Hulu’s “How I Met Your Father” has continued its tradition of connecting to the original series in its second season, bringing back two more characters from “How I Met Your Mother” this year. First, star Neil Patrick Harris appeared in the Season 2 premiere, presumably as Barney Stinson, while actor Alexis Denisof appeared in a recent episode reprising his role as Robin’s former co-anchor Sandy Rivers.
While the follow-up to to the beloved comedy has had its own share of guest stars, including Cobie Smulder’s Robin in the Season 1 finale, Meghan Trainor and Eden Sher, “How I Met Your Mother” was known for its numerous cameos and guest stars, filling out a veritable “who’s who” from IMDB. Check out our list below featuring more than 40 actors and other celebrities who appeared on HIMYM over its nine-season run.
HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 07: Actress Malin Ackerman arrives at the "Girl Walks Into A Bar" Los Angeles Premiere at ArcLight Cinemas on March 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Images)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Malin Akerman
Portrayed Stella in the film written by Stella’s husband Tony, “The Wedding Bride” in season 5 episode of the same name.
Actress Morena Baccarin arrives at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards Performers Nominee Reception at the Pacific Design Center on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP)Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP
Morena Baccarin
Appeared as a character named Chloe who Marshall dated in Season 2.
FILE - This April 14, 2008 file photo shows Bob Barker speaking as he is inducted into National Association of Broadcasters hall of fame in Las Vegas. Barker, whose love of animals is returning him to TV on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, as a guest star on "The Bold and the Beautiful." Appearing as himself, the long-time animal rights activist will be interviewed by Liam Spencer, played by series regular Scott Clifton, for a feature article on control of the pet population. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken, File)AP
Bob Barker
Having grown up thinking Bob Barker was his father, Barney gets ready to meet his TV “dad” in the Season 2 episode “Showdown”
Rachel Bilson arrives at Spike TV's Video Game Awards on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rachel Bilson
Ted first met her character, Cindy, while teaching and later learned that she was his eventual wife’s roommate. Made four appearances over the course of the show.
Director Peter Bogdanovich arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "She's Funny That Way" at the Harmony Gold theater on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
Peter Bogdanovich
Appeared as himself at a social gathering during the episode “Robots Vs Wrestlers”
Anna Camp arrives at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP)John Salangsang/Invision/AP
Anna Camp
Played Ted’s wedding date Cassie in a pair of Season 9 episodes.
John Cho arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Twilight Zone" at Harmony Gold on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
John Cho
Appeared in Season 3 as Jefferson Coatsworth, who recruited Marshall to work for his “evil” law firm.
Bryan Cranston poses on his new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision for AMC/AP Images)John Shearer/Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston
Appeared in Season 2 as Ted’s boss Hammond Druthers. Later appeared in a flashback in Season 9.
Best know for his comedic roles, actor Will Forte poses for a portrait in promotion of his upcoming film, "Run and Jump," on Friday, April 19, 2013 in New York. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Invision/AP)Amy Sussman/Invision/AP
Will Forte
Played Randy, one of Barney’s co-workers at Goliath National Bank
Actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher attends a special screening of the season four premiere of the ABC television series "Once Upon a Time" at the El Capitan Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP Images)Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP
JoAnna Garcia Swisher
Another former college friend of the gang whom Ted kept missing out on chances to date over the years. Ted finally had a shot to date Maggie in the Season 5 episode “The Window”
Seth Green attends the LA premiere of "The Mandalorian" at the El Capitan Theatre on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
Seth Green
Played former college mate Daryl whom Lily and Marshall reconnected with in Season 8
HOLLYWOOD, CA - JANUARY 12: Actress Judy Greer arrives at the 17th Annual Critics Choice Movie Awards at Hollywood Palladium on January 12, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Images)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Judy Greer
Appeared as Royce, a woman Ted went to see “The Wedding Bride” with on a date.
