Surprising Celebrities We’d Totally Invite to the 4th of July Summer Cookout

Melissa McCarthy, Tom Holland and Brie Larson are just some of the interesting names we’d give an invitation to.

Photo: Getty Images Maree Williams, Michael Loccisano, Kristy Sparow

Everyone loves a good 4th of July cookout. The best parties have a few fun surprises on the guest list. It may be a bit controversial to say, but there are some interesting personalities in sports, entertainment and politics who we wouldn’t mind hanging out with. So join us for a little light-hearted fun as we look at surprising celebrities we’d invite to the cookout.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Samuel L. Jackson, John David and Malcolm Washington on ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Family and Legacy

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe

Photo: Getty Images Steph Chambers

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe seem like a fun couple who are always up for a party. And you know we want to see Sue school that one uncle who thinks he could’ve gone pro.

Katie Porter

Photo: Getty Images Emma McIntyre

Nobody gets anything by Katie Porter. That cousin who’s always lying is in for a rude awakening when he meets the congresswoman.

Tom Holland

Photo: Getty Images Michael Loccisano

Yes, we want to get Marvel secrets out of Tom Holland, but his invite is absolutely contingent on him doing the “Umbrella” routine. Sorry Tom.

Bernie Sanders

Photo: Getty Images Alex Wong

Uncle Bernie would definitely make himself comfortable at the cookout. We can imagine him, posted up in a lawn chair, remembering all the times America fumbled their chance to have him as President.

Sam Hunt

Photo: Getty Images Mindy Small

For a country music star, Sam Hunt has enough drip to successfully up the ante at any cookout. From his impressive vocals to chill demeanor, he would immediately fit in—did we mention he’s a Destiny’s Child fan?

Adele

Photo: Getty Images Alberto E. Rodriguez

Let’s be honest: we really just want to hear her sing. Preferably, she starts a “Rolling in the Deep” sing-along.

Brie Larson

Photo: Getty Images Rodin Eckenroth

You know she’s going to be fun to have on your team when it’s game night.

Jane Fonda

Photo: Getty Images Vittorio Zunino Celotto

Jane has a history of never-holding back and speaking out about white supremacy. From calling out sexism in Hollywood and holding white men accountable for the climate change, this legendary activist would have quite the conversations with guests at the cookout.

Melissa McCarthy

Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes

She and your uncle are going to trade some hilarious one-liners.

Mark Hamill

Photo: Getty Images Rich Fury

Yes, he’s Luke Skywalker, but if you follow Mark Hamill on Twitter, you also know that he’s funny, compassionate and really cool to his fans. Of course, I’m breaking out my lightsabers.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Photo: Getty Images Jono Searle

Because we love his work and he also needs to be present when your kid won’t stop singing “You’re Welcome.”

Travis Kelce

Photo: Getty Images Christian Petersen

He makes the list for the family football game. Also, he needs to bring his pal Patrick Mahomes along so I can crush my cousin’s team.

Lynda Carter

Photo: Getty Images Dominik Bindl

The original Wonder Woman is a badass who consistently schools trolls and politicians on social media. She will absolutely put your crazy uncle in his place.

Daniel Radcliffe

Photo: Getty Images Slaven Vlasic

If you have Harry Potter at your cookout, you will achieve “Greatest Aunt ever” status for life.

Chris Hemsworth

Photo: Getty Images Caroline McCredie

His stories about his world travels will be fascinating, but keep an eye on your newly single aunt because she will definitely be on the lookout for the very happily married Thor.

Chris Pine

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain

He deserves a good meal after putting up with all that Don’t Worry Darling mess.

Amy Klobuchar

Photo: Getty Images Jerod Harris

You need someone to break things up when the inevitable arguments pop up.

Elizabeth Warren

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Dietsch

When your dad starts going on his political rant about the state of the economy, introduce him to your friend Senator Warren, then stand back and watch the magic happen.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Who Was Diddy's Harlem 'drug lord?' Father, Melvin Combs

Who Was Diddy’s Harlem ‘drug lord?’ Father, Melvin Combs

As more and more people watch Diddy’s new Netflix documentary, many are asking questions about his notorious father. So let’s get into it! …
Fabulous Looks From The Critics Choice Association Celebration of Black Cinema & Television

Fabulous Looks From The Critics Choice Association Celebration of Black Cinema & Television

The fashion was fly at the Critics Choice Association’s annual celebration of the best in Black cinema and television …
EXCLUSIVE: Why Jasmine Crockett's Criticism of the Democratic Party Might Be the Key to Her Senate Election Win

EXCLUSIVE: Why Jasmine Crockett’s Criticism of the Democratic Party Might Be the Key to Her Senate Election Win

Rep. Jasmine Crockett told us exactly why she thinks Americans view the Democratic party as weak in the face of Trump …
Here's Everything 50 Cent, Producers Got Wrong in Diddy Netflix Doc

Here’s Everything 50 Cent, Producers Got Wrong in Diddy Netflix Doc

From missing info on Kim Porter to a Biggie video clip taken completely out of context, here’s everything 50 Cent missed the mark on with the new Diddy documentary …
50 Cent Just Revealed He Has Even More Shocking Diddy Footage That Didn't Make The Doc

