In this era, memes have become a popular trend that lets you have fun on social media. You can share jokes that resonate with your friends to initiate a conversation. The great thing is that new memes pop up every year, ensuring you’ll always find new content.
Nonetheless, some memes fall into a classic category due to their frequent use. You might have seen many of the following images on social media, but you might not know the stories of the individuals in the photos. So, here’s some information about the people behind your favorite memes.
The Surprised Girlfriend
This meme became popular in 2017 and is still utilized on social media for different reasons. Initially, the image aimed to show a distracted boyfriend being caught by his surprised girlfriend. Since then, social media users have used the picture in many fun contexts.
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 capturing this photo was enjoyable because the models kept laughing. The concept was excellent, as evidenced by the meme going viral.
She Still Doesn’t Show Interest
This was one of the eeriest memes ever created. Although the girl on the left appears adorable in the image, the setting and timing of the photo give it a creepy vibe. It’s the perfect meme to use when you’re indifferent about something.
Nonetheless, the girl has grown up and is now in college. Her name is Zoe Roth, and she still has a love for fires. While some things have changed, her passion for fire endures. She shared the picture on the left on social media to reminisce about her past.
The Disinterested Olympian
McKayla Maroney is a renowned gymnast who won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. However, she gained fame after the event for another reason. Her unimpressed expression while receiving the medal went viral on the internet. Former President Barack Obama also added to its popularity by striking the same pose with the gymnast.
Several years have passed since the meme, and much has changed in McKayla’s life. She was the first female to come forward against Larry Nassar from USA Gymnastics. In 2020, the gymnast also surprised her fans by releasing “Wake Up Call,” showcasing her musical talent.
Brian Evergreen
The Bad Luck Brian meme is one that never seems to age. Even if you try to forget about it, the meme inevitably pops up in front of you. Although it’s called Bad Luck Brian, it brought fame to Brian. He might not be as famous as a celebrity, but everyone recalls him distinctly.
He’s famous as Brian, but his real name is Kyle Craven. Currently, Kyle works in construction. The photo that became a meme was from his yearbook, and now he’s moved past that awkward phase.
The Enigmatic Figure
Learning something unexpected might bring a similar expression to your own face. This spontaneous photo taken by someone was not originally intended to be a meme. However, with the variety of content available, meme creators found a way to use this image.
Without a doubt, it is an ideal picture for memes, but the most interesting aspect is that nobody knows the identity of the man in the photo. It’s possible he has seen himself featured in a meme but hasn’t come forward. It would be fascinating to discover who this man is in reality and what he’s doing now.
The Excited Child
After reaching success, you might become excited and embrace others. You might also use a hand gesture to celebrate the achievement. This is why the child was famous for his victorious pose. The picture is still used by people on social media platforms to express excitement about various things.
Sammy Griner is the child in this picture and went viral when he was only one year old. The internet fame enabled his family to raise funds for his father’s transplant. The procedure was completed in time and benefited the family. You can view the image on the right to see Sammy recreating the pose as an adult.
The Young Actress
Good Luck Charlie was a popular series that aired on Disney over ten years ago. The sitcom was known 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 famous during the show’s run due to her outstanding expressions. Many people use this picture when they want to depict a doubtful or confused expression. Mia Talerico, the child in this meme, has now grown up. Her follower count on Instagram has surpassed 1.4 million because of her active engagement.
The Crying Meme
Crying memes on the internet are more popular than happy reactions because they can be related to various funny situations. That’s what happened after this meme spread online. People used the reaction to complain about boyfriend troubles, life issues, and other problems.
Interestingly, the picture features an Italian actress. Silvia Bottini is a star in her country and has played various roles. Her acting skills are excellent because she doesn’t concentrate on her international fame. Instead, she focuses more 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 Well-Known Cat After Garfield
We all recognize Garfield, the orange cat, from the many cartoons and movies. Naturally, Garfield is a fictional character. However, the cat in this picture is real. Memes of Grumpy Cat circulated on the internet over three years ago.
