Trolling truly is an art form. Like any form of performance, a troll must stay in character throughout the charade until they reach their desired reaction from their intended audience. Celebrities who make livings entertaining audiences should theoretically be better at it than the rest of us.
Fortunately, some indeed do deliver on this promise in leaps and bounds as we’ll see. With constant attention, many film and television stars receive from the paparazzi, they have plenty of opportunities to practice their craft on the unsuspecting public.
Danny DeVito
A fan of Danny DeVito decided to take a cardboard cut-out of the veteran actor to her prom.
We’re not getting into the details of why she thought this would be a good idea, only that she did it. The flower and the tie really bring it life, huh?
See more epic next-level celebrity trolling:
Danny DeVito #2
Danny DeVito, of course, wouldn’t let such dedication go unnoticed so he, in turn, printed out a cardboard cutout of the young lady and brought it to the set of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia in which he stars. Specifically, he brought it to Paddy’s Pub where a large part of the show takes place.
Liam Neeson
Rather innocuously, Big Star Sandwich thought it could pay homage to the legendary Irish actor and write “Liam Neeson eats here for free” seeing as the odds of this actually happening were nigh on impossible.
Liam Neeson took it upon himself to see if they would be good on their word. Lo and behold, they most certainly were. Talk about great publicity!
Bill Gates
As a visitor to Microsoft’s head office in Seattle, this fine gentleman was excited, to say the least. Snapping away in front of various signs, he inadvertently snapped the founder himself, the one and only Bill Gates, as he walked past him. Bet he couldn't top this one.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
When fans visited this wax museum, they couldn’t help but notice how realistic the wax figure of the Arnold Schwarzenegger from the Terminator films looked. Based on their observations, they had to get closer to snap a pic.
That was until it came to life. It was indeed Arnie himself, and fans were anything but terminated, fortunately.
Barack Obama
When you’re at a conference with the sitting President of the United States in attendance, you’d think that it would be many kids’ dream to go tell their friends how they saw the President in real-life.
Not this kid. He preferred to catch some z’s while the president yapped on about “hope and change”. Obama got his revenge though when he trolled the kid with this photo. Trolled by the president, now that’s an elite list.
Tom Hanks
When Tom Hanks and his friend noticed this young gentleman had dozed off on a neighboring table, they decided to take some photos on his phone making light of his public shut-eye.
From making him wear glasses, to pointing at him, to giving a thumbs up, this guy realized the next morning he was pranked by a double Academy Award winner. If only they gave out Oscars for trolling!
Tom Hanks #2
When this young fan sent Tom Hanks some fan mail, she didn’t expect the multi-award-winning actor to write back with this tongue in cheek response.
She had requested the actor send her two current headshots, however, seeing as he felt it wouldn’t really be appropriate, given his current state, he decided to send back a polaroid of him posing with her photo. It’s easy to see the source of Tom Hanks' talent – his ingenious creativity.
Elijah Wood
When this fan bumped into Elijah Wood, she wanted to take a memorable photo with the actor. Upon the actor’s request, she carried him on her back.
Frodo Baggins might have carried the one ring to Mordor through three lengthy movies, but with help like this, the fellowship would’ve been there and back again in time for supper.
Elijah Wood #2
Oh, Elijah. We were all under the impression you were just an innocent little boy from the shire, finding his place in Middle Earth. Oh, but how we were wrong!
It seems young Frodo acquired a taste for the vices of life and took a detour on his quest to vanquish evil once and for all. Just wait until Gandalf hears about this!
Beyoncé
Beyoncé probably gets a dime a dozen selfie requests by fans every time she ventures into the public domain. So when this guy met the singer, she decided to mix things up and told him “whatever face you make, I’ll make”. She clearly stayed true to her word. Can you say slay?
Beyoncé #2
This fan would have gotten the surprise of his life. He thought he as posing with a Blu-ray copy of the film The Coalition, however, he got much more than he bargained for when none other than Beyoncé was caught staring at the camera in the background as she strolled past him.
Her expression says it all!
Chris Pratt
After fans asked Chris Pratt to post photos of him hanging out with fellow actress Jennifer Lawrence, the actor gladly obliged.
However, Pratt cheekily added his trademark touch of trolling his audience by hiding Lawrence face behind all kinds of objects, and in some cases cropping her nearly out of the photo itself.
Chris Pratt #2
The best Pratt could muster of Lawrence was a full shot of the back of her head while she was getting her makeup done. Even when taking a group photo, Pratt expertly crops Lawrence nearly off the picture, leaving just enough to recognize she’s there but not enough to please fans.
Johnny Depp
While filming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales in Australia, Johnny Depp casually went for a stroll through South East Queensland while dressed as his character, Captain Jack Sparrow. Even the local police had to get in on the action, snapping this selfie with the enigmatic actor.
