Memes have become a popular trend nowadays, providing an enjoyable pastime on social media. They allow you to share relatable jokes with friends to spark conversations. The great thing is that fresh memes emerge every year, ensuring you’ll always find something new.
Yet, some memes fall into the classic category due to their widespread use. You might have noticed several of these pictures on social media before, but you might not be familiar with the stories of the individuals featured in them. Here’s what you need to know about the people behind your favorite memes.
The Astonished Girlfriend
This meme became popular in 2017 and continues to be used on social media for various reasons. The original intent of the image was to show a distracted boyfriend being caught by his shocked girlfriend. Since then, social media users have used the image in different contexts for amusement.
The individuals in the photo are stock photo models, and the creator is Antonio Guillem. He collaborates with various models to produce images. Guillem mentioned that taking this photo was enjoyable because the models couldn’t stop laughing. The concept proved successful, as the meme went viral.
She Still Doesn’t Mind
This was one of the creepiest memes ever. The girl on the left might look cute in the picture, but the background and the time it was taken make it eerie. It’s the perfect meme to use when you’re indifferent about something.
However, the girl is now grown up and attending college. Her name is Zoe Roth, and she still has a fascination with fires. Things may have changed, but her love for fire hasn’t. She shared the picture on the left on social media to reminisce about her past.
The Olympian Who Was Not Impressed
McKayla Maroney is a well-known gymnast who won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. However, she gained fame after the event for a different reason. Her unimpressed look while receiving the medal went viral online. Former President Barack Obama added to the social media buzz by striking the same pose with her.
It has been years since the meme, and McKayla’s life has changed significantly. She was the first woman to speak out against Larry Nassar from USA Gymnastics. In 2020, she also surprised fans by showcasing her musical talent with the release of “Wake Up Call.”
Brian Evergreen
The “Bad Luck Brian” meme is one of those classics that never loses its charm. Even if you try to put it out of your mind, it always seems to pop up again. Although the meme is known as “Bad Luck Brian,” it actually brought fame to Brian. While he might not be a celebrity, people definitely remember him.
The famous Brian’s real name is Kyle Craven. Nowadays, Kyle works in construction. The photo that became the meme was taken from his yearbook, and he’s since moved past that awkward stage in his life.
The Enigmatic Figure
Learning something unexpected could also cause that expression on your face. This spontaneous photo taken by someone was never intended as a meme. However, with so much varied content available, meme creators managed to find a way to use this image.
There’s no question it’s an ideal picture to use, but the most intriguing aspect is that nobody knows who this man is. He might have noticed himself in a meme but never identified himself. It would be fascinating to discover who this man is in real life and what he is doing.
The Eager Child
After reaching success, you might feel excited and embrace others. You might also use a gesture to celebrate the achievement. This is why the child became famous for his triumphant pose. The image is still used by people on social media to express an enthusiastic reaction to events.
The child in the picture is Sammy Griner, who went viral at just one year old. This internet fame helped his family raise funds for his father’s transplant. The procedure was performed in time, aiding the family. You can view the picture on the right to see Sammy redoing the pose after growing up.
The Young Female Actor
“Good Luck Charlie” was a popular series that was broadcast on Disney over a decade ago. The sitcom was renowned for its humorous scenes, but one particular shot gained more fame than the entire series. By looking at the picture, you can identify the scene. The child actress became well-known during the sitcom’s airing due to her outstanding expressions. Many people use this picture to convey a doubtful or confused expression. Mia Talerico, the child in this meme, has grown up now. Her fan base on Instagram has also surpassed 1.4 million followers because of her active engagement.
The Crying Meme
Crying memes on the internet are more popular than happy reactions because they can be applied to a variety of humorous scenarios. That’s what occurred after this meme circulated online. People used the reaction to express 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 concentrates on her craft rather than her international fame. She prioritizes her acting career and continuously enhances 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 are all familiar with Garfield, the orange cat, from the many cartoons and films. Naturally, Garfield is just a fictional character. However, the cat in this picture is real. Memes of Grumpy went viral on the internet over three years ago.
The memes featuring this cat were so popular that the feline was offered a book deal. An Instagram page was also created for Grumpy because of the humorous expressions. Sadly, this cat is no longer with us. Grumpy passed away in 2019 from unknown causes, but many people still use this amusing meme on social media.
