In the 1990s, The X-Files stood out as one of the most influential TV series. For almost a decade, audiences eagerly tuned in each week to follow FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully’s explorations into strange and eerie cases. The show was captivating because it encompassed various genres – many episodes had a sci-fi/thriller tone, but some were more comedic or downright terrifying. Yet, what truly bound the series together were its characters; Mulder’s fervent belief in the supernatural contrasted beautifully with Scully’s skeptical pragmatism.

Additionally, Mulder and Scully weren’t alone in their investigations; they had a stellar ensemble of co-stars. Even the most astute viewers might be taken aback to discover that several well-known celebrities graced the screen alongside our FBI agents. Here are some memorable cameos from The X-Files that you may have forgotten.

Tony Shalhoub – “Soft Light” (Season 2, Episode 23)

In this episode, Mulder and Scully delve into a peculiar case where individuals have mysteriously perished due to fire with no discernible cause. Their inquiry ultimately brings them to Dr. Chester Banton, a physicist who allegedly might be responsible; however, his explanation is somewhat unconventional. He asserts that an accident during an experiment concerning dark matter has given his shadow a malignant existence, causing the victims’ disintegration.

Tony Shalhoub, renowned for performances in Galaxy Quest, Monk, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, delivers a captivating portrayal as a jittery physicist, justifiably fearful even of his own shadow. Many idiosyncratic traits that would define his future characters are prominently showcased in this role, seamlessly blending with the enigmatic atmosphere of The X-Files.

Kathy Griffin – “Fight Club” (Season 7, Episode 20)

In their newest investigation, Mulder and Scully travel to Kansas City, Kansas, where they encounter a perplexing enigma concerning a woman and her twin. Yet, this duo is not your ordinary set of identical twins; instead, they appear to be doppelgängers. An intriguing twist is that when these two women are in close proximity, they unintentionally cause chaos and destruction wherever they go.

In this rephrased version: Kathy Griffin portrays both characters, Betty Templeton and Lulu Pfeiffer. Although Griffin’s energetic demeanor captivates in many scenes, it seems she may not have fully mastered the art of embodying two distinct personalities. This results in a slight weakening of what could have been an entertaining “creature-of-the-week” episode.

Lucy Lawless – “Nothing Important Happened Today” (Season 9, Episodes 1 & 2)

In this two-part storyline, we delve into a covert government project centered around engineering superhumans. One of these subjects is Shannon McMahon, a former Justice Department employee who underwent transformation into a “super soldier.” But, she’s turned against her creators and intends to unmask the hidden operation, which entailed contaminating the water supply with a mutation-causing substance.

Lucy Lawless, famously recognized for her roles in “Xena: Warrior Princess,” “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” and “Parks and Recreation,” takes on the character of Shannon McMahon. She fits this role flawlessly given her past performances as a rugged yet endearing figure who exudes both strength and charm.

Shia LaBeouf – “The Goldberg Variation” (Season 7, Episode 6)

Henry Weems, the focus of Mulder and Scully’s recent investigation, is an individual who seems to have an exceptional amount of good fortune while inadvertently causing misfortune for others. He employs his fortunate circumstances to triumph at an illicit poker game against a gangster, planning to utilize the earnings to finance a liver transplant for a young fellow named Richie Lupone.

In one of his initial acting ventures, Shia LaBeouf portrayed a young, ill boy. Even at such a tender age, Shia delivered an authentic, heartfelt performance that was genuinely moving yet never overly sentimental.

Octavia Spencer – “Millennium” (Season 7, Episode 4)

In this installment, the narrative connects to the TV show “Millennium”, providing a finale for the spin-off series that Chris Carter, creator of “The X-Files”, developed. Here, Mulder and Scully are tasked with solving a case about a clandestine group attempting to trigger the apocalypse through the revival of the deceased. To halt the impending end of the world as the new millennium approaches, they seek assistance from criminal profiler Frank Black (played by Lance Henriksen).

In a brief, fleeting moment on screen, renowned actress Octavia Spencer – a multiple award winner at the Academy Awards (with two additional nominations) and the Golden Globes – makes a quick, almost unnoticed appearance as ‘Nurse Octavia’.

Ryan Reynolds – “Syzygy” (Season 3, Episode 13)

In the peaceful town of Comity, New Hampshire, Agents Mulder and Scully might initially find it charming, but as they delve deeper, they uncover a string of peculiar teenage murders. The primary suspects appear to be two high school girls, Terri Roberts and Margi Kleinjan, who seemingly gained extraordinary abilities following an unusual alignment of a seldom-seen celestial body.

In a recent turn of events, the newest target of the group of teenagers is the self-assured athlete Jay “Boom” DeBoom, who perfectly fits the role Ryan Reynolds might have been destined to portray. Already in his early acting career, he exhibits hints of the intelligence, assurance, and appeal that would later make him famous.

Bryan Cranston – “Drive” (Season 6, Episode 2)

In the small town of Buhl, Idaho, agents Mulder and Scully find themselves entangled in an extraordinary case. The local authorities are pursuing a man named Patrick Crump, who is exhibiting bizarre symptoms of an unknown illness. Before long, Mulder finds himself behind the wheel of a speeding car with Crump as his unwilling passenger. Crump fears that if Mulder slows down, both he and Mulder may perish.

In a captivating portrayal, Bryan Cranston plays the character of Crump. His act is both maniacally intense and deeply tragic, as his character’s existence hinges on perpetual motion. This role bears a striking resemblance to Walter White from the critically acclaimed show Breaking Bad. Interestingly, Vince Gilligan, the creator of this episode, was so taken aback by Cranston’s performance that he specifically had him in mind when he developed the iconic series.

2025-01-31 02:45

7 X-Files Cameos You Totally Forgot About