The untold truth of Jennifer Lopez’s surprise cameo on How I Met Your Mother

Jennifer Lopez had one of the most memorable cameos during How I Met Your Mother's run, and it came at the perfect time for the well-known singer. Running from 2005 to 2014, the CBS sitcom became adept at featuring a handful of notable guest stars whether it be musicians, actors, or pop culture icons. Lopez, however, fit all of the categories, considering her career as an accomplished singer, actress, dancer, and businesswoman. Despite her already high level of popularity, her 2010 cameo paid off for all parties involved.

Lopez, who's also known by her nickname "J. Lo," began acting in 1991 when she had a stint on In Living Color. Five years later, she received her first starring role by portraying Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in a 1997 biopic. Lopez went on to appear in notable films like Anaconda, The Wedding Planner, Maid in Manhattan, and Monster-in-Law. During that span, Lopez also established a successful music career with six studio albums between 1999 and 2007.

Three years had passed before Lopez made another scripted acting appearance. She was cast for a special guest appearance in How I Met Your Mother season 5's episode titled "Of Course." Lopez played Anita Appleby, an author of the book "Of Course You're Still Single, Take a Look at Yourself You Dumb Slut." After promoting the book on Robin's morning show, Come On, Get Up New York!, she agreed to teach Barney a lesson regarding how he treated women. Lopez was a powerful force in the episode, and her cameo was certainly used to garner interest for a ratings boost. The sitcom had a history of success of getting a jump in viewership with notable female stars like Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, Katy Perry, Nicole Sherzinger, and Carrie Underwood. Lopez's appearance also gave herself a career boost.

Lopez's How I Met Your Mother Cameo Propelled A Career Resurgence

Shortly after Lopez's stint on How I Met Your Mother, the celebrity was hired as a judge on American Idol. She was also coming off of a role in the film The Back-Up Plan, her first major acting role since 2006. Around that time, Lopez revived her music career by releasing "Love?," which served as her seventh studio album. After taking time off following the birth of her twins in 2008, Lopez was back in the spotlight. Her role in How I Met Your Mother might not have been the primary cause, but appearing on a hit TV show certainly helped propel her as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

More recently, Lopez served as the executive producer on The Fosters in addition to her starring role in Shades of Blue. She also appeared in films like The Boy Next Door, Home, Second Act, and Hustlers. The latter of which garnered the Latin actress numerous award nominations, including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. Other than a two-year Las Vegas concert residency, Lopez headlined last year's Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside Shakira. Based on her recent accolades, Lopez's one-time How I Met Your Mother cameo has become even more noteworthy.

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

My list of must-try jean trends for 2026 is growing; it currently includes all the silhouettes one denim expert revealed to me as the must-watch of the year (save for baggy jeans, because I’ve been wearing those for years). That said, one style that didn’t land on said aforementioned list, but is clearly due for big, big things this year, is flare jeans. With a growing list of celebrity fans that includes Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Cindy Crawford, Kendrick Lamar (you know that moment), and, of course, Amal Clooney, there’s no denying the retro denim style that was popular in the early aughts is back—and bigger than ever.

The fact that Clooney wore flared jeans is noteworthy in and of itself. The human rights lawyer is known for her refined dressing approach, regularly opting for billowy trousers, trendy boho blouses, and comfy sweater dresses—all staples that read elegant and timeless. So, when I spotted her earlier this year in the laid-back blues while out to dinner with hubby George Clooney, I knew I had to write about it. Of course, the fact that she wore flare jeans, the style countless celebs have worn the last few weeks, is noteworthy, too, as it further cements the style’s ‘It’ status for 2026.