The Intelligent Person
This meme is without a doubt the internet’s all-time favorite. It’s used to express just about every idea out there. He might be exhausted by now. But who is this person in reality?
Kayode Ewumi is the clever man featured in this meme. The screenshot was taken from a video he shared on his social media. This eventually led to a career in British television. He also had the opportunity to play a lead role in a BBC program. Furthermore, Ewumi won a BAFTA award and gave a TED talk.
The Guy Who Blinks in Surprise
Yes, you have seen this person in this meme multiple times. When this meme became popular, people went wild sharing it. His expression in the meme was so genuine that everyone could easily connect with him. It was a hit with everyone, but who is this person?
Drew Scanlon took advantage of this opportunity and began his career online. He didn’t need fame, as his meme had already given him his share of it. Now he operates his YouTube channel and is focused on expanding it. He is a smart guy who turned his meme fame into a career opportunity.
Actor Jonathan Goldsmith
The Dos Equis beer company was well-known for its marketing strategies. This is why a picture from one of their advertising campaigns became iconic. Many referred to the man in the photo as interesting because of his enigmatic expression. You might also recall that this man is Jonathan Goldsmith.
During that period, the actor was recognized 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. Nevertheless, his meme continues to be popular online. He was also seen at a Halloween parade a few years back.
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 gained fame when someone uploaded a video of his seasoning technique online. People went wild, and it quickly became very popular.
The seasoning method shown in the video is what he practices in real life. He owns 14 restaurants worldwide. This is his unique style of seasoning and not something he invented for fame. Nusret, also known as Salt Bae, is now a millionaire with a net worth of around $60 million. A simple meme turned him into a sensation and the heartthrob of many women.
Excuse me?
There comes a time in your life when something puzzles you. That’s precisely the moment you might think of or share this meme. The person in this meme became well-known for his funny expression, but he was already on his way to becoming famous.
Yes, this is Nick Young, who is dating the rapper Iggy Azalea. They were engaged, but the wedding didn’t take place. Nevertheless, they are still together and doing well. Nick is a former professional basketball player known as Swaggy P, and he was an NBA champion in 2018.
Anxious Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele is one of the top sketch comedy artists and always entertains his audience. The meme shown above was taken from one of his sketch shows. Peele never expected it to become a meme that the entire world would recognize him by.
As mentioned, Peele never ceases to amaze the audience, and even as a meme, he brings a smile to people’s faces. If you ever want to convey to someone that you’re nervous, just show them this picture of Peele and your message will be clear.
Enduring Pain with a Smile
Some people smile through their pain to hide the fact that they are not okay. This meme is relatable for the same reason. The old man seems to be in pain but is still smiling to indicate that everything is fine. Social media users often share this meme to express sensitivity.
The man in the meme is Andras Arato from Hungary. He became famous after this picture and associated internet jokes went viral. Andras has also given a TED Talk about this meme and its impact on his life. Things have been positive for him, as he often travels and films advertisements.
Memes about Dwight Schrute
Without a doubt, Rainn Wilson will forever be associated with the character Dwight Schrute. He consistently provided entertainment on the show and continues to amuse as a meme. Schrute is renowned for his cleverness and humor both on the show and in real life.
“The Office” was his breakthrough, and even though the series has ended, he continues to produce excellent work. He’s quite busy working on his digital media company, SoulPancake. Additionally, he has an autobiography titled “The Bassoon King.” Be sure to check it out.
Attempting to Avoid Farting
Farting is a popular topic on the internet because people find the reactions amusing. This is why this meme became more popular than other jokes when it spread online. Many people use this image to illustrate the struggle of holding in a fart in public.
The expression of the person in this meme suggests that they are trying to control something. However, the person who created this photo has a different perspective. Michael McGee took this picture to highlight how the veins on his friend’s forehead bulge. Naturally, we cannot be certain of the accuracy of this context.
The girl who parodies Justin Bieber
If you’re unfamiliar with Laina Morris, some might assume you’re out of touch. This is because the YouTuber gained significant fame from her parody video. She created a parody of “Boyfriend,” a song released by Justin Bieber several years ago. Laina aimed for recognition for her comedic work, but others took a screenshot from her video and turned it into a widely circulated meme.
