The people of memes. Then vs. Now
#1 Success Kid (Sam Griner):
Sam Griner, the adorable toddler with a determined fist pump, has now grown into a young boy. Though he may not fully comprehend his internet fame, his meme has become a symbol of triumph and achievement in various contexts.
#2 Disaster Girl (Zoe Roth):
Zoe Roth, the mischievous girl standing in front of a burning house, has grown up to be a teenager. Her meme captures the irony and unexpectedness of life, and it continues to be widely shared and adapted in different humorous scenarios.
#3 Side-Eyeing Chloe (Chloe):
Chloe’s memorable side-eye expression captured in a family video has made her an internet sensation. As she has grown older, Chloe’s popularity has only increased, and she has embraced her viral fame with grace, occasionally appearing in interviews and using her platform to spread awareness about important causes.
#4 Good Luck Charlie (Mia Talerico):
Mia Talerico, the adorable baby from the TV show “Good Luck Charlie,” gained meme status with her facial expressions. As she has grown older, Mia has continued to pursue acting, and her meme legacy remains an amusing reminder of her early career.
#5 Doge:
The lovable Shiba Inu known as Doge became the face of the Dogecoin cryptocurrency. While the original dog sadly passed away, the meme lives on, symbolizing silliness and delight. Doge has transcended the internet and entered mainstream culture, and its impact continues to be felt.
#6 Overly Attached Girlfriend (Laina Morris):
Laina Morris became famous for her exaggerated portrayal of an overly attached girlfriend in a parody video. Since then, she has used her platform to create content, build her own brand, and connect with her fans. Laina has shown that meme fame can be a launching pad for creative endeavors.
#7 Ridiculously Photogenic Guy (Zeddie Smith):
Zeddie Smith’s meme-worthy photo taken during a marathon race turned him into the “Ridiculously Photogenic Guy.” Despite his unexpected fame, Zeddie has chosen to maintain a relatively private life. However, his meme still circulates online, representing the concept of effortless attractiveness.
#8 Trying To Hold A Fart Next To A Cute Girl In Class (Michael McGee):
Michael McGee, also known as the “Farting Guy,” captured a relatable moment of discomfort in a school yearbook photo. Since then, he has kept a low profile, allowing his meme to continue circulating and amusing people who can relate to awkward situations.
#9 Grumpy Cat:
Grumpy Cat, the famous feline with a perpetually displeased expression, brought joy to millions with her meme. Sadly, she passed away in 2019, but her legacy lives on through various merchandise and online content. Grumpy Cat’s meme continues to symbolize humor and relatability in the face of cynicism.
#10 Bad Luck Brian (Kyle Craven):
Kyle Craven’s yearbook photo, portraying the epitome of bad luck, turned him into Bad Luck Brian. Despite the initial attention, Kyle has chosen to lead a private life away from the spotlight. Nonetheless, his meme remains a representation of comedic misfortune.
#11 Ermahgerd (Maggie Goldenberger):
Maggie Goldenberger unintentionally became the face of the “Ermahgerd” meme
#12 First World Problems (Silvia Bottini):
Silvia Bottini’s image became associated with the “First World Problems” meme, highlighting the trivial complaints of individuals living in privileged societies. Silvia, like many others on this list, became an internet sensation without seeking fame. Her meme serves as a reminder to appreciate what we have and not sweat the small stuff.
#13 Scumbag Steve (Blake Boston):
Blake Boston’s photograph, portraying a guy with a tilted cap and a mischievous smile, became the face of the “Scumbag Steve” meme. While the meme may depict questionable behavior, Blake has moved past the meme and focused on his personal life. He has occasionally engaged with his meme fame, acknowledging its impact on his life.
#14 Blinking White Guy (Drew Scanlon):
Drew Scanlon’s reaction of blinking in disbelief during a gaming video became one of the most popular reaction memes. Drew has embraced his meme status, leveraging it to engage with his audience and pursue new opportunities. He remains an active content creator and has built a following beyond the meme.
#15 Hipster Barista (Dustin Mattson):
Dustin Mattson, a former barista, unintentionally became the face of the “Hipster Barista” meme, which humorously mocks the hipster subculture. While the meme brought attention to Dustin, he has since moved on from his barista days and pursued other ventures. The meme served as a momentary snapshot in his life, showcasing the humor and creativity that memes can capture.
These individuals represent the wide-reaching influence and lasting impact of memes on popular culture. While their meme fame may have started as a fleeting moment, their images continue to resonate with people and serve as a testament to the power of internet culture. It’s fascinating to see how these meme stars have navigated their unexpected celebrity status and moved on with their lives, often using their platforms for new creative endeavors or making positive contributions to society.
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