Nowadays, memes have become a popular trend, serving as an enjoyable pastime on social media. They enable you to share relatable jokes with friends and initiate conversations. The best part is that new memes appear each year, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
However, some memes are considered classics due to their widespread use. You may have seen several of these images on social media, but you might not know the stories of the individuals featured in them. Here’s what you should know about the people behind your favorite memes.
The Astonished Girlfriend
This meme gained popularity in 2017 and is still used on social media for different purposes. The original meaning of the image was to depict a boyfriend being distracted and his shocked girlfriend catching him. Since then, social media users have applied the image in various contexts for entertainment.
The people in the picture are stock photo models, and it was created by Antonio Guillem. He works alongside various models to create his images. Guillem mentioned that capturing this photo was fun because the models couldn’t stop laughing. The concept was a success, with the meme going viral.
She Still Doesn’t Mind
This was one of the most unsettling memes ever. The girl on the left may seem adorable in the photo, but the setting and the timing make it haunting. It’s the ideal meme to use when you’re apathetic about something.
However, the girl has since grown up and is now in college. Her name is Zoe Roth, and she remains intrigued by fires. While much has changed, her passion for fire persists. She posted the picture on the left on social media to reflect on her past.
The Olympian Who Was Not Impressed
McKayla Maroney is a renowned gymnast who secured a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Nonetheless, she became even more famous post-event for a different cause. Her discontented expression while receiving the medal became an internet sensation. Former President Barack Obama contributed to the online frenzy by mimicking that same expression with her.
Years have passed since the meme, and McKayla’s life has transformed considerably. She was the first woman to publicly accuse Larry Nassar from USA Gymnastics. In 2020, she also astonished fans by revealing her musical abilities with the release of “Wake Up Call.”
Brian Evergreen
The “Bad Luck Brian” meme is a classic that remains endearing. Even if you try to forget it, it tends to reappear. Despite being called “Bad Luck Brian,” the meme actually brought Brian fame. Though he may not be a celebrity, he is certainly remembered by people.
The real name of the famous Brian is Kyle Craven. Currently, Kyle works in construction. The photo that turned into the meme was taken from his yearbook, and he has since moved on from that awkward phase in his life.
The Enigmatic Figure
Discovering something surprising could also lead to that expression on your face. This candid photo captured by someone wasn’t originally meant to be a meme. Nevertheless, with the abundance of diverse content out there, meme creators found a way to utilize this image.
There’s no doubt it’s a perfect image for use, but the most intriguing part is that nobody knows who this man is. He may have seen himself in a meme but has never come forward. It would be interesting to learn who this man is in real life and what he’s up to.
The Eager Child
Upon achieving success, you may feel thrilled and share the moment with others. You might even make a gesture to commemorate the accomplishment. This is the reason the child became well-known for his victorious pose. The photo continues to be used on social media by people to convey an excited response to happenings.
The child in the photo is Sammy Griner, who became a viral sensation at only one year old. This internet fame assisted his family in raising money for his father’s transplant. The procedure was carried out in time, benefiting the family. In the image on the right, you can see Sammy replicating the pose after growing up.
The Young Female Actor
“Good Luck Charlie” was a well-known series that aired on Disney more than ten years ago. The sitcom was famous for its comedic moments, but one particular shot became more famous than the whole series. Just by seeing the picture, you can recognize the scene. The young actress became famous during the sitcom’s run because of her remarkable expressions. Many people use this picture to express doubt or confusion. Mia Talerico, the child in this meme, has grown up now. Her fan base on Instagram has grown to over 1.4 million followers due to her active engagement.
The Crying Meme
On the internet, crying memes are more popular than happy reactions because they can be used in a wide range of funny situations. That’s what happened when this meme spread online. People used the reaction to voice complaints about boyfriend issues, life challenges, and other problems.
Interestingly, the image features an Italian actress. Silvia Bottini is a star in her country and has appeared in various roles. Her acting abilities are exceptional because she focuses on her craft rather than her international fame. She prioritizes her acting career and continually improves her skills with each role. This meme is one of the things she will be remembered for.
The Cat More Famous Than Any Other Besides Garfield
We all know Garfield, the orange cat, from numerous cartoons and movies. Of course, Garfield is purely fictional. However, the cat in this photo is real. Memes of Grumpy became internet sensations over three years ago.