It’s been several years since Laina created that parody video, which earned her a large following on YouTube and Twitter. However, all good things must eventually conclude. Currently, Morris is focusing more on her mental health and taking a break.
The Russian Student
In every class, there is always one student who is always present in any situation. You will see that student at their desk even if the teacher hasn’t arrived yet. Igor Nazarov seems to be that student in the meme, but this type of classroom setting is like no other.
The photo was taken in Kyrgyzstan, and when it was discovered that the picture was captured in their country, the government of Kyrgyzstan called Igor back. They invited him to reveal the true nature of their country, which they did. Hopefully, Igor never has to return to that swamp classroom.
The Fashionable Primate
A monkey was seen in IKEA displaying his new jacket, but he was unaware that he’d quickly become a meme. Furthermore, he also became a video without knowing it. This is one of the cutest meme stories you’ll come across.
The picture was captured in 2012 when Darwin was seen walking around in a jacket. Once the picture surfaced online, it was transformed into a meme. However, Darwin is now at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, where he truly belongs.
A Father with Two Children
It is rare to wake up and find out you’ve become famous on social media. The person in this meme had worse luck than others because he became a meme overnight. This Steve meme was a photo he took at his grandmother’s house. However, people used the picture to make jokes and called him a father of two. Of course, social media users got it wrong because this man isn’t Steve. His real name is Blake, and he’s from Boston. The meme may be outdated, but some social media users still remember it.
The Relaxed Individual
Yes, your favorite meme is indeed right here. While many people regularly use this meme, the person featured in it is onto something significant. Giorgio Tsoukalos was hosting Ancient Aliens when this screenshot was captured from one of its episodes.
However, 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. Moreover, he is also a television producer, showcasing his multifaceted talents and busy schedule.
The Infamous Convict
Many believed that Jeremy Meeks had potential in the fashion industry due to his attractiveness and sense of style. This was one reason his image became popular as a meme. He was often referred to as attractive and given other labels, but not many are aware of his current activities.
Meeks has transitioned into an international model and has achieved considerable success. After parting ways with his family, he began a relationship with Chloe Green, who is the heiress to a billion-dollar enterprise. Jeremy has become a father once more but now has the resources to provide for his children. It appears that things have really progressed for him.
Awesome Professor
Some of you might have had this professor in your class. His photo on the left became sensational for being laid-back on campus, leading people to showcase their creativity with various captions. The professor was unfazed by his picture becoming a meme.
This is Professor Tom Winter, who simply enjoys skateboarding around campus. Everyone could use a relaxed professor like him to make college a little more enjoyable. The meme hasn’t deterred him from skateboarding on campus, and he continues to do so.
The Adorable Dog
Many people consider dogs to be one of their favorite pets. There are numerous breeds available to help you easily find a furry friend. However, not all dogs gain fame like the one in this picture. This dog became a favorite due to its cuteness and straightforward expression.
The good news is that we know this animal’s name. Kabosu was just a puppy when his meme went viral online. Over time, he has grown and visits various places with his owner. Naturally, the dog is unaware of how much social media users adore him.
Mr. Smiles
The man in this meme became famous for all the right reasons. Running a marathon is excellent for both your body and mind. But have you ever seen someone so relaxed and unfazed while participating in one? He became famous for being incredibly photogenic. Who is this person?
Zeddie Little, also known as Mr. Smiles, puzzled many with his photogenic appearance. Looking so handsome and relaxed, this meme is perfect when you want to seem carefree. Zeddie surely seems like someone who enjoys life happily. I hope he truly is this way in real life.
Not a businessman
This well-dressed individual was once a popular meme choice for phrase swaps. He frequently appeared in various memes, providing everyone with a good laugh. His expressions make him easily relatable, and he definitely appears to be a businessman.
However, you’d be mistaken. In reality, this man is an electrical engineer and a bodybuilder. He was seen at a bodybuilding competition where many people recognized him from the meme. He truly surprised everyone once they learned who he actually is. He was even featured in a college textbook.
The Well-Known Pout
This meme of a young person pouting has circulated widely across different social media platforms. It is referred to as the Conceited reaction due to the challenge of understanding the cause of the pout. Another reason for the meme’s name is because of the rapper associated with the image.