The popularity of this meme was so great that the cat landed a book deal. Additionally, an Instagram page was created for Grumpy Cat due to the humorous reactions. Sadly, this feline is no longer alive. Grumpy Cat passed away in 2019 for unknown reasons, but various users still share this amusing meme on social media.
The Intelligent Person
This meme is undoubtedly a fan favorite on the internet. It is used to express every conceivable idea. The person might be exhausted by now. But who is this person in reality?
Kayode Ewumi is the clever individual featured in this meme. This image was taken from a video he shared on his social media. This led to a career on British television. He also got the opportunity to play the lead role in a BBC program. Furthermore, Ewumi won a BAFTA award and gave a TED talk.
The Guy with the Surprised Blink
Yes, you’ve seen this person in this meme multiple times. When this meme became popular, people went wild sharing it. His reaction in the meme was so authentic that everyone could easily connect with him. It gave everyone a laugh, but who is this guy?
Drew Scanlon took this opportunity and began his career online. He didn’t need any more fame since the meme had already given him plenty. Now he operates his YouTube channel and is focused on expanding it. He’s a smart guy who turned his meme fame into a career.
The Actor, Jonathan Goldsmith
The Dos Equis beer company became well-known for its marketing strategies. That’s why this image from one of their advertising campaigns became iconic. Many people referred to the man in the photo as interesting due to his enigmatic expression. You might also remember that this man is Jonathan Goldsmith.
The actor was recognized for his refined taste and acting projects during that period. He appeared in numerous theater productions and television shows. Naturally, Jonathan has retired due to age. However, his meme is still popular online. He was also seen at a Halloween parade a few years back.
Salt Bae
Who hasn’t heard of this guy? Salt Bae became famous when a video of him seasoning food was shared online. Everyone went wild, and his fame skyrocketed almost instantly.
The seasoning technique he used in that video is something he does in real life. He owns 14 restaurants worldwide. This is his signature way of seasoning and not something he invented to gain attention. Nusret, also known as Salt Bae, is now a millionaire with a net worth of around $60 million. Just a meme turned him into a sensation and the crush of many girls.
Hold on, what?
There comes a time in life when you find yourself puzzled by something. That’s precisely when you might think of or share this meme right here. The guy in this meme became famous for his goofy expression. However, even before that, he was on his way to becoming famous.
This is Nick Young, who is dating rapper Iggy Azalea. They were engaged, but the wedding didn’t take place. Nonetheless, they are still dating and their relationship is strong. Nick is a former professional basketball player, known as Swaggy P, and he was the NBA champion in 2018.
An anxious Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele is one of the best sketch show artists and always manages to entertain his audience. The meme shown above is from one of his sketch shows. Peele never imagined it would become a meme and that the whole world would recognize him for it.
As stated, 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 express that you’re nervous, just show them this picture of Peele and you’ll get the message across.
Grinning Despite the Pain
Some people smile through their pain to hide that they’re not okay. This meme became relatable for that reason. The older gentleman looks like he’s in pain but is still smiling to pretend everything is alright. Social media users often share this meme to express sensitivity.
The man in this meme is Andras Arato from Hungary. He gained popularity after this picture and internet jokes started circulating. Andras has also given a TED Talk about the meme and its impact on his life. Life has been going well for him as he often travels and films advertisements.
Memes featuring Dwight Schrute
There is no question that Rainn Wilson will always be known for his role as Dwight Schrute. He consistently delivered entertainment on the show and continues to amuse as a meme. Schrute is famous for his cleverness and humor both on the show and in real life.
The Office was his major breakthrough, and although the show has ended, he continues to deliver quality work. Wilson is actively involved with his digital media company, SoulPancake, keeping him quite occupied. Additionally, he released his autobiography, The Bassoon King, which is worth checking out.
Attempting to Hold Back a Fart
Flatulence is a popular subject on the internet as 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 depict the struggle of trying not to pass gas in public.
