Actors and advertising

I realise that acting/TV work is a very unstable environment, with sometimes long periods without work, but I often wonder what makes seemingly sane individuals take certain jobs. Imagine being the male in the MoneySupermarket ad that has to march down a street dressed as half businessman and half slapper in high heels and tight shorts! And one for a bingo ad dressed as some kind of Brazilian dancer. Both career ending decisions surely, even if they did pay for a meal?

Any more acting roles that leave you open mouthed in shock?