List of cameo appearances by Alfred Hitchcock

They began during production of The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog when an actor failed to show up, and the director filled in for him.

In his earliest appearances, he filled in as an obscure extra in crowds or walking through scenes in long camera shots.

His later appearances became more prominent, such as when he turns to see Jane Wyman's disguise as she passes him in Stage Fright, and in stark silhouette in his final film Family Plot.

[1]: 115  As a recurring theme, he would carry a musical instrument, like the double bass he wrestles onto the locomotive at the beginning of Strangers on a Train.

[2]: 71 In his discussion with François Truffaut, Hitchcock called the gag "troublesome" because audience anticipation of his appearance had grown distracting.