The expression on the man’s face in this meme shows someone trying to suppress something. However, the creator of this photo offers a different perspective. Michael McGee captured this picture to highlight how the veins on his friend’s forehead stood out. Naturally, we can’t confirm the exact truth of this context.
The Girl Who Parodied Justin Bieber
If you’re not familiar with Laina Morris, one might think 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 by Justin Bieber that was released several years ago. Laina sought recognition for her comedy, but some people took a screenshot and turned it into a widely circulated meme of her.
Several years have passed since Laina made that parody video. It brought her a large following on YouTube and Twitter. However, all good things must come to an end. Currently, Morris is focusing more on her mental health and taking a break.
The Russian Student
In every class, there’s always one student who is present no matter the situation. You’ll see this student at their desk even before the teacher arrives. In this meme, Igor Nazarov seems like that student, but the classroom depicted is unlike anything seen before.
The photo was taken in Kyrgyzstan, and when it was discovered to be from their country, the Kyrgyzstan government invited Igor back to showcase the true aspects of their country. Hopefully, Igor never has to return to the swamp classroom.
The Fashionable Primate
This monkey was seen at IKEA flaunting his new jacket. Little did he know he would immediately become a meme. Additionally, he became the subject of a video he is unaware of. This is among the most adorable meme stories you’ll encounter.
The photo was taken in 2012 when Darwin was observed walking around in a jacket. As soon as this image was posted online, it was turned into a meme. However, Darwin is now at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, where he truly belongs.
The Parent of Two Children
It’s not common to wake up, check social media, and find out you’ve become famous. The person in this meme had worse luck than others because he became a meme overnight. The Steve meme was a photo taken by the person at his grandmother’s house. However, people used the picture to make jokes, calling him a father of two. Of course, social media users were completely mistaken because this man is not Steve. His real name is Blake, and he’s from Boston. The meme might be old, but some social media users still remember it.
The Relaxed Dude
Yes, your favorite meme is right here. While folks here use this meme daily, the person featured in it is onto something significant. Giorgio Tsoukalos was the host of Ancient Aliens when this screenshot was captured from one of the show’s clips.
However, that’s not all. Tsoukalos is a ufologist, meaning he studies UFOs, and some of his theories have been broadcasted on TV. In fact, he’s the one who can answer your questions about UFOs. Additionally, he is also a television producer. This guy is multi-talented with a lot on his plate.
The Infamous Convict
Jeremy Meeks was believed by many to have a potential career in the fashion industry due to his good looks and style. His image became popular as a meme for this reason. People labeled him as attractive and other names, though many are unaware of his current endeavors.
Meeks has become a successful international model. After parting ways with his family, he entered a relationship with Chloe Green, the heir to a billion-dollar enterprise. Jeremy has become a father once more, but now he has the resources to support his children. It seems that his life has significantly improved.
Trendy Academic
Some of you might have had this professor in your class. His picture on the left became viral for being laid-back on campus, and then people began showcasing their creativity with numerous captions. The professor didn’t mind his picture going viral as 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 bit more enjoyable. The meme hasn’t stopped him from skateboarding on campus, and he’s still seen doing it.
The Adorable Puppy
Many people favor dogs as pets. There are numerous breeds available that make it easy to find a furry friend. Not every dog becomes famous like the one in this image. This animal became a favorite due to its cuteness and straightforward reactions.
Fortunately, we know this animal’s name. Kabosu was just a puppy when his meme became popular online. He has matured significantly over time and travels to different places with his owner. Naturally, the dog is unaware of how much social media users adore him.
Mr. Grins
The man featured in this meme became famous for all the right reasons. Running a marathon is excellent for both your body and mind. However, have you ever seen someone look so relaxed and carefree while running a marathon? He gained fame for being extremely photogenic. Who is this man?
Zeddie Little, also known as Mr. Smiles, confused many people with his photogenic appearance. Looking so handsome and laid-back, this meme is perfect for posting when you want to appear carefree. Zeddie is definitely one of those people who live their life happily. Hopefully, that is how he is in real life.
