Elton John's Forgotten Cameo On South Park
It's no secret that Elton John is one of the most influential artists of his generation, and his excellent music is still enjoyed by many fans years later. His efforts, however, are not limited to just the music scene, as the prolific celebrity has made many appearances on both the big and small screen.
Sir Elton John has been a powerhouse in the music industry since the 1970s, and he has put out a vast array of exceptional tracks, including "Tiny Dancer" and "Rocket Man." But his real-life greatest hits album doesn't stop there, as the talented artist has received several impressive accolades and awards over the course of his remarkable career. His accomplishments include having won two Academy Awards and five Grammys. He's been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his efforts in musical and charitable services (via USA Today) and received the Legion d'honneur, France's highest civilian award. He was even the subject of an award-winning biopic, with Taron Egerton taking home a Golden Globe for his portrayal of John in "Rocketman." But fans definitely enjoy it when Sir Elton himself appears front and center on the screen.
In 2021 viewers went crazy over an Uber Eats commercial he did with Lil Nas X. Other cameo appearances worth mentioning include "The Muppet Show," "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," "The Simpsons," and "Will & Grace." But some fans may have forgotten that he actually made a cameo appearance on the Comedy Central series "South Park."
Elton John played himself in the Chef Aid episode
In Season 2, Episode 14 ("Chef Aid”), Chef (voiced by Isaac Hayes) finds himself on the wrong end of a lawsuit where he owes a hefty sum of money. In order to help him pay his debts, Kyle Broflovski (Matt Stone), Stan Marsh (Trey Parker), Eric Cartman (Parker), and Kenny McCormick (Stone) recruit various musical talents to play a benefit concert. Several big-name artists make a cameo, including Meat Loaf, Ozzy Osbourne, and DMX.
Sir Elton John is also one of the acts that perform at the show. It appears the cafeteria worker was the one who put John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin together while also advising him to take on a more glamorous approach to his wardrobe.
John recorded the song he sang in the episode, "Wake up Wendy," which appeared on the "Chef Aid: The South Park Album," and according to Behind the Voices on YouTube, he is also in the accompanying mockumentary "Chef Aid: Behind the Menu."
The Rocketman seems to have enjoyed his time on the series. "It was just great to be a part of something that currently had such momentum, you know every week we sat up and watched South Park," he said in a previous interview. There is no denying Sir Elton John has made many contributions to society, and his place within the "South Park" legacy was yet another worthwhile endeavor of a very rewarding career.