Michael Cera
Michael Cera is known for acting on the sitcom Arrested Development, as well as in movies such as Superbad, Juno, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and This Is The End.
Being relatively well-known, this girl couldn’t believe her luck at finding the actor essentially photobombing her selfie as he was passing by.
Fabio
For those of you who don’t know Fabio Lanzoni appeared on the covers of dozens of romance novels through the 1980s and 1990s. Better known by the mononym Fabio, he is particularly known for memorable advertising campaigns for I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!.
Being such an icon of popular culture, this fine gentleman couldn’t resist playing the role of a damsel in distress.
Fabio #2
It would appear this has become a trend with this chap posing as a dreamy, starstruck fan being rescued in the hands of the Adonis-like Fabio, the picture of raw masculinity. It’s all down here from here, buddy. Fabio really does seem like a cool guy we have to say!
Kanye West
Kanye West is known for his outspoken nature and unapologetic behavior. So while he was out trying to enjoy a football game, these fans wanted a picture with the acclaimed rapper.
However, in true Yeezy style, he was having none of it and trolled their photo with his best "not impressed" expression. Never change Kanye.
Aaron Paul
Coachella is one of the most famous annual music and arts festivals in the world. Held in the Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert, it attracts fans from all over the world, both celebrities and non-celebrities alike.
So when this couple took a selfie together, who else but actor Aaron Paul who played Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad to photobomb them.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
When this fan tried to sneakily capture a selfie of The Rock passing by, the actor decided to take things up a notch and did his best gladiator face. Do you smell what The Rock is cooking? Because we think he’s totally on fleek here.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson #2
The Rock truly rocks. When a young fan asked him if he could autograph the back of his shirt, he decided to play a trick on the young’un by flipping the sharpie and pretending to write on the back of the fan’s head and neck. The expression on the fan says it all.
Cole Sprouse
Cole Sprouse is best known for his role as Cody Martin on the Disney Channel series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and its spinoff The Suite Life on Deck. Since 2017, he has starred as Jughead Jones on The CW television series Riverdale.
Starring on a teen drama means every time he steps outside members of the public attempt to capture a sneaky photo of the actor. So, Sprouse being a good sport, decided to play a little game and dedicated a special page for fans taking sneaky pictures of him when he’s out and about.
Cole Sprouse #2
The account can be found on Instagram and is titled “camera_duels”. Clearly, Sprouse takes great delight it beating fans at their own game. The description of the page reads:
“This Instagram is dedicated to the people out there who secretly take photos of me, and how I take photos of them first. May the fastest camera win.”
Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal has been gracing the big screen for the better part of two-decades and as such has appeared in a number of critically-acclaimed and commercially successful films.
With success comes attention, and while having dinner out one night, a couple presumably on a date, spotted the actor and tried to sneak in an unsuspecting selfie with the actor in the background. Being in the spotlight for so long, Gyllenhaal is well-versed in spotting cameras, and so in good spirit, looked directly at the camera with a wry smile.
Michael Rooker
When filming was underway for Avengers: Infinity War, Marvel decided to mess with fans and sent Michael Rooker, who plays Yondu Udonta in the Guardians of the Galaxy films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to loiter around the set of the film.
Spoiler Alert: Yondu, of course, dies before the events of the film, and by sending him to the set, it got fans asking questions. Now that’s marvelous trolling.
Jason Momoa
Not only is Jason Momoa one of the coolest guys in Hollywood, but he is also one of the slickest there is. When fans asked him for a photo, he obliged but with one condition: he steals the girl, leaving the guy wondering how. The t-shirt could be the reason, buddy.
Jason Momoa #2
It seems no one is safe when the Aquaman star is around. To be honest, the real disappointment here is that Jason Momoa didn't hug the guy too, more than the fact his girl is pressed up against his Momoa's biceps.
Bill Murray
Bill Murray is known for his deadpan delivery, predominantly having acted in comedic roles throughout his career. But even he couldn’t resist breaking from his typical image when this baby cried upon meeting him. In true Bill Murray style, he imitated the boy for the photo.
Neil Patrick Harris
This is a rare moment when one celebrity photobombs another celebrity. Neil Patrick Harris sneakily captured this photo of fellow actor Bill Murray aboard a plane. Somehow, Murray still manages to be the scene stealer in that wonderful yellow top. Legen-wait-for-it-dary.
Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield played the superhero Spider-man in two feature films in 2014 and 2016. During this time as the Marvel hero, he decided to show up to Comic-Con dressed up as a Spider-man “fan”, even going to ask a question during The Amazing Spider-Man panel.
Part way through his question, he tore off his mask, revealing who he really was. Now that’s amazing!