Not a businessman
This well-dressed man was once a favorite meme choice for changing phrases. He frequently appeared in numerous memes, entertaining everyone. With his expressions, it’s easy to connect with him. He certainly resembles a businessman.
However, you’d be mistaken to think so. In reality, this individual 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 discovered who he really is. He was even included in a college textbook.
The Renowned Pout
This meme of a young person pouting has circulated widely on various social media platforms. It’s often referred to as the Conceited reaction because the reason for the pout is difficult to determine. Another reason for the meme’s name is the rapper associated with the image.
The picture is a screenshot from a rap battle between Conceited and Jesse James. In the video, these two rappers engaged in a verbal confrontation, leading to Conceited’s pouting reaction. He gained significant fame after that battle and collaborates with famous celebrities now. His backstory is more eventful than those of other rappers.
The Girl with the Taco
There was a period when Old El Paso commercials were quite popular. However, no one expected a meme to evolve from it. Mia Agraviador certainly didn’t foresee becoming an internet sensation, particularly as a meme. She might have enjoyed filming the commercial, but not being turned into a meme.
It’s great that she has grown up and is now in college, and there’s no one who can recognize her. Furthermore, she doesn’t plan on telling anyone about it. She might be eating tacos while this is running through her mind.
Isn’t it perplexing?
Whenever something confusing needed to be talked about online, this woman was there. It’s an ideal meme to use when there’s confusion. The math confusion lady is likely part of your meme collection.
While she seems to be a math teacher, who is she? She’s not a math teacher, but an actress named Renata Sorrah. This image is from her role in a soap opera from the 2000s. Though Sorrah has aged, the meme continues to be shared today. It’s a great way to leave a lasting legacy.
I’m still asking you again.
Bernie Sanders is once more reaching out to you. It wouldn’t be advisable to refuse him. The image on the left is a still from the campaign video that resulted in him raising $25 million in just a month.
Nonetheless, because there was a gap under the phrase “I Am Once Again Asking,” some individuals transformed it into a meme. Interestingly, this worked in Sanders’s favor, as the video went viral even as a meme, and his message reached a wide audience. Although this wasn’t his initial intention, it effectively achieved the goal.
The Person Who Lies
This meme is definitely one of the best. If you’ve been online for a while, you might have come across it. Nick Fraser hoped to gain some followers by uploading a cover of “Too Close” by Next.
What he didn’t anticipate was becoming a meme sensation. His expression in the video went viral, making him one of the most popular memes of the time. Nick is now an influencer and continues to make people laugh.
NEXT
What about that?
You are looking at the “Cash Me Outside” girl who became famous after her interview with Dr. Phil, which was about her education problems. We all know how that interview ended. She no longer needed to continue her education after that.
Danielle Bregoli, also known as Bhad Bhabie, seized this chance and embarked on a rap career. Soon after her meme went viral, she released several music videos and acquired a large fan following. However, none of her music videos became as famous as the meme once was. It’s interesting to see how she addressed her education challenges.
Jimmy, the Advocate
Jimmy McMillan is well-known for several reasons, but primarily for a speech he gave while running for Governor of New York. A photo circulated of him during the speech, highlighting a relatable line about high rent, which contributed to his fame. Though his speech went viral online, it didn’t translate into enough votes, and he didn’t win the governorship. Despite this, he remains an activist and may consider another political run for the same position in the future.
The Uncertain Child
A few years ago, this picture went viral online due to the child’s puzzled expression. It looks as if he is questioning what is happening in front of him. This amused social media users, who used it in memes for situations requiring a confused look.
Though the full story behind the picture is unknown, we do know the child’s name. Gavin Thomas has grown older and has lost some front teeth over time. The picture on the right is a recent photo. The child also has Instagram and Twitter accounts, though it’s unclear if he personally uploads posts.
It’s Not Real!
People were frightened and bewildered by her smile. Some claimed it wasn’t genuine and that she was just being playful. Regardless of what people thought, it became a potential creepy meme circulating online. Many wished that she wasn’t like this in reality.
