Memes have become a popular trend in this age, allowing you to enjoy your time on social media. You can share relatable jokes with friends to initiate a conversation. The best part is that new memes circulate every year, so you’re likely to find something new.
However, some memes are considered classics due to their widespread use. You may have come across many of the following images on social media, but the stories of the individuals in these photos might be unknown to you. Here’s what you need to know about the people behind your favorite memes.
The Surprised Girlfriend
This meme became viral in 2017 and is still used on social media for different purposes. The original purpose 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 various contexts for humor.
The individuals in this image are stock photo models, but it was created by Antonio Guillem. He collaborates with different models to create images. Guillem mentioned that taking this photo was enjoyable because the models couldn’t stop laughing. The concept was excellent, especially since the meme went viral.
She Still Shows No Concern
This ranks among the creepiest memes ever. The girl on the left might appear cute in the photo, but the background and the timing of the photo make it eerie. It’s the ideal meme to post when you’re indifferent about something.
Now, however, the girl is all grown up and attending college. Her name is Zoe Roth, and she still has a fondness for fires. Although things may have changed, her passion for fire persists. She posted the photo on the left on social media to reminisce about her past.
The Unimpressed Athlete
McKayla Maroney is a well-known gymnast who won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. However, she gained broader fame afterward for a different reason. Her unimpressed look during the medal ceremony went viral online. Former President Barack Obama even added to the social media buzz by posing with the gymnast in the same manner.
Years have passed since the meme, and McKayla’s life has changed significantly. She was the first female to speak out against Larry Nassar from USA Gymnastics. In 2020, she also surprised her fans by releasing “Wake Up Call” to showcase her musical abilities.
Brian Evergreen
The “Bad Luck Brian” meme is one that always seems to stay popular. Even if you try to forget it, it seems to pop up again. While it’s called “Bad Luck Brian,” it actually brought fame to Brian. He might not be a celebrity, but everyone remembers him clearly.
Despite being known as Brian, his real name is Kyle Craven. Currently, Kyle works in construction. The photo that became a meme was from his yearbook, and he’s moved past that awkward phase now.
The Enigmatic Individual
Discovering something unexpected might put that look on your face too. This spontaneous photo taken by someone was never intended for meme use. Nonetheless, with so much varied content out there, meme creators found a way to utilize this picture.
Undoubtedly, it’s an ideal image to use, but the most intriguing aspect is that no one knows who this man is. He might have seen himself in a meme but hasn’t come forward. It would be fascinating to learn who this man is in real life and what he’s doing now.
The Excited Child
After attaining success, you might feel excited and embrace others. You might also use a hand gesture to celebrate the achievement. This is why the child became famous for his victorious pose. The image is still utilized by people on social media platforms to express an enthusiastic reaction to events.
Sammy Griner is the child in this picture who went viral when he was just one year old. The internet fame enabled his family to raise funds for his father’s transplant. The procedure was done in time, which benefited the family. You can view the picture on the right to see Sammy re-enacting the pose after growing up.
The Young Actress
Good Luck Charlie was a popular series that aired on Disney over ten years ago. The show was notable for its comedic moments, but one particular scene became more famous than the entire series itself. You can identify the scene by looking at the picture.
The child actress became well-known during the show’s run due to her exceptional expressions. Many people use this image when they want to convey a doubtful or confused expression. Mia Talerico, the child in this meme, has since grown up. Her Instagram fan base has also surpassed 1.4 million followers due to her active presence.
The Crying Meme
Crying memes on the internet are more popular than happy reactions because they can be applied to various humorous situations. That’s what happened after this meme spread online. People used the reaction to express complaints about boyfriend troubles, life issues, 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 skills are excellent because she doesn’t concentrate on her international fame. Instead, she focuses on her acting career and continues to improve with each role. This meme is one of the things she will be remembered for.
The Most Renowned Cat Following Garfield
We all recognize Garfield, the orange cat, from various cartoons and movies. Naturally, Garfield is just a fictional character. However, the cat in this picture is real. Memes featuring Grumpy circulated on the internet over three years ago.
The popularity of memes featuring this cat was so immense that it led to a book deal for the feline. An Instagram page was also created for Grumpy due to its humorous expression. Sadly, this feline is no longer alive. Grumpy passed away in 2019 due to unknown reasons, but many users still share this funny meme on social media.