The cat’s memes were so well-received that a book deal was offered for the feline. An Instagram account was also made for Grumpy due to its funny expressions. Unfortunately, this cat is no longer alive. Grumpy died in 2019 from unknown reasons, but many still share this entertaining meme on social media.
The Intelligent Person
This meme is undeniably the internet’s all-time favorite, used to convey almost any concept. The person might be tired of it by now. But who is this individual in real life?
Kayode Ewumi is the clever person featured in this meme. The screenshot comes from a video he posted on his social media, which eventually opened doors for a career in British television. He even landed a leading role in a BBC show. Furthermore, Ewumi won a BAFTA award and delivered a TED talk.
The Guy Who Blinks in Surprise
Yes, you’ve seen this person in this meme many times. When the meme became popular, people enthusiastically shared it. His expression in the meme was so authentic that everyone could easily relate to him. It resonated with everyone, but who is this person?
Drew Scanlon capitalized on this opportunity and began his online career. He didn’t need additional fame, as his meme had already given him plenty. Now, he runs his YouTube channel and is focused on growing it. He’s a clever guy who transformed his meme fame into a career opportunity.
Actor Jonathan Goldsmith
The Dos Equis beer company was renowned for its marketing strategies. This is why an image from one of their advertising campaigns became iconic. Many referred to the man in the photo as interesting due to his enigmatic expression. You might also remember that this man is Jonathan Goldsmith.
During that time, the actor was known for his refined taste and acting projects. He appeared in numerous theatrical productions and TV shows. Of course, Jonathan has since retired due to his age. Nonetheless, his meme continues to be popular online. He was also spotted at a Halloween parade a few years ago.
Salt Bae is a nickname for Nusret Gökçe, a Turkish chef known for his theatrical way of seasoning meat.
Who wouldn’t recognize this person here? Salt Bae became famous when a video of his seasoning technique was posted online. People went crazy over it, and it quickly gained immense popularity.
The seasoning method featured in the video is what he actually does in real life. He owns 14 restaurants globally. This is his distinct style of seasoning and not something he made up for fame. Nusret, also known as Salt Bae, is now a millionaire with an estimated net worth of around $60 million. A simple meme transformed him into a sensation and a heartthrob for many women.
Excuse me?
In life, a moment may arise when something confuses you. That’s exactly when you might consider or share this meme. The individual in this meme gained fame for his humorous expression, although he was already on the path to becoming well-known.
Indeed, this is Nick Young, who is in a relationship with the rapper Iggy Azalea. They got engaged, but the wedding never happened. Nevertheless, they remain together and are doing well. Nick is a former professional basketball player, also known as Swaggy P, and he was an NBA champion in 2018.
Anxious Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele is one of the leading figures in sketch comedy and consistently captivates his audience. The meme illustrated above originates from one of his sketch shows. Peele did not anticipate that it would become a meme by which people worldwide would identify him.
As noted, Peele consistently impresses audiences, and even in meme form, he brings joy to many. If you need to express nervousness to someone, simply show them this picture of Peele, and your message will be understood.
Enduring Pain with a Smile
Some individuals smile despite their pain to conceal that they’re struggling. This meme resonates for that same reason. The elderly man appears to be in discomfort but still smiles to suggest everything is alright. Social media users frequently share this meme to convey empathy.
The man featured in the meme is Andras Arato from Hungary. He gained fame when this photo and the related internet jokes went viral. Andras has also delivered a TED Talk about the meme and how it has affected his life. Fortunately, it has been beneficial for him, as he often travels and records advertisements.
Memes about Dwight Schrute
There’s no question that Rainn Wilson will always be linked to the role of Dwight Schrute. He regularly delivered laughs on the series and still entertains as a meme. Schrute is famous for his wit and humor both on the show and off-screen.
“The Office” was his big break, and even though the show has concluded, he still creates outstanding work. He’s actively involved with his digital media company, SoulPancake. Moreover, he has written a memoir called “The Bassoon King.” Make sure to take a look at it.
Attempting to Avoid Farting
Flatulence is a widely discussed topic online because people often find the reactions entertaining. This is the reason this meme gained more popularity than other jokes when it circulated on the internet. Many use this image to depict the challenge of suppressing a fart in public.
The facial expression of the individual in this meme indicates they are attempting to control something. However, the creator of the photo offers a different viewpoint. Michael McGee captured this image to emphasize how his friend’s forehead veins stood out. Of course, the validity of this context can’t be confirmed with certainty.