The picture is a screenshot from a rap battle between Conceited and Jesse James. During this video, the two rappers engaged in a verbal exchange, resulting in Conceited’s pout. Since that battle, he has gained significant popularity and collaborates with well-known stars now. His background is more eventful compared to those of other rappers.
The Girl with the Taco
There was a time when Old El Paso commercials were well-known. But who would have guessed they would become a meme? Mia Agraviador certainly didn’t expect to become an internet meme. She may have enjoyed making the commercial but probably not becoming a meme.
Fortunately, she has grown up and is now in college. Hardly anyone recognizes her. Moreover, she won’t be sharing this information. She might be eating tacos and reminiscing about those times.
Isn’t it puzzling?
Whenever something confusing needs to be discussed online, this woman is always present. She’s the ideal meme to share when there’s confusion. The “confusion math lady” is probably one you’ve saved in your meme collection.
She may look like a math teacher, but who is she? She’s not a math teacher; she’s an actress named Renata Sorrah. This image comes from a soap opera she was in during the 2000s. Although Sorrah may have aged, the meme continues to be shared today. It’s a wonderful way to leave a legacy.
Asking You Again Once More
Bernie Sanders is here making another request. It wouldn’t be a good idea to refuse him. The image on the left comes from the campaign video that helped him raise $25 million in only one month.
Some people turned it into a meme because of an empty space under “I Am Once Again Asking.” However, this worked out well for Sanders, as even in meme form, his video went viral and many people received his message. While this wasn’t his intention, it effectively achieved the goal.
The Man Who Lies
This meme is definitely one of the best. If you’ve been online for a few years, you might have come across this meme. Nick Fraser tried to gain followers by uploading a cover of “Too Close” by Next.
However, he didn’t realize that he would soon become a meme. His facial expression in the video captured everyone’s attention, and he became the most popular meme at the time. Nick is now an influencer and continues to make people laugh.
NEXT
How About That?
Yes, you’re looking at the “Cash Me Outside” girl who rose to fame during her interview with Dr. Phil, which was about her educational problems. However, we all know how the interview ended up. Afterward, she no longer needed to pursue her studies.
Danielle Bregoli, also known as Bhad Bhabie, seized this opportunity and launched a rap career. Shortly after her meme went viral, she released some music videos and amassed a large following. However, none of her music videos became as well-known as the meme itself. It’s impressive how she addressed her educational challenges.
Jimmy, The Campaigner
Jimmy McMillan is well-known for several reasons, but his most famous moment is the speech he gave while campaigning for the Governor of New York. During his speech, a widely shared photo captured him highlighting a relatable point. At this event, Jim stressed the issue of high rent, which brought him fame. His speech went viral online, but it wasn’t enough to secure the needed votes, so Jimmy did not win the governorship. Nevertheless, he remains active as an activist and might consider entering politics again by running for the same position.
The Uncertain Child
This photograph gained widespread attention online a few years back due to the child’s bewildered expression. It appears as though he is questioning what is unfolding before him. This expression brought much amusement to social media users, who used it in memes for situations requiring a puzzled look.
The true story behind the photo is unknown, but the boy’s name is known – Gavin Thomas. Since then, he has grown older 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 unclear whether he personally posts updates.
It’s not real!
Her smile frightened people and led them to act irrationally. Some insisted it was fake and she was just being playful. Regardless, it became a creepy meme circulating online. Many wished she wasn’t like that in reality.
Fortunately, Maddie Goldenberger isn’t like that in real life. The picture was taken of her in the 90s with her favorite books. Nowadays, she works as a nurse and is also a former college basketball player.
Fortunate Johnny!
Countless people have become famous because of memes, but no one got as lucky as Johnny did. In the picture on the left, which is the original meme, Johnny is seen bringing flowers to wish his friend a happy birthday. However, the girl posted the picture with a caption calling Johnny a great friend.
The meme became famous as “friend-zoned Johnny.” But who knew Johnny would end up surprising everyone online. In the picture on the right, he is shown with a girl, his hand on her back. It seems to be the same girl who friend-zoned him back then.