The Intelligent Person
This meme is certainly a classic favorite on the internet. It’s used to convey every imaginable idea. While the meme’s subject may be tired of it by now, who is this person in real life?
Kayode Ewumi is the clever individual featured in this meme. The image was captured from a video he uploaded to his social media. This sparked a career in British television, including a leading role in a BBC show. Furthermore, Ewumi has received a BAFTA award and given a TED talk.
The Guy Who Blinks in Surprise
Yes, you’ve probably seen this guy in a meme multiple times. When the meme became popular, people went wild sharing it. His expression in the meme was so genuine that everyone could instantly connect with it. It gave everyone a laugh, but who is this guy?
Drew Scanlon used this opportunity to launch his online career. He didn’t need more fame as the meme had already given him his share of recognition. Now he runs a YouTube channel and is focused on expanding it. He’s a smart guy who turned his meme fame into a successful career.
Jonathan Goldsmith, the actor
The Dos Equis beer company gained fame for its marketing techniques, which is why this image from one of its advertising campaigns became iconic. Many people found the man in the picture intriguing because of his enigmatic expression. You might also recall that this man is Jonathan Goldsmith.
The actor was renowned for his refined taste and acting roles back then. He appeared in numerous theatrical productions and television shows. Naturally, Jonathan has retired due to his age. However, his meme continues to be popular online. He was also seen at a Halloween parade a few years ago.
Salt Bae is a famous Turkish chef and restaurateur known for his unique way of seasoning and serving meat.
Who wouldn’t recognize this guy right here? Salt Bae became famous when his seasoning action video was posted online. Everyone went wild, and it quickly became a sensation.
The way he seasoned in the video is what he actually does in real life. He owns 14 restaurants worldwide. This is his signature seasoning style, not something he made up to become famous. Nusret, also known as Salt Bae, is now a millionaire with a net worth of around $60 million. A meme turned him into a sensation and the crush of many girls.
Excuse me, what?
At some point in life, you’ll find yourself puzzled by something, and that’s precisely the time you might recall or share this meme. The man in the meme gained fame for his goofy expression, though he was already on the path to becoming famous even before this.
This is Nick Young, who is dating rapper Iggy Azalea. While they were engaged, the wedding never occurred, yet they’re still dating and maintaining a strong relationship. Nick, formerly a professional basketball player known as Swaggy P, was an NBA champion in 2018.
Jordan Peele feeling anxious
Jordan Peele is one of the top sketch show artists and always succeeds in entertaining his audience. The meme shown above is from one of his sketch shows. Peele never anticipated that it would become a meme and that the whole world would recognize him for it.
As stated, Peele always manages to impress the audience, and even in the form of a meme, he brings a smile to viewers. If you ever want to express that you’re nervous, just show them this picture of Peele, and your message will be clear.
Enduring Pain with a Smile
Some individuals smile through their pain to hide the fact that they’re not okay. This meme resonates with many for that very reason. The older man appears to be in pain but is still smiling to convey that everything is fine. Social media users often share this meme to express empathy.
The man in the meme is Andras Arato from Hungary. He gained popularity due to this picture and internet jokes. Andras has even given a TED Talk about the meme and its impact on his life. He has been doing well as he often travels and appears in advertisements.
Memes featuring Dwight Schrute
Without a doubt, Rainn Wilson will forever be associated with the character Dwight Schrute. He consistently brought entertainment to 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 Wilson’s major breakthrough; though the show has ended, he continues to deliver great work. He is quite occupied with his digital media company, SoulPancake, and he has also written an autobiography, The Bassoon King. Be sure to take a look at it.
Attempting to Avoid Passing Gas
Flatulence is a popular subject online as people find the reactions amusing. This is why this meme received more attention than other jokes when it spread across the internet. Many people use this image to illustrate the struggle of holding in a fart in public.
The expression of the man in this meme suggests that he is trying to restrain something. However, the photographer, Michael McGee, who took this picture, had a different perspective. He intended to show how his friend’s forehead veins protrude. Naturally, we can’t be certain how accurate this explanation is.
The Girl Parodying Justin Bieber
If you’re unfamiliar with Laina Morris, it might be assumed that you’re out of touch. This is because the YouTuber gained significant fame from her parody video. She created a parody of the song “Boyfriend” by Justin Bieber, released several years ago. Laina sought recognition for her comedy, but a screenshot of her video turned into a widely circulated meme.