American actor Michael Gross poses during a photocall at the 29th MIPCOM (International Film and Programme Market for Tv, Video,Cable and Satellite) in Cannes, southeastern France, Monday, Oct. 7, 2013. Michael Gross presents at the MIPCOM, the tv series "Call Me Fitz " follows the misadventures of Richard Fitz Fitzpatrick. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau ) AP
Michael Gross
The “Family Ties” alum appeared in a pair of episodes as Ted’s father, Alfred
Television personality Tim Gunn attends AOL's BUILD Speaker Series at AOL Studios on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Tim Gunn
Appears in multiple episodes as Barney’s personal tailor.
Actress Lucy Hale arrives at the 26th annual Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards on Saturday, March 23, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Lucy Hale
Played Robin’s younger sister, Katie, who first appeared in a Season 2 episode before returning for Robin’s wedding in Season 9.
Honoree Katie Holmes arrives for Variety's 2nd Annual Power of Women Luncheon in Beverly Hills, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)ASSOCIATED PRESS
Katie Holmes
Holmes appeared in the Season 7 episode “The Slutty Pumpkin Returns” playing the titular character whom Ted had spent years trying to reconnect with.
Enrique Iglesias Performs at State Farm Arena on Friday, October 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (Photo by Robb Cohen/Invision/AP)Robb Cohen/Invision/AP
Enrique Iglesias
Played Gael, a love interest of Robin’s that she met while in Argentina.
Chris Kattan arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 in Hollywood, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Chris Kattan
Appeared in the fictional film “The Wedding Bride” as Jed Mosely, Ted’s evil adaptation.
Actress and model Stacy Keibler attends the 17th Annual ACE Awards hosted by The Accessories Council at Cipriani 42nd Street on Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Stacy Keibler
Portrayed a bartender named Karina who hates guys in suits, much to Barney’s dismay.
Wayne Knight arrives at the U.S. Premiere of "Saving Mr. Banks" - Arrivals at Disney Studios on Monday, December, 9, 2013 in Burbank, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
Wayne Knight
The ‘Seinfeld’ alumnus didn’t actually appear in the Season 2 episode “How Lily Stole Christmas,” but he was the voice of the her apartment landlord.
John Lithgow arrives at the BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
John Lithgow
Appeared in multiple episodes as Barney’s biological father, Jerome.
FILE - In this Feb. 26, 2012 file photo, actress and singer Jennifer Lopez arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in West Hollywood, Calif. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)AP
Jennifer Lopez
Appeared in Season 5 as a dating self-help author who went toe-to-toe with Barney.
Camryn Manheim attends "The Kite Runner" Broadway opening night at the Hayes Theater on Thursday, July 21, 2022, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Camryn Manheim
Appeared as the founder of a computerized dating service that had trouble finding a match for Ted in a first-season episode.
Danica McKellar attends Christmas Con at the New Jersey Expo Center on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, in Edison, N.J. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Danica McKellar
First appearing in Season 1 as one of the many women who cross paths with Ted, Trudy goes on to appear again in the Season 3 episode “Third Wheel”
Lin-Manuel Miranda presents the award for best actress at the 27th annual Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Appeared as a bus passenger in the show’s final season episode “Bedtime Stories” where he got to show off some of his rhyming prowess.
Mandy Moore poses on the closing night of the NBCU FYC House, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Mandy Moore
Appeared in the premiere of Season 3 as a character named Amy who convinced Ted to get a tattoo.
Conan O'Brien arrives at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Conan O’Brien
He appeared as an extra in the Season 7 episode “No Pressure” where he appeared briefly as a bar patron.