Channing Tatum
During a charity promotional charity raffle, Channing Tatum dressed up as an older, balder, spectacled marketing executive named “Scott”, ushering fans to a room to view a special screening of his film Magic Mike in 3D.
The unsuspecting fans were interviewed by Scott, with one even saying Matthew McConaughey is her favorite actor in the film – that had to hurt! During the special private screening, Tatum tore off his costume while dancing seductively before the eyes of the delighted fans.
Maisie Williams
For those of you who don’t know who Maisie Williams is, she stars as Arya Stark of Winterfell in the HBO fantasy television series Game of Thrones. Being part of such a popular show, there’s no doubt she is recognized almost everywhere she goes.
So at the 2014 Comic-Con convention, she disguised herself as Spider-Man and Guy Fawkes as she walked among fans undetected.
Maisie Williams #2
Maisie Williams decided to play a prank on the public when she pretended to be an employee at a science-fiction/fantasy memorabilia store. Many patrons couldn’t help but tell her how remarkable her similarity was to the actress.
However, Williams was quick to dismiss their suspicions feigning irritation at the very prospect. The results were nevertheless humorous. She even got them to act out scenes from Game of Thrones in order to win free stuff.
Adele
With the help of a prosthetic nose and some world-class makeup, Adele entered an Adele impersonator competition hosted by Graham Norton (who was in on the joke).
The singer made witty jabs about herself while disguised as a fan named “Jenny” to the bemusement of fellow competitors. In a beautiful turn of events, the entire ruse ends in an emotional reveal for Adele and her fans.
Adele #2
Adele somehow managed to photobomb fans at an event which she headlined (check out the background). Graham Norton is there again as Adele casually poses behind these two unsuspecting fans.
We wonder what they did when they eventually saw the photo, realizing how close they were to the singer. They could’ve had it all.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio nearly gave his friend and fellow actor Jonah Hill a heart attack when he ran at him pretending to be an obsessed fan trying to snap a pic.
While Hill was on his phone, DiCaprio ran up to him with a cellphone to his face pretending to capture a photo of the actor. It took a startled Hill a moment before he realized it was his good buddy playing a prank on him.
Justin Timberlake
For the 2011 Comic-Con, musician and actor Justin Timberlake decided to team up with Esquire magazine writer Chris Jones and disguised themselves as Sesame Street‘s Bert and Ernie respectively.
Fans had no idea until the photos later emerged in the publication. Can we bring Bert and Ernie back?
Matt Smith
British actor Matt Smith famously played the eleventh incarnation of The Doctor in the BBC series Doctor Who from 2010 to 2014. So at the height of his popularity in 2013, he covertly attended Comic-Con disguised as Bart Simpson from the animated sitcom The Simpsons.
Peter Jackson
New Zealand director, screenwriter, and producer Peter Jackson, is known for being the mind behind films such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Hobbit trilogy, as well as many other successful films.
For 2014’s Comic-Con, Jackson posted photos on his Facebook page walking through Comic-Con disguised as an evil jester. Who needs special effects when playing the fool will do, huh?
Kit Harrington
If you're a fan of Game of Thrones then you know how obsessed some fans are in regard to spoilers. Many theorize how it will all end and with every bit of filming, there's always some sneaky fan lurking around who reveals what's to happen.
So, actor Kit Harington who plays Jon Snow / Aegon Targaryen decided to troll fans with the help of the crew prior to the seventh season of the show. The actor pretended to be filming a scene with a dragon's head on the beach sending many tongues wagging. Now that's trolling 2.0.
Rod Stewart
British rockstar Rod Stewart has been in the entertainment industry for close to six decades so you can imagine he's one of the most recognizable faces in music.
Fans learned that the legendary singer isn't only a rock icon but a down to earth guy when he photobombed these two people. Now that's rock 'n' roll, baby.
Jack Black
During the 2014 Comic-Con, Jack Black walked through the floor wearing a Stormtrooper mask. However, for once the costume apparently didn’t fool many people.
“Everybody's just like, ‘Jack Black, you in there?’” he later said. “And I'm like ‘No, it's not me. I don't know what you're talking about.’”
Simon Pegg
Simon Pegg is known for his roles in films such as Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World's End, as well as the recent Star Trek films. The actor also had a cameo role in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
At the 2014 Comic-Con, he mixed things up by wearing a Boba Fett mask from Star Wars and paired it with his Shawn of the Dead outfit. No one noticed it was him!
Mark Hamill
When Omaze wanted to advertise their once in a lifetime fan experience of attending a Star Wars premiere with the cast of The Last Jedi, they recruited some fans to read out their favorite lines from the film franchise for a promotional video.
However, fans were shocked part way through the reading when none other than Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker in the films, joined them. The surprise on their faces is genuine. Now that's Omaze-ing!
