This was part of an elaborate prank executed by Robin. 

Keegan-Michael Key and Casey Wilson guest-starred as Calvin and Krirsten, a couple that Robin and Barney encountered while on a dinner date.

Keegan-Michael Key and Casey Wilson on season eight, episode 24 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

The two pairs became arch enemies, and Robin and Barney hatched a plan to try and break them up. It backfired and the couple ended up getting engaged.

"Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda rapped his way through his role on season nine.

Lin-Manuel Miranda on season nine, episode 11 of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

His character, Gus, encountered Marshall and baby Marvin while on a bus to Farhampton. 

Tracey Ullman appeared as Robin's mother, Genevieve Scherbatsky, on the final season.

Tracey Ullman on season nine of "How I Met Your Mother." CBS

Robin was surprised that her mom made it to her wedding to Barney, considering that she was scared of flying.

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