The girl who parodies Justin Bieber
If you don’t know Laina Morris, some might think you’re not up-to-date. This is because the YouTuber became very famous from her parody video. She made a parody of “Boyfriend,” a song by Justin Bieber from several years back. Laina aimed to gain fame for her comedic talent, but others took a snapshot of her video and turned it into a popular meme.
It’s been a few years since Laina made that parody video, which brought her a large audience on YouTube and Twitter. However, all good things must come to an end eventually. These days, Morris is prioritizing her mental health and taking a break.
The Russian Student
In every class, there’s always that one student who is consistently present, no matter the situation. You’ll find this student at their desk even before the teacher arrives. Igor Nazarov appears to be that student in the meme, but this classroom environment is unique.
The photo was taken in Kyrgyzstan, and when it was revealed that the picture was captured there, the Kyrgyzstan government called Igor back. They invited him to showcase the true essence of their country, which he did. Hopefully, Igor won’t have to go back to that swampy classroom.
The Fashionable Primate
A monkey was spotted at IKEA showing off his new jacket, unaware that he would soon become a meme. Additionally, he was filmed without knowing it. This is one of the most adorable meme stories you’ll find.
The photo was taken in 2012 when Darwin was seen strolling around in a jacket. Once the photo appeared online, it turned into a meme. However, Darwin is now at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, where he really belongs.
A Father with Two Children
It’s uncommon to wake up and discover that you’ve become famous on social media. The person in this meme had worse luck than others because he turned into a meme overnight. This Steve meme was from a photo he took at his grandmother’s house. However, people used the image to create jokes and called him a father of two. Naturally, social media users got it wrong because this man’s name isn’t Steve. His actual name is Blake, and he’s from Boston. The meme might be outdated, but some social media users still remember it.
The Relaxed Individual
Yes, your favorite meme is right here. While many people often use this meme, the person featured in it is onto something significant. Giorgio Tsoukalos was hosting Ancient Aliens when this screenshot was taken from one of its episodes.
But that’s not all. Tsoukalos is an expert in ufology, which means he studies UFOs, and some of his theories have been broadcasted on television. In fact, he is the person you can turn to with your questions about UFOs. Additionally, he is also a television producer, highlighting his multifaceted talents and busy schedule.
The Infamous Convict
Many thought Jeremy Meeks had potential in the fashion industry because of his good looks and fashion sense. This contributed to his image becoming popular as a meme. He was often called attractive and given other labels, though not many people know what he is doing now.
Meeks has become an international model and has achieved significant success. After separating from his family, he started a relationship with Chloe Green, the heiress to a billion-dollar business. Jeremy has become a father again but now has the means to support his children. It seems things have really moved forward for him.
Awesome Professor
Some of you might have had this professor in your class. His photo on the left went viral for being so laid-back on campus, prompting people to create various clever captions. The professor remained unfazed by his picture turning into a meme.
This is Professor Tom Winter, who just loves skateboarding around campus. Having a relaxed professor like him could make college life a bit more enjoyable. The meme hasn’t discouraged him from skateboarding on campus, and he still continues to do it.
The Adorable Dog
Dogs are often regarded as one of people’s favorite pets. With so many breeds to choose from, you can easily find a furry companion. However, not every dog becomes as famous as the one shown here. This particular dog gained popularity thanks to its adorable appearance and simple expression.
Fortunately, we know the name of this dog. Kabosu was just a puppy when his meme took the internet by storm. As he has grown, he travels to different locations with his owner. Of course, Kabosu is unaware of the affection social media users have for him.
Mr. Smiles
The man in this meme became well-known for all the right reasons. Participating in a marathon is fantastic for both physical and mental health. But have you ever seen someone so calm and nonchalant while running one? He became famous for being extremely photogenic. Who is this individual?
Zeddie Little, also known as Mr. Smiles, surprised many with his photogenic looks. Appearing so good-looking and relaxed, this meme is ideal for when you want to appear carefree. Zeddie certainly seems like someone who enjoys life happily. I hope he truly is like this in real life.
Not a businessman
This sharply dressed person was previously a favored figure in memes for swapping phrases. He often showed up in different memes, giving everyone a good laugh. His facial expressions make him highly relatable, and he certainly looks like a businessman.
Yet, you’d be wrong. In fact, this man is an electrical engineer and a bodybuilder. He was spotted at a bodybuilding competition where many recognized him from the meme. He really amazed everyone when they found out his true identity. He was even mentioned in a college textbook.