Mark Hamill #2
During the 2018 Comic-Con convention, Mark Hamill hid among fans disguised as a Stormtrooper from the First Order. The actor even paid homage to Princess Leia’s famous “aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper” line in his accompanying Instagram post. The humor is strong with this one.
Benedict Cumberbatch
When you're as famous as Benedict Cumberbatch, you're bound to be followed by the paparazzi nearly everywhere you go. Not only that, but you also have to contend with fans coming up to you whenever you're out in public.
It makes sense then why the talented actor decided to troll the public by covering his face with a napkin while eating out at a restaurant as a way to deter paparazzi and fans alike. Everyone's got to eat, right?
Zach Braff
For New Yorkers, taking a wedding photo in the middle of Times Square is as iconic as it can get. The couple gets a beautiful background of a busy intersection juxtaposed with a solemn moment between man and wife, mid-kiss.
However, this couple had their picture photobombed by Scrubs star, actor and comedian, Zach Braff. We wonder how they felt about it.
Mark Ruffalo
Actor Mark Ruffalo has been part of the acting circuit for over three decades, yet his most well-known role remains the Marvel Comics character Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Being part of such a popular franchise, Ruffalo wore this humorous mask to make his way past crowds at the 2015 Comic-Con event. Funnily enough, the mask resembles him if you squint your eyes enough.
Jared Leto
Jared Leto is one of the rare celebrities who has equally made himself a name in both the film and music industries. After photos of his character, The Joker, were publically released prior to the 2016 film Suicide Squad, many fans dressed up as the character for that year's Comic-Con.
Leto instead decided to dress up as Rafiki from The Lion King, snapping up pictures next to unsuspecting fans who had dressed up as The Joker.
Josh Hutcherson
Actor Josh Hutcherson is known for playing the leading role of Peeta Mellark in the film series The Hunger Games, as well as featuring in several other blockbuster pictures.
For the 2015 Comic-Con conference, the actor dressed up as an old man, even surprising his co-star Jennifer Lawrence in the process.
Henry Cavill
These days, British actor Henry Cavill is a man who needs no introduction. Having starred as Superman in the DC Extended Universe in Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League, he recently played the main antagonist in Mission: Impossible – Fallout opposite Tom Cruise.
Being so recognizable, Cavill donned a Guy Fawkes mask as he walked through the convention floor, even fooling celebrities such as Will Smith and other stars of Suicide Squad in the process.
Bryan Cranston
This one is so ingenious that we’re surprised no one thought of it sooner. Bryan Cranston decided to go to Comic-Con as his character from his hit television show Breaking Bad. It seems no one noticed, due to the mask's realism.
We bet attendees were kicking themselves after this. Who needs to disguise themselves when they can just go as one of the characters they’ve played on television?
Ken Jeong
Ken Jeong is best known for playing Ben Chang on the sitcom Community and the gangster Leslie Chow in The Hangover film series. What is less known is that the talented actor and comedian is also a former physician.
And it seems he has a taste for hardball too, photobombing fans here at a Los Angeles Dodgers game. This man can do it all!
Alfonso Ribeiro
Alfonso Ribeiro is best known for his role as Carlton Banks on the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. On the show, Carlton performed a signature dance which has since been parodied the world over.
When this fan met the actor he decided to bust his best Carlton Banks dance impression. However, Ribeiro would have none of it and gave the best side-eye we've seen. He ain't no clown. You know you've overstepped when Carlton makes you look awkward.
Rihanna
When this fan tried to sneak in a secret selfie of Rihanna, the singer turned the tables and instead gave the most awkward expression she could muster. That's one way to stop people from taking your photo unsolicited! You've got to love Riri.
Dave Grohl
Foo Fighters frontman and former member of Nirvana, Dave Grohl showed his sense of humor when he decided to troll this Led Zeppelin fan who had dozed off one sunny afternoon. Imagine waking up to see this later. Trolled by Grohl.
Patrick Stewart
During a meet and greet event where fans were given the opportunity to meet the cast of the 90s Star Trek movies, one fan thought it would be the perfect moment to propose to his girlfriend.
There's a right and wrong time to do this, and Patrick Stewart rightly trolled the photo with the best reaction possible - an epic facepalm.
Adam Savage
Adam Savage is known for his time as the co-host of the Discovery Channel television series MythBusters and Unchained Reaction. Known for his ability as a special effects designer/fabricator, Savage likes to dress up in elaborate disguises when attending Comic-Con.
Pictured is his outfit for Comic-Con 2013, Admiral Ackbar from Star Wars paired with a navy fleet admiral uniform.
Matt Garza
Matt Garza has played for several Major League Baseball teams during his career including the Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and the Milwaukee Brewers.
This fan wanted to snap a photo of herself at a Brewers game when she was photobombed by the then-Brewers pitcher.