To mark the Guide's 250th instalment and the US Independence Day, this week's newsletter presents 25 of the most unlikely US/UK pop-cultural crossovers. These are moments where American celebrities found themselves in weird corners of British popular culture, or vice versa.
Olivia Rodrigo and Colin the Caterpillar
American pop star Olivia Rodrigo has professed her love for M&S's edible caterpillar mascot in multiple interviews and onstage at Glastonbury. On her first encounter, she attacked it with enthusiasm.
Mel Brooks and The One Show
Veteran comic Mel Brooks appeared on the BBC's teatime magazine programme, baffled by its jarring segues. He exclaimed, "What a crazy show this is."
Stanley Kubrick and Beckton Gas Works
For Full Metal Jacket, Kubrick used a soon-to-be-demolished gasworks near the Isle of Dogs to represent Hue's Imperial City. Beckton has since appeared in Derek Jarman's video for The Smiths and the Bond film For Your Eyes Only.
Frankie Boyle and Grand Theft Auto IV
In GTA IV's Liberty City, players can watch Ricky Gervais and Frankie Boyle perform at the Split Sides comedy club, a jolting surprise for late-night gamers.
The Lemonheads and a Yorkshire Secondary School
At the height of their fame, Evan Dando's band performed at Minsthorpe High School after a letter from pupils. Dando told the audience, "Don't do any drugs. Drink a lot of tea instead."
Snoop Dogg and Mary Berry
Rapper Snoop Dogg declared he wanted to open a bakery with Bake Off judge Mary Berry, calling her his "homegirl" in a Daily Star interview.
Nicolas Cage and Wogan
Cage raced onto Terry Wogan's chatshow doing somersaults and kung fu kicks, later admitting he was play-acting as his Wild at Heart character.
Andi Peters and Toy Story 2
Children's BBC presenter Andi Peters voiced Baggage Handler 2 in Toy Story 2, a role he recorded while filming a behind-the-scenes documentary.
The Cast of The Sopranos and The Big Breakfast
David Chase, James Gandolfini, and others appeared on Channel 4's morning show, looking at sea except Lorraine Bracco who had a ball.
Pro Wrestlers and GMTV
Sting and the British Bulldog flexed on GMTV, with host Martin Frizzell volunteering for Sting's Scorpion Death Lock, resulting in groans and cracking joints.
Joe Cornish, Tom Cruise and the Doodle
Adam Buxton coaxed Joe Cornish into revealing his strange encounter with Tom Cruise, including Cruise's shonky doodle of Snowy the dog, in the Tintin writers' room.
Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love and Newport, Gwent
The story that Kurt and Courtney got engaged at Newport's TJ's is likely apocryphal, but it's a great tall tale.
Sigourney Weaver and Doc Martin
The Alien star appeared as an American backpacker on ITV's Doc Martin in 2019, thanks to her friendship with Selina Cadell.
Orson Welles and Anglia Television
Welles briefly decamped to Norwich to narrate Anglia Television's Great Mysteries, but left as soon as he recorded his first takes, bored.
David Dimbleby and Gore Vidal
On election night 2008, Dimbleby and Vidal had a confusing set-to, with Vidal growling, "I don't know who you are!"
David Letterman and Wembley Stadium
In 1995, Letterman and Paul Shaffer had a psychedelic kickabout in an empty Wembley stadium, soundtracked by Status Quo's collaboration with Manchester United.
Seth Rogen and Celia Imrie
At the TV Baftas, Rogen mocked Celia Imrie for her Traitors flatulence, announcing to a guffawing audience that "all I know is that she farted on a reality show."
Bill Hicks and Pebble Mill
In 1992, transgressive comedian Bill Hicks appeared on the milquetoast magazine show Pebble Mill, delivering a funny interview on censorship and theology.
The Beastie Boys and a Tory Backbencher
Conservative MP Peter Bruinvels condemned the Beastie Boys for being "obscene and violent," objecting to their 21-foot hydraulic penis stage prop.
Alison Hammond and Harrison Ford
Hammond made Ford laugh with her opening line: "Bleak, dystopian, an absolute nightmare – that's just my interviewing technique."
John Bercow on the US Traitors
The former Commons Speaker appeared on the US Traitors, shouting "orrrderrr" before being murdered after 10 episodes.
Kelsey Grammer and Bristol Rovers FC
Grammer yawned through a League Two match between Bristol Rovers and Rochdale in 2014, now married to the daughter of Rovers coach Alan Walsh.
Larry Hagman and Shooting Stars
Hagman looked contemptuous when Bob Mortimer handed him a "fartridge."
Matt Berry and the Academy Awards
Berry played Oscars announcer, extravagantly pronouncing names like "Antonio Banderrrrassss."
Timothée Chalamet and Lime Bikes/Scouse Rappers/Susan Boyle
Chalamet's pandering to British culture is appreciated, from riding lime bikes to meeting Susan Boyle.
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