Several years have passed since Laina created that parody video, which earned her a large following on YouTube and Twitter. However, all good things must come to an end, and Morris is now focusing more on her mental health and taking a break.
The Russian Student
In every class, there is always one student who is present no matter the situation. You will find this student at their desk, even if the teacher hasn’t arrived yet. Igor Nazarov appears to be that student in the meme, but such a classroom setting is unprecedented.
The photo was taken in Kyrgyzstan, and Igor was invited back by the Kyrgyzstan government once it was discovered that the image was captured there. The government offered him a chance to see the true aspects of their country, which they did. Hopefully, Igor never has to return to the swamp-like classroom setting.
The fashionable ape
A monkey was seen in IKEA flaunting his new jacket. However, he was unaware that he would immediately be turned into a meme. Additionally, he became a video that he doesn’t know exists. This is one of the most adorable meme stories you’ll encounter.
The photo was snapped in 2012, when Darwin was seen roaming around in a jacket. As soon as the picture appeared online, it became a meme. Now, Darwin resides at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, where he truly belongs.
The Parent of Two Children
It’s not every day that you wake up and find out you’ve become famous on social media. The individual in this meme had less luck than others because he was turned into a meme overnight. The “Steve” meme was actually a photo he took at his grandmother’s house.
People used the picture to make jokes, claiming he was a father of two. Of course, social media users are completely mistaken because this man’s name is not Steve. His real name is Blake, and he’s from Boston. Although the meme might be old, some social media users still remember it.
The Relaxed Person
Yes, your favorite meme is right here. Although people are using this meme every day, the person featured in it is onto something significant. The screenshot was taken from a clip of Ancient Aliens, a show hosted by Giorgio Tsoukalos.
But there’s more to it. Tsoukalos is a ufologist, which means he studies UFOs, and some of his theories have been broadcasted on television. In fact, he is the go-to person for your UFO-related questions. Additionally, he is a television producer. This guy is multi-talented with many things on his plate.
The Attractive Criminal
Many believed Jeremy Meeks had potential in the fashion industry due to his attractive appearance and fashion sense. This was one reason his photo went viral as a meme. While people described him as handsome and other terms, many are unaware of what he’s been doing recently.
Meeks has become an international model and attained significant success. After parting ways with his family, he began a relationship with Chloe Green, the heiress of a billion-dollar company. Jeremy has become a father once more, but now he has the resources to provide for his children. It appears that things have really taken off for him.
Awesome Teacher
Some of you might have had this professor in your class. His photo on the left went viral for being relaxed on campus, prompting others to get creative with various captions. The professor wasn’t bothered at all by his picture becoming a meme. This is Professor Tom Winter, who simply enjoys skateboarding around campus. Everyone needs a laid-back professor like him to make college a bit more enjoyable. The meme hasn’t deterred him from skateboarding on campus, and he’s still seen doing it.
The Adorable Puppy
Dogs are a popular choice for a pet among many people, and there are numerous breeds available when looking for a furry friend. Naturally, not every dog achieves fame like the one depicted in this image. This dog became popular due to its adorable appearance and straightforward expressions.
Fortunately, we know the name of this dog. Kabosu was the name of the puppy that became an internet meme sensation. Over time, he has grown and ventured to different places with his owner. However, the dog is unaware of just how adored he is by social media users.
Mr. Happy
The person in this meme became famous for all the right reasons. Running a marathon is an excellent activity for your body and mind. But have you ever seen anyone so relaxed and laid-back while running a marathon? He became well-known for being incredibly photogenic. Who is this person?
Zeddie Little, also known as Mr. Smiles, confused many people by being so photogenic. Looking so handsome and at ease, this meme is perfect to share when you want to convey a carefree attitude. Zeddie certainly seems like someone who enjoys life to the fullest. I hope he really is like this in real life.
Not a businessman
This well-dressed individual was once a widely used meme for switching phrases. He frequently appeared in various memes, entertaining everyone. His expressions make him relatable, and he certainly resembles a businessman.
However, that’s where you’re mistaken. In reality, this person is an electrical engineer and a bodybuilder. He was seen at a bodybuilding competition where many people recognized him from the meme. He really surprised everyone when they discovered who he actually was. He even appeared in a college textbook.
The Well-Known Pout
This meme of a young person pouting has circulated on several social media platforms. It’s commonly referred to as the “Conceited reaction” because the reason for the pout is difficult to understand. Another reason for the meme’s name is due to the rapper featured in the image.