The Well-Known Pout
This meme of a young person pouting has spread widely across various social media platforms. It’s called the Conceited reaction because the reason for the pout is hard to understand. Another reason for this name is the rapper linked to the image.
The image is a screenshot from a rap battle between Conceited and Jesse James. In this video, the two rappers engage in a verbal exchange, leading to Conceited’s pout. Since that battle, he has become quite popular and now works with well-known stars. His background is more eventful than those of other rappers.
The Girl with the Taco
There was a time when Old El Paso commercials were widely recognized. But who would have thought they would turn into a meme? Mia Agraviador certainly didn’t foresee becoming an internet meme. She might have enjoyed making the commercial but likely not becoming a meme.
Luckily, she has grown up and is currently in college. Few people recognize her. Additionally, she’s not planning on sharing this information. She might be eating tacos and reminiscing about those days.
Isn’t it puzzling?
Whenever there’s something confusing to discuss online, this woman is always there. She’s the perfect meme to share in moments of confusion. You’ve likely saved the “confusion math lady” in your meme collection.
While she might look like a math teacher, she’s actually an actress named Renata Sorrah. The image is from a soap opera she appeared in during the 2000s. Although Sorrah has aged, the meme remains popular today, providing a unique way to leave a legacy.
Asking You Again Once More
Bernie Sanders is making another appeal. It wouldn’t be wise to decline him. The image on the left is from the campaign video that helped him raise $25 million in just one month.
Some people turned it into a meme due to the blank space under “I Am Once Again Asking.” However, this was beneficial for Sanders, as even in meme form, his video went viral and many people received his message. Although this wasn’t his original plan, it successfully reached the intended outcome.
The Man Who Lies
This meme stands out as one of the greatest. If you’ve been online for some time, you might have seen this meme. Nick Fraser attempted to gain followers by posting a cover of “Too Close” by Next.
Yet, he had no idea that he would soon turn into a meme. His expression in the video caught everyone’s eye, making him the most popular meme at that moment. Nick is now an influencer and still brings laughter to many.
NEXT
How About That?
Yes, you’re seeing the “Cash Me Outside” girl who gained fame during her interview with Dr. Phil, which focused on her issues with education. However, we all know how the interview concluded. After that, she no longer needed to continue her studies.
Danielle Bregoli, also known as Bhad Bhabie, capitalized on this opportunity and started a rap career. Soon after her meme went viral, she dropped some music videos and gained a significant following. Nevertheless, none of her music videos achieved the same notoriety as the meme itself. It’s remarkable how she dealt with her educational challenges.
Jimmy, The Campaigner
Jimmy McMillan is recognized for various reasons, but he is most famous for a speech he delivered while campaigning for the Governor of New York. During his speech, a widely circulated photo captured him emphasizing a relatable issue. At this event, Jim highlighted the high cost of rent, which gained him recognition. His speech went viral on the internet, but it didn’t bring him enough votes to win the governorship. Despite this, he continues to be active as an activist and may consider running for the same political position again in the future.
The Uncertain Child
This photograph became widely popular online a few years ago because of the child’s confused expression, which seemed to capture him questioning what was happening in front of him. This expression amused many social media users, who used it in memes for situations that called for a puzzled look.
The actual story behind the photo remains unknown, but the boy’s name is known – Gavin Thomas. Since then, he has grown up and lost some of his front teeth. The image on the right is a more recent picture. He also has Instagram and Twitter accounts, though it’s uncertain if he personally posts updates.
It’s not real!
Her smile scared people and caused them to behave irrationally. Some claimed it was insincere and that she was just being mischievous. Nonetheless, it turned into an unsettling meme shared online. Many hoped she wasn’t actually like that in person.
Luckily, Maddie Goldenberger is not like that in real life. The photo was taken of her in the 90s with her beloved books. Today, she is a nurse and used to be a college basketball player.
Fortunate Johnny!
Numerous individuals have gained fame through memes, but none as fortunate as Johnny. In the image on the left, which is the original meme, Johnny is shown bringing flowers to wish his friend a happy birthday. However, the girl shared the picture with a caption labeling Johnny as a great friend.
The meme gained popularity under the name “friend-zoned Johnny.” But unexpectedly, Johnny would surprise everyone online. In the image on the right, he’s pictured with a girl, his hand on her back. It appears to be the same girl who placed him in the friend zone before.
