15 Cameos from How I Met Your Mother that we absolutely loved

How I Met Your Mother wasn't only the story of Ted's search for "the one." It was also a comedy show, with exceptional moments of laughter, heartfelt episodes, and incredible characters. And not to be missed was the parade of its remarkable cameos. The biggest stars added glamour, mayhem, and mirth to the group's misadventures. From pop stars surprising us with their comedic chops to seasoned actors delivering iconic moments, these guest appearances took the show to a whole new level. Here are 15 cameos that made us laugh, cry, and love the show even more.

**Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.**

Britney Spears as Abby

Britney Spears made a guest appearance as the quirky receptionist Abby, obsessed with Ted, and is arguably one of the most memorable moments of HIMYM. Her comedy and willingness to make jokes about herself were refreshing. The role was only supposed to be a minor character, but it helped raise ratings for the show and exposed a wider audience to it. Abby's comedic affair with Barney kept things fresh and unpredictable, mainly when the two pretended to be a couple.

Katy Perry as Honey

Katy Perry played Honey, a sweet but very naive woman whose gullibility formed the basis of her humor. She was introduced as Zoey's cousin; her overly trusting nature led to some of the most funny misunderstandings on the show. The gang's sympathetic but teasing reactions to her innocence made her scenes unforgettable. This cameo stood out because it showed how Perry could take on self-deprecating humor. Her scenes with Ted and the gang provided an amusing respite in the midst of Zoey-related drama.

Bryan Cranston as Hammond Druthers

Before he cemented his status as a legend, Bryan Cranston appeared on HIMYM as Ted's unbearable former boss, Hammond Druthers. His egotism and quirky behavior – such as the model of his dream skyscraper – added an element of madness to Ted's work life. Cranston proved himself versatile enough to make Hammond both laughable and despicable. It was pure comedy when he fell apart over the rejection of his designs. Years later, fans appreciated the cameo even more as a precursor to Cranston's iconic Walter White, making it a hidden gem in his acting repertoire.

Jennifer Lopez as Anita

Jennifer Lopez, playing a no-nonsense self-help author Anita, brought glamour and sass into HIMYM. Given the task of teaching Barney a lesson on respecting women, Anita challenged his legendary playbook with her wit and charm. As firecracked as Lopez's performance was, it comes with undeniable chemistry with Neil Patrick Harris, making it an unforgettable element. The episode also gave fans the hilarious "No More Mr. Nice Guy" song, propping up J.Lo's comedic chops. Anita was not just a plot device but one of the outstanding moments in Barney's continuous evolution.

Sarah Chalke as Stella Zinman

Sarah Chalke played Stella, Ted's dermatologist and fiancée, not just in a cameo but instead a big part. While her storyline ended on some rather dicey terms, Chalke's cuteness made Stella some of the early show's standouts. From removing Ted's regrettable tattoo to a hilarious two-minute date, Stella seemed to give hope to the sometimes hapless Ted for love. Chalke brought warmth and depth to the role, which made the eventual heartbreak all the sharper. This drew fans to her performance, especially considering her comedic background on Scrubs.

Joe Manganiello as Brad

The recurring scene of Joe Manganiello as Marshall's law school buddy, Brad, was a comedic stroke of genius. From bonding over brunch to hilariously flubbing a job interview, the bromance between the two was a highlight of the show. The character took an interesting turn when Brad became the opposing counsel in a major case. His physicality and humor layered the character and would not be relegated to just being a sidekick. This cameo proved how versatile Manganiello was and remains a fan favorite for its perfect blend of absurdity and charm.

Alan Thicke as Himself

Alan Thicke's frequent presence as a slightly exaggerated version of himself was a sweet reference to Canada's humor. His connection with Robin's awful pop-star history through Robin Sparkles gave further meaning to the depth of Robin's history. Deadpan with his ability to laugh at the celebrity that has become him, Thicke's lines stood out: from being a part of pretend music videos, to funny bits of dialogue shared on screen. His appearance was a tribute to HIMYM's capability of bringing real-life celebrities into its quirky story seamlessly.

