Source: Pixabay
It’s always fun when a cult figure pops up on a popular TV show or in a blockbuster movie. However, it’s even more interesting when people we’ve seen in the spotlight make appearances in unexpected places. Our recent obsession with the surprise cameo was sparked by ex-Liverpool and England star, Michael Owen.
Despite earning millions from his football career, it seems Owen’s passion is as strong as ever. We recently saw the Englishman presenting a Facebook advert for an online language learning school, Babbel. Owen tells us in the advert that it’s never been “more important” or “cooler” to learn a new language.
He had to learn Spanish when he moved to Spain, so we should all be like him and use Babbel, according to Owen. That’s not the only surprising cameo we’ve seen Mr Owen make. Who could forget his dubious promo for Dubai (see video above) or Gowing Law’s seemingly inexplicable reason for using him to advertise their legal services?
Giggs Plays It to Paddy Power
Another surprising cameo from a cult hero comes courtesy of Paddy Power. The gambling operator chose Rhodri Giggs, brother of Ryan Giggs, to advertise casino bonuses for new customers. Giggs not only appears in TV adverts but across the company’s website and social media channels. The partnership plays on the infamous love triangle involving Rhodri’s wife, Natasha, and his brother. Based on the adverts, it seems he’s all too happy to play on the affair.
A cult hero who football fans will know is Gordon Parmar Hill, aka the Wealdstone Raider. The former builder became an online sensation when his game-time rant was captured on camera. For those who haven’t heard of him (we’re pretty sure you have), check out the video clip below.
Since his infamous line, “you’ve got no fans”, went viral, Hill has made a number of cameos. As well as working with Cameo, the personal messaging service, he’s appeared in adverts and even released his own Christmas song (see video below).
What’s nice about Hill is that he’s happy to pop up in strange places for charity. A lot of the money he’s earned from cameos goes to his favourite charities, including Great Ormond Street.
Cult Heroes Always Make Us Smile
Source: Pixabay
Those are just some of the unexpected but entertaining cameos out there on the internet. Cult heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Some obtain their status through years of service in entertainment, others are overnight viral success stories. However, what really makes a cult star shine is their ability to make people stop and smile whenever they appear in something.
That’s certainly the case with Owen, Hill and Giggs. Even if the reasons for their presence in a marketing campaign are somewhat spurious, we can’t help but pay attention when they pop up. That, for us, is what makes them cult heroes. Do they command the same reverence as someone like Tom Cruise? Probably not, but who cares? They’re entertaining, whenever and wherever they make an appearance.