Entertainment

Anthony Weiner Will Make a TV Cameo on 'Alpha House', But Will It Save His Career?

The finale of Alpha House is about to get a little more scandalous — The former U.S. representative of sexting fame, Anthony Weiner, is scheduled to make an appearance. Is it another attempt to make everyone forget his past transgressions and revive his political career? Has Weiner found a new calling in acting? Either way, it looks like his career definitely needs some resuscitation (Hopefully it's not mouth-to-mouth, am I right? Blammo!). Weiner won't be the first person to try to resuscitate his career through a television cameo. But will it actually work? It didn't always work out for these celebrities...

Images: Getty Images

by Caroline Pate

Paula Deen, 'MasterChef'

The episode of MasterChef was taped in March, before Deen’s notoriously racist comments, but Fox decided to still air the episode as is. Many thought the appearance would signal a comeback for Deen, but since the episode aired in August, her reputation hasn’t improved too much.

Career Prognosis? D.O.A.

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Paris Hilton, 'Saturday Night Live'

Probably one of Hilton’s most famous screen appearances (of the non-night vision variety), the famous heiress appeared on Weekend Update in a 2003 episode of Saturday Night Live, spoofing her recent sex tape scandal. It was a great moment for Hilton, who was more likeable than she’s ever been, but it wasn’t enough to give her career longevity.

Career Prognosis? Successful, but still just a stopgap procedure.

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Carl Weathers, 'Arrested Development'

When Carl Weathers appeared in Arrested Development, he was acting in Adam Sandler movies and doing a voice role for Balto III: Wings of Change. That’s why it was surprising when his career comeback came from a canceled television show in which Weathers played an exaggerated version of himself. Now, even if he never does another role in his life, it will be hard for people to forget the name Carl Weathers.

Career Prognosis? A miracle recovery.

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Bristol Palin, 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager'

Bristol Palin’s appearance as a fellow teen mom on The Secret Life of the American Teenager wasn’t an attempt to revive her own career as much as it was a move to make sure no one forgot her mother. “We’re relatable!” the appearance screamed. “Our family has a teenage girl with a baby too! Just like this hip show for teens!” But despite the fact that Palin was more or less playing herself, it was an incredibly unconvincing performance.

Career Prognosis? Comatose.

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Lindsay Lohan, 'Glee'

Lindsay Lohan’s Glee appearance came during her “comeback” phase, right after she appeared in Playboy and hosted Saturday Night Live. Lohan seemed comfortable parodying herself on the show, but her performance was too short to tell if she was really back for good. Unfortunately, this was also the year of Liz & Dick, Scary Movie 5, and Lohan’s car accident that landed her in rehab again, so the answer seemed to be “no.”

Career Prognosis? Too little, too late.

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