Top & Current
When celebs cosplay as fast food workers
//food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/08/11/when-celebs-cosplay-as-fast-food-workers.html
Published in Food and Wine on Monday, August 11th 2025 at 15:42 GMT by Salon🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Snoop Dogg, Ed Sheeran, Lana Del Rey and more have all been spotted clocking in for their brief shifts
Celebrities Who've Cosplayed as Fast Food Workers: From Viral Stunts to Halloween Hijinks
In the glamorous world of Hollywood and pop culture, celebrities often step out of their red-carpet personas to embrace more relatable, everyday roles. One quirky trend that's captured fans' imaginations is when stars don the uniforms of fast food workers, turning mundane jobs into memorable moments of cosplay. Whether it's for a movie role, a social media prank, a charitable cause, or just plain fun, these instances remind us that even A-listers can flip burgers or sling fries with style. From iconic chains like McDonald's and Wendy's to quirky indie spots, here's an in-depth look at some of the most entertaining times celebrities have cosplayed as fast food employees, complete with the backstories, outfits, and cultural impacts that made them go viral.
Starting with one of the most talked-about examples, pop sensation Cardi B made headlines in 2019 when she "worked" a shift at a McDonald's drive-thru in her hometown of the Bronx. Dressed in a classic red-and-yellow polo shirt, visor, and name tag, Cardi wasn't just playing pretend—she actually took orders, handed out Big Macs, and interacted with shocked customers. This stunt was part of a promotional tie-in with her music, but it quickly turned into a social media phenomenon. Fans flooded TikTok and Instagram with videos of the encounter, praising her for staying connected to her roots. Cardi, who has often spoken about her pre-fame jobs in retail and stripping, used the moment to highlight the hustle of service industry workers. "I used to dream of supersizing fries, now I'm supersizing my career," she quipped in an interview afterward. The event not only boosted McDonald's publicity but also sparked conversations about celebrity humility and the value of blue-collar jobs.
Not to be outdone, actor and comedian Will Ferrell took fast food cosplay to comedic heights in 2003's cult classic film *Elf*. While not a real-life stint, Ferrell's character Buddy the Elf briefly "works" at a department store's coffee shop, but his over-the-top enthusiasm—complete with a green elf suit modified to look like a barista uniform—has inspired countless Halloween costumes mimicking fast food elves. Ferrell has revisited similar themes in sketches, like a *Saturday Night Live* bit where he played a deranged drive-thru attendant at a fictional burger joint. His exaggerated mannerisms, from yelling orders to dancing while flipping patties, poke fun at the chaos of fast food life. Fans love how Ferrell's portrayals blend absurdity with relatability, often leading to real-world imitations at costume parties.
Shifting gears to a more charitable angle, basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal once suited up as a Krispy Kreme employee in 2017. Towering over the counter in a branded apron and hat, Shaq handed out free doughnuts to surprised patrons in Atlanta. This wasn't just a whim; it was tied to his ownership stake in the chain and a promotional event for his reality show. Videos of the 7-foot-1 star squeezing into the tiny workspace went viral, amassing millions of views on YouTube. Shaq's infectious laughter and genuine interactions—high-fiving kids and joking about "dunking" doughnuts—humanized the NBA icon. It also highlighted how celebrities can use their fame to support businesses, especially during tough economic times. Shaq has repeated similar stunts, like pretending to be a Lyft driver, but the Krispy Kreme gig remains a fan favorite for its sweet, wholesome vibe.
On the music side, Katy Perry has long embraced playful costumes, and her 2014 Prismatic World Tour featured a segment where she and her dancers dressed as fast food workers from a fictional "Pizza Hut"-esque chain. Complete with pepperoni hats, cheese-slice dresses, and oversized pizza box props, the performance was a high-energy spectacle that turned the stage into a mock drive-thru. Perry's outfit—a red visor, striped shirt, and shorts—paid homage to classic fast food uniforms while tying into her hit song "This Is How We Do." The tour's visuals went beyond cosplay, incorporating giant inflatable tacos and burgers, creating a feast for the eyes. Critics and fans alike noted how this segment celebrated American pop culture's obsession with quick eats, blending nostalgia with Perry's whimsical style. It even inspired merchandise like fast food-themed T-shirts, proving that celebrity cosplay can translate into big business.
Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling added a dramatic twist to the trend in the 2011 film *Drive*. While not strictly fast food, his character's stint as a stunt driver includes scenes where he wears a nondescript mechanic's jumpsuit that echoes the utilitarian vibe of a fast food uniform—think grease-stained overalls and a cap. However, it's Gosling's off-screen antics that fit the bill: in 2018, he surprised fans by "working" at a Los Angeles food truck, serving tacos in a chef's hat and apron. This impromptu event was part of a charity drive for hunger relief, where Gosling flipped tortillas and chatted with lines of adoring fans. His low-key approach contrasted with his brooding on-screen persona, showing a lighter side. Social media buzzed with photos, and the event raised thousands for local food banks, underscoring how such cosplay can serve a greater good.
Female stars have also shone in this arena. Actress Margot Robbie, known for her role as Harley Quinn, channeled a different kind of chaos in a 2020 Instagram post where she dressed as a Wendy's employee for Halloween. Sporting the chain's signature red wig (a nod to the mascot), blue-striped dress, and a name tag reading "Wendy," Robbie posed with a Frosty and fries. The post, captioned "Where's the beef? Right here!", garnered over a million likes and sparked a wave of copycat costumes. Robbie's choice was inspired by her Australian roots and fondness for American fast food, as she revealed in interviews. It also tied into her advocacy for fun, empowering female roles, turning a simple uniform into a statement of playful rebellion.
Even royalty-adjacent figures like Meghan Markle have dipped into this world, albeit subtly. Before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Markle worked various jobs, including as a freelance calligrapher, but fans unearthed old photos of her in a yogurt shop uniform from her college days—frozen yogurt counts as fast food adjacent! While not cosplay per se, it humanizes her journey from everyday worker to global icon.
Then there's the king of pop culture pranks, Jimmy Fallon, who frequently features celebrity guests in fast food disguises on *The Tonight Show*. One standout was when he and Ariana Grande "worked" at a Starbucks, with Grande in a green apron and visor, brewing lattes incognito. The hidden-camera segment captured genuine reactions, blending humor with star power.
These examples illustrate a broader cultural fascination: celebrities cosplaying as fast food workers bridge the gap between fame and normalcy. It's a reminder that everyone starts somewhere, often behind a counter. From boosting brand awareness to raising funds, these moments entertain while sparking dialogue on labor, fame, and fun. As social media evolves, expect more stars to trade limos for fryers, keeping the trend deliciously alive. Whether it's for laughs, charity, or cinema, these cosplay escapades prove that even in polyester uniforms, celebrities can serve up star quality. (Word count: 1,048)
Read the Full Salon Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/celebs-cosplay-fast-food-workers-175513058.html ]