Memes have become a huge part of online culture, with new ones popping up daily and going viral. But behind each of these viral internet sensations are real people, many of whom have transformed since their meme fame. In this post, we’ll explore what 15 of the most famous meme stars look like today, showing you how these meme legends have evolved over time.
1. Success Kid (Sam Griner)
Image source: Sam Griner, Success Kid
The “Success Kid” meme, born in 2007, was made famous by a photo of Sam Griner, uploaded by his mother, Laney Griner, to Flickr. Initially, the image was titled “I Hate Sandcastles,” but it quickly morphed into the iconic “Success Kid” meme. Sam has since grown up and remains a beloved figure in meme history.
2. Disaster Girl (Zoe Roth)
Image source: zoeroth
The “Disaster Girl” meme originated from a 2004 photo of Zoe Roth watching a house fire with a mischievous grin. The image became a viral sensation, and Zoe has used her fame to support her college applications. Check out how Zoe Roth looks today as she continues to embrace her meme legacy.
3. Doge (Kabosu)
Image source: kabosumama
The “Doge” meme, featuring the Shiba Inu dog Kabosu, took over the internet in 2013. Despite rumors of her passing, Kabosu is still going strong and even has an active Instagram. account. Discover how this adorable dog continues to captivate meme lovers.
4. Grumpy Cat (Tardar Sauce)
Image source: realgrumpycat
Tardar Sauce, better known as “Grumpy Cat,” became an internet sensation in 2012 with her perpetually displeased expression. Sadly, Grumpy Cat passed away in 2019, but her legacy lives on, forever etched into meme history. Here’s a look back at Grumpy Cat’s rise to fame and her lasting influence.
5. Roll Safe (Kayode Ewumi)
Image source: BuzzFeed UK
The “Roll Safe” meme, made famous by Kayode Ewumi in 2016, originates from the BBC documentary Hood Documentary. Ewumi’s thoughtful gesture and signature smirk became a symbol of cleverness and strategy. See how the actor has evolved since becoming a meme icon.
6. Blinking White Guy (Drew Scanlon)
Image source: drewscanlon
Drew Scanlon’s meme-worthy moment was captured during a 2013 gaming session, where his confused blink became an instantly recognizable GIF. Discover how Drew has embraced his unexpected meme fame and what he’s up to now.
7. Ridiculously Photogenic Guy (Zeddie Little)
Image source: Zeddie Little
Zeddie Little’s famous “Ridiculously Photogenic Guy” photo was taken during the 2012 Cooper River Bridge Run and quickly went viral. The photo received thousands of upvotes on Reddit and helped Zeddie become a meme legend. Find out what he’s been doing since his photo went viral.
8. Side-Eyeing Chloe
Image source: Lily & Chloe
Chloe’s iconic side-eye in the video Lily’s Disneyland Surprise… AGAIN became an internet favorite in 2013. You can still follow her on Instagram, where Chloe now boasts nearly 600k followers. See how she has grown up since her viral moment.
9. Bad Luck Brian (Kyle Craven)
Image source: mnhaverland
Kyle Craven’s yearbook photo became the face of the “Bad Luck Brian” meme in 2012. His unflattering expression, paired with captions about unfortunate situations, captured the internet’s imagination. Today, Kyle shares his story of meme fame and how it has shaped his life.
10. Confused Nick Young (Nick Young)
Image source: Nick Young
The “Confused Nick Young” meme, originating from a 2014 interview, showcases NBA player Nick Young’s baffled expression. The meme remains popular in internet culture. See how Nick Young has handled being a meme and what he’s up to in the world of basketball.
11. Harold Hiding the Pain (Andras Arato)
Image source: BuzzFeedVideo
Andras Arato, the face behind the “Hide The Pain Harold” meme, became a symbol of awkward smiles and forced happiness in 2011. Since his meme fame, Andras has embraced his internet persona, even giving a TED Talk in 2018. Learn more about his journey from stock photographer to meme star.
12. Overly Attached Girlfriend (Laina Morris)
Image source: Laina
Laina Morris became famous in 2012 after creating the “Overly Attached Girlfriend” meme, which portrayed an exaggerated and creepy expression. While the meme made her a household name, Laina has since stepped away from creating viral content, focusing on her personal life. See where she is now.
13. Trying to Hold a Fart Next to a Cute Girl in Class (Michael McGee)
Image source: aaduk_ala
The “Trying to Hold a Fart” meme featuring Michael McGee became popular on Reddit in 2014. The photo, showing his strained facial expression, went viral with a humorous caption. Michael reflects on his brief stint as a meme star and how the photo came about.
14. Good Luck Charlie (Mia Talerico)
Image source: Mia Talerico
Mia Talerico’s iconic expression from the Disney Channel’s Good Luck Charlie series has been used in various memes. Now an adult, Mia has grown up in front of the camera. Discover how her role shaped her career and what she’s doing today.
15. First World Problems (Silvia Bottini)
Image source: silviabottini_
Silvia Bottini, an Italian actress, became the face of the “First World Problems” meme, thanks to her emotional expression. The meme remains a go-to for illustrating minor grievances. Learn more about Silvia and how she feels about her viral status.
Conclusion: The Faces Behind the Memes
Memes are much more than just internet jokes—they are snapshots of our digital culture, often featuring real people who have gained viral fame. While some meme stars have embraced their internet fame, others have moved on to different paths. Regardless of where they are now, these 15 meme celebrities will always be remembered for the way they shaped the internet’s humor landscape.
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