Authors who appeared in movie adaptations of their books -

While we've seen many directors and celebrities making cameos in movies, it's not as common to see the authors of the original books making appearances.

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Stephenie Meyer in 'Twilight' (2008) -

The author (right) appears at a diner scene in the first 'Twilight' film, but also makes a cameo as a wedding guest in 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1' (2011).

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William Peter Blatty in 'The Exorcist' (1973) -

William Peter Blatty (left) plays a film producer in a scene of this horror classic. 

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Jonathan Safran Foer in 'Everything Is Illuminated' (2005) -

We can see the author blowing leaves in a cemetery, in the scene where Jonathan (Elijah Wood) visits his grandfather's grave.

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Irvine Welsh in 'Trainspotting' (1996) -

The author actually plays a character in the movie: a drug dealer named Mikey Forrester.

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Greg Behrendt in 'He's Just Not That Into You' (2009) -

The author makes an appearance as a priest in the movie adaptation of the book he co-wrote. 

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Lee Child in 'Jack Reacher' (2012) -

Tom Cruise stars in this movie based on Lee Child's novel, 'One Shot.' The author makes a cameo as a policeman. 

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S.E. Hinton in 'The Outsiders' (1983) -

The author of this '80s coming-of-age classic makes an appearance as the nurse in Dally's (Matt Dillon) hospital room.

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Peter Benchley in 'Jaws' (1975) -

The author behind one of the biggest blockbusters of the '70s plays a reporter in one scene. 

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Jennifer Weiner in 'In Her Shoes' (2005) -

According to the credits, the author plays a "Smiling woman in the Italian market."

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Hunter S. Thompson in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)' -

Hunter S. Thompson makes a cameo as himself in the movie adaption of his 1971 novel. 

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Sapphire in 'Precious' (2009) -

The author of 'Push' makes a cameo as a woman at a day care center in the movie adaptation of her novel.

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James Dickey in 'Deliverance' (1972) -

James Dickey plays the sheriff in the movie inspired by his novel of the same name. 

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Stephen King in 'Pet Sematary' (1989) -

King makes cameos in many movie adaptations of his books. The author plays a priest at a funeral in 'Pet Sematary.'

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Emily Giffin in 'Something Borrowed' (2011) -

The author makes a cameo as a woman reading a book on a park bench. 

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Charles Bukowski in 'Barfly' (1987) -

The late poet appears in a bar scene quietly enjoying a beer. Very Bukowski indeed. 

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Fannie Flagg in 'Fried Green Tomatoes' (1991) -

We can see the author playing the workshop leader of a women’s seminar, in the movie adaptation of her book. 

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John le Carré in 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' (2011) -

Carré makes a cameo as a guest at the MI6 Christmas party. You can spot him next to a spy dressed just like the Former Premier of the Soviet Union, Lenin.

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Jacqueline Susann in 'Valley of the Dolls' (1967) -

Jacqueline Susann (left) makes a cameo as a reporter in the movie based on her best-selling novel.

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Jean Shepherd in 'A Christmas Story' (1983) -

Shepherd plays the man who sends Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) and his brother Randy (Ian Petrella) to the end of the Santa line.

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Kurt Vonnegut in 'Mother Night' (1996) -

Vonnegut can be seen in a street scene, as one of the many people passing by on the sidewalk.

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Sara Gruen in 'Water for Elephants' (2011) -

There's a scene where a woman looks astonished  while watching Rosie the elephant stealing. That woman is author Sara Gruen.

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Amy Tan in 'The Joy Luck Club' (1993) -

Amy Tan makes a cameo as a guest at a house party in 'The Joy Luck Club.' 

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Michael Morpurgo in 'War Horse' (2011) -

Both Morpurgo and his wife, Clare, appear in the movie. The author hasn't just made a cameo in the film. He also took part in play adaptations of his books.

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John Irving in 'The World According to Garp' (1982) -

We can see the author as a wrestling referee in the movie adaptation of his book, which has the same name. 

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Louis Sachar in 'Holes' (2003) -

The American author plays a character named Mr. Collingwood in the movie. We can see his character buying onion oil to treat his baldness!

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V.C. Andrews in 'Flowers in the Attic' (1987) -

The author made a cameo in the movie as a maid. Unfortunately Andrews died before the film premiered.

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Kathryn Stockett in 'The Help' (2011) -

Not only does the author of 'The Help' makes a cameo  in a scene involving the Junior League, some members of her family and friends also appear in the movie!  

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Stan Lee in 'Deadpool 2' (2018) -

While not technically the author of a specific book turned into a movie, the legendary Marvel mastermind deserves a special mention. He played an MC at the strip club where Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) works.

Sources: (Mentalfloss) (CBR) (Entertainment Weekly)

See also: Why watching movies is actually good for you

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