The picture is a screenshot from a rap battle between Conceited and Jesse James. During the video, the two rappers engaged in a verbal exchange, which led to Conceited’s pouting expression. He gained significant fame following that battle and now collaborates with well-known stars. His background story is more exciting than that of other rappers.
The Girl with Tacos
There was a period when Old El Paso commercials were well-known. However, no one would have predicted that a meme would stem from it. Mia Agraviador certainly didn’t expect to end up on the internet, particularly as a meme. She may have enjoyed filming the commercial, but becoming a meme was unintended.
It’s good to see that she has grown up and is now in college, where no one can recognize her. Additionally, this isn’t something she plans to share with anyone. As she eats tacos, this might be running through her mind.
Isn’t it perplexing?
Whenever something perplexing was talked about online, this woman was involved. She’s the ideal meme to use when confusion is in the air. The confused math lady is likely one you’ve saved in your meme collection.
Although she resembles a math teacher, who is she really? Not a math teacher, this woman is an actress named Renata Sorrah. The picture comes from her soap opera from the 2000s. Though Sorrah may have gotten older, the meme continues to be circulated today. It’s a fantastic way to leave a lasting legacy.
Asking you once more
Bernie Sanders is here requesting your support once more, and it would be unwise to refuse him. The image on the left was captured from a campaign video that helped him collect $25 million in just a month.
However, because of a blank space left under the phrase “I Am Once Again Asking,” some people transformed it into a meme. Despite this, it worked in Sanders’ favor because even as a meme, his video went viral, and his message reached a wide audience. Although it wasn’t his original intention, it was effective in achieving his goal.
The Deceitful Man
This meme has to be at the top of the list among all. If you’ve been on the internet for some years now, you might have come across this meme. Nick Fraser wanted to gain some followers when he uploaded a cover of “Too Close” by Next.
However, what he didn’t anticipate was becoming a meme shortly after. His lying expression in the video did the trick, making him the most popular meme of its time. Nick is now an influencer and still makes people laugh.
NEXT
How About That?
Yes, you’re referring to the “Cash Me Outside” girl who gained fame from her interview with Dr. Phil about her education problems. We all know how that interview unfolded. Afterward, she didn’t have to pursue her studies any further.
Danielle Bregoli, also known as Bhad Bhabie, took advantage of this opportunity and launched a rap career. Shortly after her meme went viral, she released several music videos and attracted a large following. However, none of her music videos became as famous as the meme itself. It’s interesting to see how she addressed her education issues.
Jimmy, The Advocate
Jimmy McMillan is well-known for several reasons, but the main one is his speech during his campaign for New York Governor. A photo circulated with him delivering the speech and stating a popular line. At the event, he highlighted the issue of high rent, which gained him fame.
His speech went viral online, but it wasn’t enough to secure the necessary votes, so he didn’t win the Governor’s race. Nonetheless, he is continuing his life as an activist and might attempt to enter politics again by running for the same position.
The Uncertain Child
This image gained internet fame a few years ago due to the child’s perplexed expression, suggesting he was questioning something occurring before him. Social media users found this amusing, often using it as a meme for instances requiring a puzzled look.
While the true context of the image isn’t known, the child’s identity is. Gavin Thomas has matured somewhat, losing some front teeth over time. The photo on the right is a more recent image. Gavin also has Instagram and Twitter accounts, though it’s unclear if he personally updates them.
It’s not real!
Her smile both frightened and unsettled people. Some believed it wasn’t genuine and that she was just being playful. Regardless of opinions, the image became a viral, unsettling meme. Many wished she wasn’t like this in reality.
Fortunately, Maddie Goldenberger isn’t like this in real life. The photo was from the 90s, taken with her favorite books. Nowadays, she is a nurse and a former college basketball player.
Fortunate Johnny!
Many people have gained fame through memes, but no one was as fortunate as Johnny. In the original meme on the left, Johnny went to wish his friend a happy birthday with flowers. However, the girl shared the picture with a caption calling Johnny a great friend.
The meme became popular as “friend-zoned Johnny.” But who could have predicted Johnny’s clever move online? In the picture on the right, he is seen with a girl and his hand on her back. It appears to be the same girl who friend-zoned him back then.
The Emotional Response of Sadness
The image of Dmitry looking sad went viral on social media a few years back. People shared it because of the person’s despondent expression. The act of releasing sand with a sorrowful look on his face helped the image become widely shared. Many people use it to express feelings related to sad situations.