The Unhappy Response
Some years ago, an image known as “Sad Dmitry” went viral on social media. It gained popularity due to the melancholy expression of the person shown. The picture of him letting sand fall from his hand with a sad look caught people’s attention and was widely shared, often used to convey feelings of sadness.
However, the person in the picture is not named Dmitry. He is a Russian musician named Vladimir Brest, and the image is from one of his album covers. Brest was displeased with the photo being turned into a meme, as he is a positive person and did not want children to get a negative impression from it.
Teenage Cashier from Target
Alex inspires many teenagers with his commitment to his job at Target, despite his young age. However, he became a meme because some girls found him attractive and took a picture of him as a cashier. His looks contributed to his rapid rise to fame.
Now, as seen in the picture on the left, Alex has matured and is more muscular, no longer working at Target. With around 8,000 followers on Instagram, he also had a brief role in a movie called “Coming Home.”
The Shadowy Coffee Maker
This meme changed the life of a regular barista. The photo, which became a well-known meme, was taken when an interviewer snapped his picture. Due to his appearance, people started calling him the hipster barista. It’s a well-known meme used to reply with sarcasm to questions.
However, Dustin Cole, the barista in question, has since changed his style, now wearing a plaid shirt and a cap. It seems he decided to stop wearing glasses as well. He looks great in this new style, as the earlier meme look made him appear gloomier.
Chloe, the Essential
The young meme sensation has appeared. You may have posted Chloe in different online settings. This versatile meme can express a variety of emotions like fear, disgust, or confusion.
But what is Chloe up to now? She has recently launched a shared Instagram account with her sister and is aiming to kickstart her career soon. It might take some time for people to recognize her, but once you notice her, she’s hard to miss. This is the perfect way for her to take advantage of this chance.
The Weeping Girl
School events are very important for many students, particularly for those aiming to compete on a national level. This is why the girl playing the piccolo was in tears during her live TV appearance. The emotional moment made her feel sentimental as she performed.
Rachel Chalifoux from Villanova University became a meme when people shared a screenshot of her emotional performance online. Despite this, her talent brought her recognition, and she was later invited to appear on the Tonight Show after the event. On this occasion, she was happier about her TV appearance.
The Meme of Crime
The internet is an unpredictable environment where individuals can achieve fame in surprising ways. Antoine Dodson gained online attention through his interview about a street crime. In addition to becoming a meme, people observed accusations against him as a rapist and an elusive bandit. This led to the popularity of the phrase “Hide yo kids, hide yo wife.”
Despite this being an older story, the Dodson family was deeply affected by the negative attention Antoine received. He eventually ventured into the music industry and has been releasing impressive songs for his fans. He also started his own line of merchandise and has made appearances on television.
The Surprised Cat Meme
For years, a meme featuring a shocked cat and a woman yelling has remained popular. People frequently use the image with different captions to make new memes. What stands out are the perfectly captured expressions of both the people and the cat in the picture. The woman seems to be blaming the cat, which looks back with a blank expression.
Interestingly, all of the individuals in the picture are real. The cat, named Smudge, even has an Instagram account. According to its owner, Smudge dislikes salad and usually sits on a chair during meals. Moreover, one of the women in the image is an actress.
Could you repeat that, please?
There are undoubtedly tons of memes out there, but there was always one missing for when you don’t understand what someone is saying. This specific meme was perfect for that situation. This woman provided a solution for many internet users.
In addition to being a meme, Kalin Elisabeth is a social media influencer and model. This photo was taken during a photo shoot and became a popular meme. Kalin wasn’t troubled by becoming a meme and continues to flourish. We need more people like her.
Unable to relate.
This meme is something you might have used at some point to convey a situation you just don’t understand. It’s ideal for when someone is explaining something in depth, but none of it makes sense to you.
What’s fascinating about this meme is that the two images are from different sources. The person giving the detailed explanation is Quen Blackwell, a former Vine star. The clip on the right is from the reality show Little Women. Moreover, these two people have never met.
Cardi B Has Arrived
Cardi B is already well-known, so many of you likely recognize her. However, not everyone knows she is the girl from the My Momma Said So video meme. That’s right.
Cardi B is the one on the left in the meme. This clip of her went viral, and when people on the internet tried to find out who the girl was, they discovered it was Cardi B. If you’re curious about what Cardi B is up to now, just look up her name on YouTube. Her work can be found all over the internet.