The Unhappy Response
A few years ago, a picture known as the “Sad Dmitry” went viral on social media. It became popular due to the despondent expression of the person depicted. The image of him releasing sand from his hand with a sorrowful look captured people’s attention and was widely shared, often used to express feelings of sadness.
However, the individual in the picture is not named Dmitry. He is a Russian musician named Vladimir Brest, and the image comes from one of his album covers. Brest was unhappy with the photo being turned into a meme, as he is an optimistic person and did not want children to get a negative impression from seeing it.
Teenage Cashier from Target
Alex serves as an inspiration to many teenagers because of his dedication to his job at Target at such a young age. However, that’s not the reason he became a meme. Some girls who were checking out took a picture of him because they found him attractive as a cashier at Target. He soon gained fame for his looks at a young age.
Now, Alex has grown up, as you can see in the picture on the left. He is now muscular and no longer works at Target. Alex has approximately 8,000 followers on Instagram and made a brief appearance in a movie called “Coming Home.”
The Shadowy Coffee Maker
This meme transformed the life of an ordinary barista. The image, now a popular meme, was captured when an interviewer took his photo. Because of his look, people dubbed him the hipster barista. It’s a classic meme used to respond sarcastically to questions.
However, Dustin Cole, the barista in question, has since altered his style, now sporting a plaid shirt and cap. It seems he chose to ditch his glasses too. He looks fantastic in this new style, as the previous meme look gave him a darker appearance.
Chloe, the Essential
The young meme queen has arrived. You might have shared Chloe in various contexts online. This is a flexible meme that can convey a wide range of emotions such as fear, disgust, or confusion.
But where is Chloe now? She recently started a joint Instagram account with her sister and is looking to start her career soon. It might take a while for people to identify her, but with a keen eye, she’s unmistakable. This is the ideal way for her to capitalize on this opportunity.
The Weeping Girl
School events hold great significance for many students, especially those aspiring to compete nationally. This is why the girl playing the piccolo was tearful during her appearance on live TV. The emotional moment led her to become sentimental as she performed.
Rachel Chalifoux from Villanova University turned into a meme when people captured a screenshot of her emotional performance and shared it online. Despite this, her talent gained her recognition, and she later appeared on the Tonight Show after the event. This time, she was more delighted about her TV appearance.
The Meme of Crime
The internet is a wild place where people can become famous in unexpected ways. Antoine Dodson gained attention online through his interview about a street crime. Aside from becoming a meme, people noticed allegations against him as a rapist and a bandit at large. That’s when “Hide yo kids, hide yo wife” became popular.
Although this may be an old story, the Dodson family was traumatized by the negative attention Antoine received. He later entered the music industry and has been releasing some great songs for his fans. He also launched his own merchandise and has appeared on television.
The Surprised Cat Meme
The meme featuring a shocked cat and a yelling woman has been popular for years. People continue to pair the image with various captions to create new memes. The striking feature is that the expressions of both the people and the cat in the image are perfectly captured. The woman appears to be accusing the cat, which gazes back with an expressionless face.
Interestingly, every individual in the image is real. The cat is named Smudge and even has its own Instagram account. According to its owner, Smudge does not like salad and typically sits on a chair during dinner. Additionally, one of the women in the image is an actress.
Could you repeat that, please?
There are undoubtedly numerous memes available, but there was always a certain one missing for when you don’t understand what someone is saying. This particular meme was perfect for that situation. This woman provided a solution for many internet users.
Aside from 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 bothered by becoming a meme and continues to thrive. We need more individuals like her.
Unable to relate.
This meme is one you might have used at some point to express a situation you just can’t connect with. It’s perfect for when someone is explaining something in detail, but none of it makes sense to you.
What’s interesting about this meme is that the two images come from different sources. The person explaining in detail is Quen Blackwell, a former Vine star. The clip on the right is from Little Women, a reality show. Furthermore, these two individuals have never met.
Cardi B Has Arrived
Cardi B needs no introduction, as many of you are undoubtedly familiar with her. However, only a few people realize she’s the girl from the My Momma Said So video meme. Yes, you read that correctly.
Cardi B appears on the left in the meme. This clip of her became viral, and when people online sought to identify the girl, they discovered it was Cardi B. If you’re interested in what Cardi B is doing nowadays, simply search her name on YouTube. Her work is widely available on the internet.