However, the person in the picture is not actually Dmitry. He is a Russian musician named Vladimir Brest, and the image is from one of his album covers. The singer was not pleased with people turning his expression into a meme as he is a positive person and did not want children to be negatively influenced by the image.
Young Cashier From Target
Alex is an inspiration for many teenagers because of his dedication to working at Target at a young age. However, that is not the reason he became a meme. Some girls who noticed him took photos of him as a handsome cashier at Target. He then gained fame for his appearance at such a young age.
Now, Alex has grown up, and you can see his current appearance in the picture on the left. He has become a muscular man and no longer works at Target. Alex has about 8,000 followers on Instagram and had a brief appearance in a movie called Coming Home.
The Mysterious Coffee Maker
This meme transformed the life of an ordinary barista. The image, now popular as a meme, was captured when an interviewer took his photo. Because of his look, people dubbed him the hipster barista. It’s a common meme used to reply sarcastically to questions.
However, Dustin Cole, the barista in question, eventually altered his appearance and now sports a plaid shirt and cap. He seems to have chosen not to wear glasses anymore. He looks fantastic in this new style, as the old meme appearance gave him a more somber look.
Chloe: An Essential Figure
The young queen of the meme world has arrived. You might have shared Chloe online in various situations. This meme is versatile and can be used to convey any emotion. Scared, disgusted, or confused are just a few reasons why her image is used to express emotions.
But where is Chloe now? She recently launched a joint Instagram account with her sister and is looking to build a career soon. It might take some time for people to recognize her, but with a closer look, no one could miss it. This is the best way to take advantage of this opportunity for her benefit.
The Weeping Girl
School events hold significant importance for many students, particularly those aiming to compete at a National level. This explains why a girl playing the piccolo became emotional and cried while being shown live on TV. The proud occasion made her feel sentimental as she played her instrument.
Rachel Chalifoux from Villanova University became a viral meme after viewers captured a screenshot of her teary performance and circulated it on social media. Nonetheless, her talent earned her acclaim, leading to an appearance on The Tonight Show after the event. During this appearance, she felt more joyful about being showcased on television.
The Meme About Crime
The internet is a wild place where anyone can become famous for various reasons. Antoine Dodson became an internet sensation after his interview about a street crime. Aside from the meme, people noticed that he was portrayed as a rapist and a bandit on the loose. That’s when “Hide yo kids, hide yo wife” became famous.
Although this might be an old story, the Dodson family was traumatized by the negative attention Antoine received. He later entered the music industry and has been producing some great songs for his fans. He also launched his merchandise and has appeared on television.
The Surprised Cat Meme
This meme featuring a shocked cat and a yelling woman has been popular for years. People continue to use the images with different captions to create new memes. The most amusing aspect is the spot-on expressions of all living beings in the picture. The woman appears to be accusing the cat, while the cat stares back with a shameless face.
Interestingly, all the living beings in the photo are real. The cat, named Smudge, even has an Instagram account. His owner has noted that Smudge doesn’t enjoy salad and sits at a chair during dinner. Meanwhile, one of the women is an actress.
Could you repeat that?
There are certainly countless memes available. However, there was a lack of a perfect meme to use when you don’t understand what someone else is saying. For that specific situation, this meme was ideal. This woman provided the perfect solution for many internet users.
Aside from being a meme, Kalin Elisabeth is a social media influencer and a model. This picture was taken during one of her photo shoots and became a popular meme. Kalin wasn’t bothered by becoming a meme and continues to thrive. We need more people like her.
I don’t understand.
This is a meme you might have used at least once to represent a moment when you simply can’t connect with it. It’s ideal for when someone tries to explain something in detail, but you don’t comprehend any of it.
The interesting thing about this meme is that the two images come from different sources. The person trying to explain in detail is Quen Blackwell, a former Vine star. The other image is from “Little Women,” a reality show. Moreover, these two individuals have never even met.
Cardi B Has Arrived
Cardi B doesn’t need an introduction, as most of you already know her. However, not many are aware that she is the girl from the “My Momma Said So” video meme. Yes, that’s correct.
In the meme, Cardi B appears on the left. This clip became a viral sensation, and when people online searched to identify the girl, they discovered it was Cardi B. If you’re curious about what Cardi B is currently doing, simply search her name on YouTube. Her content is widely available across the internet.