U.S. actress Amanda Peet poses at the photo call for the movie 'Please Give' at the International Film Festival Berlinale in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)ASSOCIATED PRESS
Amanda Peet
Played Jenkins, a female associate of Marshall’s at work who develops feelings for him in a fifth season episode also titled “Jenkins”
U.S. singer Katy Perry arrives for the MTV European Music Awards 2010, in Madrid, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Dave Fisher)ASSOCIATED PRESS
Katy Perry
Appeared as a woman whose name neither Ted, nor any of his friends, could remember in the Season 6 episode “Oh Honey”
Television personality Regis Philbin participates in a FOX Sports 1 press event to launch the new show he will co-host called the "Crowd Goes W!ld", on Monday, July 15, 2013 in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Regis Philbin
The popular TV host appeared in a Season 4 episode where he and Marshall were both trying to find “The Best Burger in New York”
Laura Prepon arrives at PALEYFEST 2014 - "Orange is the New Black" on Friday, March 14, 2014, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
Laura Prepon
First appeared in flashbacks as Ted’s college girlfriend Karen. The pair reconnected in the present in the 4th season episode “Sorry Bro” before breaking up in the next episode.
Nicole Scherzinger arrives at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Nicole Scherzinger
Appearing in the Season 6 episode “Glitter,” Nicole Played Robin Sparkle’s TV co-star Jessica Glitter.
Actress Jane Seymour poses at the premiere of "Austenland" during the 2013 Sundance Film Festival on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP)Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP
Jane Seymour
Appeared as one of Marshall’s law professors in Season 2.
Martin Short, a cast member in "Beauty & the Beast: A 30th Celebration," poses at the premiere of the ABC television special, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at Carondelet House in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Martin Short
Appeared as Garrison Cootes, Marshall’s law firm boss in a trio of Season 7 episodes
Britney Spears takes the stage to present at the 2006 American Music Awards in Los Angeles, on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)Associated Press
Britney Spears
Britney played Stella’s receptionist in a pair of episodes during Season 3.
Singer Tiffany attends the Syfy premiere of "Mega Python vs. Gatoroid" at The Ziegfeld Theatre in New York, on Monday, Jan. 24, 2011. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tiffany
The ‘80s teen-pop icon appeared in the music video for Robin’s song “Sandcastles in the Sand” in an episode of the same name.
Actress Tracey Ullman attends the premiere of "Into The Woods" at the Ziegfeld Theatre on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Tracey Ullman
Played Robin’s mother, Genevieve
Singer Carrie Underwood performs in Lincoln Center during ABC's "Good Morning America" television program Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)ASSOCIATED PRESS
Carrie Underwood
Played Tiffany, one of the many women Ted dated throughout the show in a fifth season episode titled “Hooked”
James Van Der Beek arrives at the CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Wade Payne/Invision/AP)Wade Payne/Invision/AP
James Van Der Beek
Appeared as Robin’s first boyfriend, Simon. He first appeared in a Season 3 episode before two more brief appearances in later seasons.
PALM SPRINGS, CA - JANUARY 08:Actor Michael York arrives at the 2011 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala at the Palm Springs Convention Centre on January 8, 2011 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)Getty Images
Michael York
Also appeared in the episode “Robots Vs Wrestlers” as Jefferson Van Smoot, the host of the NYC society party.
Movie and TV fun facts & more
15 fun facts about ‘How I Met Your Mother’
The Royal Family: Who’s next in line for the British Throne?
88 celebrities who were born in Canada
12 fun facts about ‘Groundhog Day’
15 fun facts about ‘Yellowstone’
20 fun facts about ‘A Christmas Story’
15 celebrities who appeared on ‘Saved By the Bell’
‘The Office’ fun facts | 30 guest stars on ‘The Office’
10 famous directors who shot episodes of ‘The Office’
25 fun facts about ‘Friends’ | 25 celebs who appeared on ‘Friends’
25 actors you didn’t know were on ‘Game of Thrones’
25 actors you didn’t know appeared in ‘Boy Meets World’
‘Ghost’ remake: 10 actresses who could fill Demi Moore’s lead role
In memoriam: Celebrities who died in 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018
More movie fun facts: ‘Love Actually’ | ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ | ‘Dirty Dancing’ | ‘Scream’ | ‘Romeo + Juliet’ | ‘The Big Lebowski’ | ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ | ‘The Phantom Menace’
Relive your childhood with these 120 Hanna-Barbera cartoons
Want to see more celebrity birthdays as well as additional fun facts posts? Follow me on Facebook for the latest by clicking the “like” button below.