1. Sammy Davis Jr. on All in the Family
When Sammy Davis Jr. dropped by the Bunker household in 1972, it was television gold. Playing himself, the Rat Pack legend stopped in for a quick cameo after leaving his briefcase in Archie’s cab. What started as a casual visit turned into one of the most memorable moments in sitcom history, especially when Sammy planted a surprise kiss on Archie’s cheek. The scene got huge laughs but also tackled race relations with a wink. For viewers, it was a reminder that sitcoms could be funny and still make a point. Davis never returned for another episode, but the impact of that moment lasted for decades. Even today, fans remember the sheer shock and delight of that unscripted-feeling kiss.
Though the episode was built around Archie’s awkwardness, Davis brought warmth and charm that completely stole the show. He didn’t need to play a fictional character—his real-life charisma did all the work. It was a once-in-a-lifetime blend of star power and perfect timing.
2. Farrah Fawcett on The Partridge Family
Before she became a poster icon and a star of Charlie’s Angels, Farrah Fawcett made a single guest appearance on The Partridge Family. She played a beautiful young woman who catches Keith Partridge’s eye, sending him into one of his classic lovestruck spirals. Farrah’s natural charm and effortless beauty stood out, even among a cast full of appealing personalities. She lit up every scene she was in, making it easy to see why Keith was smitten.
It’s funny to look back and realize that this was before her career exploded. In just that one episode, she left a lasting impression, proving she could handle light comedy just as easily as drama. Fans didn’t know it at the time, but they were seeing the early sparks of a superstar.
3. Vincent Price on The Brady Bunch
In a two-part Hawaiian vacation arc, Vincent Price appeared as an eccentric recluse named Professor Whitehead. He kidnapped the Brady boys after they stumbled into his cave, convinced they were after his artifacts. It was classic sitcom silliness, but Price brought his trademark spooky flair, turning the tropical setting into something straight out of a campy mystery.
Even though his appearance spanned just those episodes, Price managed to be both menacing and funny. His over-the-top delivery and theatrical style fit perfectly with The Brady Bunch’s playful tone. For a generation of kids, it was their first introduction to the horror legend—and it came with a laugh track.
4. John Wayne on Maude
John Wayne wasn’t exactly known for sitcom work, which made his brief appearance on Maude in 1972 such a shocker. Playing himself, the Duke showed up as part of a surprise birthday celebration for Maude, who was both thrilled and starstruck. The scene leaned into Wayne’s cowboy persona, but he also showed off a sly comedic side.
For a man who spent most of his career in sprawling Westerns, seeing him in Maude Findlay’s living room was pure novelty. He never came back for a second round, but his cameo proved that even Hollywood’s toughest cowboys could loosen up and play for laughs.
5. Betty White on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (Before Sue Ann Nivens)
Before Betty White became a recurring star as Sue Ann Nivens, she popped up in an earlier season as a completely different character. She played a TV personality visiting the WJM newsroom, and though it was only a one-off, she brought her signature wit and warmth. Her timing was impeccable, and her ability to deliver a biting remark with a sweet smile was already on display.
It’s fascinating to see her in that guest role, knowing she would soon join the show full-time. The audience clearly loved her from the start, and that early appearance was a big reason the producers brought her back.
6. William Shatner on The Six Million Dollar Man
Though better known for Star Trek, William Shatner made a guest appearance as an astronaut with psychic powers in The Six Million Dollar Man. It was a mix of science fiction and espionage that let Shatner show off his intensity. His character was haunted by strange visions after a space mission, and Steve Austin had to step in to help.
The performance was pure Shatner—dramatic pauses, intense stares, and all. While it wasn’t a sitcom in the traditional sense, his flair for over-the-top delivery brought an odd comedic charm to the role. Fans got to see him outside the captain’s chair, even if just once.
7. Cher on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour’s Sitcom Segment
Cher mostly sang and did variety comedy, but in one episode’s sitcom-style sketch, she played a nosy neighbor with perfect deadpan delivery. It was a clear nod to the popular sitcom format of the era, and she nailed it with a mix of elegance and sly humor.
Though it was just one segment, it left fans wishing she’d take on a sitcom role full-time. Her ability to blend sharp comedic timing with her glamorous presence made her a natural for the genre.
8. Don Rickles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Don Rickles brought his legendary insult humor to a single episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Playing a sportswriter who clashed with Lou Grant, he rattled off barbs at nearly every character in the newsroom. His rapid-fire delivery and sharp wit turned every scene into a laugh-out-loud moment.
Rickles’ energy was so different from the usual tone of the show that it gave the episode a unique flavor. He didn’t return, but his one-time stint was enough to make it one of the most memorable guest spots of the ’70s.
9. Sandy Duncan on The Love Boat
In her one-off Love Boat appearance, Sandy Duncan played an energetic, slightly scatterbrained passenger who kept crossing paths with the crew. Her warmth and comedic timing made her character instantly likable. She added a dash of mischief to the cruise’s usual romantic hijinks.
While The Love Boat was filled with celebrity cameos, Duncan’s stood out because she brought so much life to the role. Viewers were left wanting more of her infectious energy on board.
10. Bob Hope on The Muppet Show
Bob Hope’s single guest appearance on The Muppet Show was a playful mix of comedy and chaos. He traded quips with Kermit, Gonzo, and Miss Piggy, slipping in quick jokes between skits. His ease with the Muppets made it feel like he’d been part of their world for years.
Even though it was just one episode, Hope’s old-school showbiz charm meshed perfectly with the Muppets’ zany humor. It’s a pairing that, sadly, we never got to see again.
11. Steve Martin on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour’s Sitcom Segment
Before Steve Martin became one of the biggest comedy stars in the world, he appeared in a sitcom-style bit on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. Playing an awkward suitor, he brought his trademark absurdist humor and physical comedy. It was an early glimpse at the style that would later make him famous.
Though just a one-off sketch, his performance was sharp, quirky, and unforgettable. Looking back, it feels like a hidden gem in Martin’s early career.
12. Elton John on The Muppet Show
Elton John’s appearance on The Muppet Show is still talked about decades later. Wearing some of his most outrageous outfits, he sang and joked with the puppet cast as if he’d known them forever. The episode was full of playful banter, with Elton gamely joining in on the silliness.
It was a unique mix of music and comedy that only happened once, making it even more special. Fans got to see a more relaxed, humorous side of the music legend, and it was pure joy from start to finish.
