Most Random Celebrities at CES

As depressing as it sounds, celebrities are no strangers to the tech and media conference circuit. The only real advantage they have is they don’t have to wear lanyards. CES, filled to the rafters with pasty geeks, takes the Scientology approach to adding celeb sizzle, deputizing a “CES Celebrity Ambassador” to represent this considerable group of car-show models with name recognition.

There are some definite celebrities there. After all, Bill Clinton, Mike Tyson and Snooki all showed up. There are, however, others who leave you shaking your head.

1. Who?
Danny Devito
2. Why is this person famous?
Because he’s Danny Devito.
3. But what is he doing at CES, though?
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s twin appeared at a Panasonic-sponsored discussion about technological innovation and the future of entertainment.
4. How weird is it that he’s there?
Not very weird. Danny Devito is the kind of guy who’d wander off the street into your house party and do a keg stand. He’s also amassed 2.5 million Twitter followers doing something called “troll foot,” which involves both having a weird looking foot and posting photos of it around town with the hashtag #trollfoot.
5. What did he have to say for himself?
“Siri is always bothering me. She’s a ball breaker.”

1. Who?
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson
2. Why is this person famous?
He’s a rapper and has been shot nine times.
3. But what is he doing at CES, though?
He’s touting SMS Audio, his headphones company.
4. How weird is it that he is there?
Dr. Dre made over $100 million last year with his Beats by Dre headphones. 50 is just trying to get rich or die tryin.’
5. What did he have to say for himself?
“It’s amazing to me there’s not more people here. Because walking around here is like taking a look at the future … it’s exciting to be hip to what’s what.”

1. Who?
LL Cool J
2. Why is this person famous?
He’s a rapper and actor. And Ladies Love Cool James.
3. But what is he doing at CES, though?
His unfortunately named music and social networking website Boomdizzle.com introduced a mobile recording app that allows musicians to collaborate anywhere.
4. How weird is it he is there?
Only slightly less weird than naming your website Boomdizzle.
5. What did he have to say for himself?
“Lotta cool technology.… Some of these new glasses where you can, know, cry and watch a movie all alone, that was pretty cool.” I bet, LL, I just bet.

1. Who?
Kelly LeBrock
2. Why is this person famous?
She’s a model, actress and nerd idol since “Weird Science.”
3. But why is she at CES, though?
Middle-aged nerds. She appeared and signed autographs at Velodyne Acoustics’ booth.
4. How weird is it that she is there?
Random, but certainly not weird. Nerds love hot women.
5. What did she have to say for herself?
I’m not sure she spoke, and I’m not sure anyone cared.

1. Who?
Anthony Ryan Auld
2. Why is this person famous?
CES’s Celebrities at CES page tells me that he is “the hottest designer on
‘Project Runway.’” Alright.
3. But why is he at CES, though?
Brother International brought him in to talk about its sewing machines.
4. How weird is it that he is there, CES?
I didn’t know who he was, but no objections to a designer shilling for a sewing machine.
5. What did he have to say for himself?
“Just ran into @snooki. #CES2013”