Mr. Monk And…

Monk is a show known and loved for many things - it’s quirky lead character, it’s fun ensemble, it’s tricky mysteries. Among the list of Monk’s memorable traits is its long history of using known stars from film, tv, and music to play roles - or themselves- on the series. Here is a quick look back at some memorable appearances.

Sarah Silverman appeared as Monk’s obsessive, dress-alike, shrine-building “biggest fan” in two episodes and was hilarious. Andy Richter played a killer who “befriended” Monk to cover up his crime.

Angela Kinsey, Rainn Wilson and Melora Hardin, all of The Office, played roles on Monk. Hardin of course played flashback Trudy.

Devil Wear’s Prada star Stanley Tucci, Shalhoub’s castmate in the film Big Night, guested as an obsessive actor who took on Monk’s personality and almost killed some people in the process.

Brooke Adams, Shalhoub’s real-life wife, played a variety of roles on the show including a small town sheriff, a harried flight attendant, and most recently, a crazy cat lady.

Snoop Dog was the shizzle as a rapper framed for murder by a record producer. One of my favorite guests. But who was better on the mic, him or Randy?

Steven Weber, Shalhoub’s Wing’s co-star also played a few different characters. His appearance as a shock jock who took classless shots at Monk and Natalie provided one of the show’s most memorable villains - boy did he tick off Monk!

Sons of Anarchy’s Adam Arkin and Tim Curry of Rocky Horror fame and Ray Porter (shout out to all the OSF fans out there) all played Dale The Whale. Icky, icky, nasty Dale the Whale.

Glenne Headley (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), NYPD Blue’s Sharon Lawrence and film vet Virginia Madsen all played love interests of Leland Stottlemeyer (Madsen notably co-starred with Bitty Schram in A League of Their Own) while Casper Van Dien played Natalie’s love interest.

John Turturro appeared in several episodes as Monk’s shut-in brother, Ambrose. One of my favorite recurring characters. Steve Zahn played his previously unheard of half brother and Dan Hedaya played his no-good dad.

Other great guests included Jason Alexander, Laurie Metcalf and Gena Rowlands (both Emmy nominated for their appearances - as were Silverman, Tucci and Turturro), Dylan Baker as a killer film critic, Eric McCormack as a killer tv producer, Ricardo Chavira rancher, and Howie Mandel - great cult leader.

It’s worth noting as we look back, that Monk’s casting people got an nomination during the show’s run and for Casting Society of America “Artios” award nods.