50 Cent Just Revealed He Has Even More Shocking Diddy Footage That Didn’t Make The Doc

50 Cent teased the release of more documentary footage on Sherri Shepherd’s talk show, ‘Sherri.’ …
North West Finally Breaks Silence to Drag Haters of Her One Unique Fashion Choice

North West Finally Breaks Silence to Drag Haters of Her One Unique Fashion Choice

North West is steadily growing into her own and trying out new style trends. But her latest one has folks up in arms and now, she’s clapping back! …
Ben Crump Secures Staggering $779M Wrongful Death Verdict in Landslide Victory for Black Family

Ben Crump Secures Staggering $779M Wrongful Death Verdict in Landslide Victory for Black Family

A Gadsden County jury awarded the family of Lewis Butler $779.4 million following his death at an internet café in Havana, Florida. The case was led by civil rights attorney Ben Crump …
Heartbreaking Video of Detroit Man Finding 6-Year-Old Walking Alone in Freezing Temps Goes Viral

Heartbreaking Video of Detroit Man Finding 6-Year-Old Walking Alone in Freezing Temps Goes Viral

Joshua Threatt’s heart-stopping encounter went viral after he spotted a little girl alone in freezing weather and walked her safely to school …
After 83 Years of Marriage This Black Couple Holds The Record, But We May Never See a Stat Like That Again

After 83 Years of Marriage This Black Couple Holds The Record, But We May Never See a Stat Like That Again

Eleanor and Lyle Gittens hold the record for longest-married couple in the world. According to recent Black marriage data, that record won’t be broken any time soon …
Here's the Truth About the GOP's Real Plan As Countdown to End of Obamacare Subsidies Continues

Here’s the Truth About the GOP’s Real Plan As Countdown to End of Obamacare Subsidies Continues

At the 11th hour, Republicans are still trying to vote on a plan before Obamacare subsidies end for millions of Americans …
Viral Video of ATL Boy Body-Slamming Classmate Sparks Debate Over Boys 'Hitting Girls Back'  

Viral Video of ATL Boy Body-Slamming Classmate Sparks Debate Over Boys ‘Hitting Girls Back’  

An Atlanta mother is standing by her son after a viral clip shows him body-slamming a girl who slapped him first– and the internet is fiercely divided …
Candace Owens' Latest Conspiracy About Charlie Kirk's Murder is So Wild Even Trump Chimed In on It

Candace Owens’ Latest Conspiracy About Charlie Kirk’s Murder is So Wild Even Trump Chimed In on It

Trump had to intervene after Candace Owens doubled down on her conspiracy theory surrounding Charlie Kirk’s murder …
EXCLUSIVE: Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler Break Down How 'Sinners' Helped Them Reconnect With Their Southern Roots

EXCLUSIVE: Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler Break Down How ‘Sinners’ Helped Them Reconnect With Their Southern Roots

Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler stopped by The Root to discuss how ‘Sinners’ helped them connect with their lineage! …
D.C. Woman Accused of Squatting in Her Airbnb Rent-Free For Nearly a Year — and It Gets Worse

D.C. Woman Accused of Squatting in Her Airbnb Rent-Free For Nearly a Year — and It Gets Worse

A 32-day stay at a Washington, D.C., Airbnb turned into nearly a year of free rent and a refusal to leave. Now, the guest argues she doesn’t have to …
EXCLUSIVE: Jasmine Crockett on the Uphill Battle She's Facing in the Senate Race -- and Why It's So Important

EXCLUSIVE: Jasmine Crockett on the Uphill Battle She’s Facing in the Senate Race — and Why It’s So Important

Rep. Jasmine Crockett talked to The Root about the uphill battle she’s facing after launching her Senate campaign …
The <i>Real</i> Story Behind That Photo Of JD Vance Arguing With His Wife Usha in Public

The Real Story Behind That Photo Of JD Vance Arguing With His Wife Usha in Public

Black folks, if you thought that viral photo of JD Vance arguing with his wife at a restaurant was real… We have some bad news to share …
Amanda Seales Explains Why She's Not Rocking With Charlamagne Tha God

Amanda Seales Explains Why She’s Not Rocking With Charlamagne Tha God

Amanda Seales has no problem speaking up about people and situations that have rubbed her the wrong way–and her latest criticism about Charlamagne tha God falls right in line! …
TODAY Co-Host Sheinelle Jones Gets Surprising News Months After Losing Husband to Cancer

TODAY Co-Host Sheinelle Jones Gets Surprising News Months After Losing Husband to Cancer

Sheinelle Jones has had a tough year as she took some time away from her role on the TODAY Show. But now things are looking up thanks to this new announcement! …
Vince Staples' Comment About How Black Folks Would've Dressed For Jan. 6 Insurrection is Deeper Than You Think

Vince Staples’ Comment About How Black Folks Would’ve Dressed For Jan. 6 Insurrection is Deeper Than You Think

Vince Staples joked that Black folks simply look “better” during revolutions, and the Civil Rights Movement and Black Panther Party are prime examples of why he has a point …
Rep. Jim Clyburn Stands With Michelle Obama on This Hard Truth About the American People

Rep. Jim Clyburn Stands With Michelle Obama on This Hard Truth About the American People

Congressman Jim Clyburn echoes Obama, calling out America’s double standard on women in power …