Enrique Iglesias as Gael

Enrique Iglesias' character of Gael, Robin's rebound from Ted, was a mix of romance and comedy. Being a free-spirited musician, Gael was the polar opposite of Robin's usual type, causing hilarious cultural clashes with the gang. Iglesias was full of charm and musical talent, especially in scenes where he serenaded everyone. His laid-back attitude towards life clashed with Robin's pragmatism, which created comedic tension. The cameo by Gael highlighted Iglesias' acting potential and gave fans a lighthearted glimpse into Robin's post-breakup journey.

Mandy Moore as Amy

Mandy Moore as the wild, tattoo-loving date of Ted comes in like a whirlwind-a storm of chaos and hilarity. Her free-spirited, rebellious spirit pushes Ted into many wild adventures, like a fail at the tattoo place. Moore was quite edgy for one of her typical roles, making it clear that she can definitely be funny, too. Amy's energy nicely clashes with the gang's, especially Barney's. This cameo added a bit of excitement to Ted's dating history but also gave the viewers a glimpse of his willingness to step outside his comfort zone for a night of fun.

Heidi Klum as Herself

Supermodel Heidi Klum appeared for a few scenes as herself during Barney's fantasy of "Perfect Week," delivering effortless humor and iconic one-liners. In an inner monologue of Barney's, Klum played his coach to build confidence in order to keep him on track to accomplish his brazen goal of sleeping with seven women in seven days. Sharp, self-aware delivery brought a rare comedic side to the supermodel. This cameo added glamour and humor to Barney's already over-the-top escapades, blending absurdity with Klum's playful presence in a way that fans still fondly recall.

John Lithgow as Jerry Whitaker

John Lithgow brought the emotional depth to the show as Jerry, Barney's estranged father. Famous for his comedic genius, Lithgow had to balance both humor and vulnerability in Jerry trying to reconnect with Barney. Awkward but heartfelt moments in fishing trips or embarrassing dad jokes were a whole new side of Barney. This made Jerry, a character otherwise unknown, nuanced by Lithgow, adding more layers to the backstory of Barney. This was no laugh-ride; it marked the first significant change in Barney's emotional growth and was, in many ways, one of the most significant guest appearances in the series.

Kyle MacLachlan as The Captain

Kyle MacLachlan, playing George "The Captain" Van Smoot, was equal parts kooky and intimidating. Being Zoey's rich husband, his love of boats and art gave a fresh twist to the show. His talent to oscillate between being charming and menacing kept the gang on their toes, particularly Ted. The Captain's behavior, ranging from the misinterpretation of an eye stare to uncharacteristic acts of kindness, made him such an interesting character. MacLachlan's work transformed what would have been a one-dimensional role into a great highlight of the show's latter seasons.

Tim Gunn as Himself

The role of Barney Stinson's personal tailor by fashion icon Tim Gunn was both hilarious and ironic. A calm demeanor contrasted with the antics of Barney, which translated into comedy gold. From stitching up emergency suits to giving Barney life advice, Gunn added a touch of class to the show, his catchphrase becoming an inside joke: "Make it work.". This proved Gunn to be versatile outside his fashion background. The entire cameo is a sweet treat for fans of HIMYM, as well as fans of Gunn's reality TV stint.

Rachel Bilson as Cindy

Rachel Bilson, playing Cindy - Ted's short-term girlfriend and co-tenant with the Mother, was a nice narrative tool. Her character brought viewers the first peeks at the Mother's life: the yellow umbrella to the taste in music. Rachel Bilson brought to life, for viewers, a very believable post-grad woman and showed the struggles one faces during those times. This interaction between Bilson and Ted adds more complexity to Ted's journey towards finding the Mother. The cameo by Bilson bridged key plot points, making Cindy's appearance important to the overarching story.

Bob Barker as Himself

Barney's lifelong dream that Bob Barker was his dad was one of the show's most ridiculous yet wonderful cameos. Barker's cameo in The Price Is Right episode gave Barney his chance to have his fantasy come true, displaying the comedic genius of Neil Patrick Harris. Barker was so good-natured, that it made this episode unforgettable; nostalgia and comedy intertwined. It encapsulated what the show does best: it takes the impossible and makes it into something endearing, so it is always a fan favorite.