‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Star Sonequa Martin-Green on the fifth season & On Being the Franchise’s First Black Female Captain and Lead
Subtitles
  • Off
  • English

Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout

Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout

Chris Hemsworth, Melissa McCarthy and Tom Hanks are some of the famous faces we’d hang out with at the summer cookout.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Start Slideshow
Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Frazer Harrison, Amy Sussman, Tristan Fewings (Getty Images)

It’s time to officially kick off summer, which means we need to get started on all those barbecue and cookout plans. The only thing more important than the food is deciding who makes the cut on the invite list. Obviously, family, close friends, some neighbors and a few surprise acquaintances will be in attendance.

Advertisement

But in a world where you could invite your favorite celebrities to join in, which unexpected names would make the cut? We’re having a little fun choosing some of the surprising celebs we’d invite to the summer cookout.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

2 / 17

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Phillip Faraone (Getty Images)

Tom Hanks is genuinely one of the nicest people in Hollywood. He and wife, Rita Wilson, will bring something to eat, politely greet everyone and be the most unproblematic guests at the party. And you already know all the elders will love to see him.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

3 / 17

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Jemal Countess (Getty Images)

Yes, we know Daniel Radcliffe is a talented actor who has played many interesting roles. But if you have Harry Potter at your cookout, no one can compete with you for “Greatest Aunt Ever” privileges. Plus, word on the street is he loves fantasy football.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

4 / 17

Brie Larson

Brie Larson

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Dia Dipa (Getty Images)

The Oscar winning actress is not afraid to stand up to trolls and she enjoys a fun game night.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

5 / 17

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Amy Sussman (Getty Images)

That uncle who thinks he’s hilarious will finally learn how unfunny he actually is when Melissa McCarthy hilariously destroys him with one liners.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

6 / 17

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Paul Morigi (Getty Images)

We love Lin-Manuel Miranda’s work in “Hamilton,” “In the Heights” and “The Little Mermaid.” However, more than anything, we need him to be in “The Room Where It Happens” when the kids won’t stop singing “You’re Welcome.”

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

7 / 17

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Tristan Fewings (Getty Images)

The Australian superstar has been around the world, so we know he has plenty of fascinating stories to tell. The real issue is keeping the happily married superhero away from your newly single aunt.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

8 / 17

Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Tristan Fewings (Getty Images)

If he’s good enough to hang out in Wakanda with Shuri, Okoye and Nakia, then he’s certainly good enough for your mom’s backyard.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

9 / 17

Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Michael A. McCoy (Getty Images)

At some point your dad or uncle is going to start in on politics. When the time comes, tag in your new friend Senator Warren, then stand back and watch the magic happen.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

10 / 17

Ken Jennings

Ken Jennings

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: DISNEY/Eric McCandless (Getty Images)

You know that know-it-all cousin who won’t shut up about their one semester at Howard? Inviting “Jeopardy!” host/champion Ken Jennings will take care of them for the rest of the night.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

11 / 17

Travis and Jason Kelce

Travis and Jason Kelce

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Jamie Squire (Getty Images)

We don’t care about Travis bringing Taylor Swift along. They’re here to be ringers for the football game. Watching them take down your older brother is all that matters.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Adele

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Amy Sussman (Getty Images)

Let’s be honest: we really just want to hear her sing. Preferably, she starts with “Hello,” goes into “Skyfall,” then “Somone Like You” and closes her mini set with a “Rolling in the Deep” sing-along.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

13 / 17

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Olivia Wong (Getty Images)

Michael Keaton just seems like the kind of guy who manages to fit in and have fun at every party. Don’t worry, we’ll refrain from calling him Batman.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

14 / 17

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Jason Mendez (Getty Images)

Ryan Reynolds would be able to make jokes with the kids and also trade hilariously profane insults with the adults. Bonus points if he brings Hugh Jackman with him.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

15 / 17

Ernie Johnson

Ernie Johnson

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Michael Loccisano (Getty Images)

After spending so much time with Shaq, Charles and Kenny, Ernie probably needs a night off with some good food and less drama.

Advertisement
Previous Slide
Next Slide

16 / 17

Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi

Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi

Image for article titled Unexpected Celebs We’d Invite to the Black Memorial Day Cookout
Photo: Kevin C. Cox (Getty Images)

If you’ve seen their watch-along basketball broadcasts, you know how much fun they have talking sports and breaking down the game. And when your uncle who constantly brags about “almost going pro” starts in, they can school him on the court.

Advertisement