Fortunately, Maddie Goldenberger isn’t like that in her real life. The picture is from the 90s when she posed with her beloved books. Today, she is a nurse and a former college basketball player.
Fortunate Johnny!
Memes have propelled many people to fame, but no one got as lucky as Johnny. In the left picture, which is the original meme, Johnny is shown bringing flowers to wish his friend a happy birthday. However, the girl posted the picture with the caption that Johnny was a great friend.
The meme became famous as the “friend-zoned Johnny.” But who would have guessed that Johnny would turn the tables on the internet? In the picture on the right, he appears with a girl, his hand on her back. It seems to be the same girl who friend-zoned him back then.
The Melancholy Response
The melancholic image of Dmitry gained fame on social media a few years back. It was widely shared due to the sorrowful expression of the individual in the photo. Letting sand fall from his hand with a pained look helped the picture go viral. Many people used it to connect with sad experiences.
However, the individual in the photo is not Dmitry. He is Vladimir Brest, a Russian musician, and the photo is from one of his albums. The singer was unhappy that people transformed the expression into a meme because he is an optimistic person and did not want children to be negatively influenced by seeing the picture.
Young Cashier from Target
Alex is an inspiration to many teens because of his dedication to working at Target at a young age. However, he became a meme not for his hard work, but because some girls noticed him for being an attractive cashier at Target and took a picture of him. This led to him gaining fame for his appearance at a young age.
Now, Alex has grown up, and you can see his current appearance in the picture on the left. He’s now a muscular man and no longer works at Target. Alex has about 8,000 followers on Instagram and made a brief appearance in a movie called “Coming Home.”
The Mysterious Barista
This meme transformed the life of an ordinary barista. The image, now popular as a meme, was captured when an interviewer took his photo. Due to his appearance, he was dubbed the hipster barista. It’s a classic meme used to respond to questions sarcastically.
However, Dustin Cole, the barista in question, ultimately altered his appearance and now sports a plaid shirt and a cap. It seems he opted to stop wearing glasses. He looks incredible in this new style as the former meme appearance gave him a somber look.
Chloe, the Essential
The young queen of the meme world has arrived. You’ve probably shared Chloe online in any situation. This is a versatile meme that can be used to express any emotion. Fear, disgust, and confusion are just a few of the reasons her image is used.
But where is Chloe now? She just launched a joint Instagram account with her sister and is planning to pursue a career soon. It might take people a while to recognize her, but with a closer look, she won’t go unnoticed. This is the best way for her to take advantage of this opportunity.
The Girl Who is Crying
School events are significant for many students, particularly for those aiming to compete at the national level. That’s why this girl playing the piccolo was emotional and crying while being showcased on live TV. The proud moment made her emotional as she played the instrument.
Rachel Chalifoux from Villanova University turned into a meme after people shared a screenshot of her emotional performance on social media. Nevertheless, her talents earned her recognition, and she was invited to appear on the Tonight Show after the event. This time she was more pleased about being featured on a TV program.
The Crime Meme is an online phenomenon or trend that involves using humorous or satirical images or text related to crime.
The internet is a wild place where people can become famous in unexpected ways. In the case of Antoine Dodson, he gained internet fame through an interview about a street crime. Aside from the meme, people noticed claims that he was a rapist and a fugitive. This led to the phrase “Hide yo kids, hide yo wife” becoming popular.
Although this might be an old story, the Dodson family has been traumatized by the negative fame Antoine received. He eventually ventured into 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
This meme featuring a shocked cat and a yelling woman has been popular for years. People continue to create new memes by adding various subtitles to the pictures. The most striking aspect is how perfectly the expressions capture the scene. The woman seems to accuse the cat, while the cat looks back with an unbothered expression.
Interestingly, everyone in the meme is real. The cat, named Smudge, even has an Instagram account. His owner notes that Smudge doesn’t like salad and prefers to sit in a chair during dinner. Meanwhile, one of the women is actually an actress.
Can you repeat that?
There are certainly numerous memes in existence. However, there was a lack of an ideal one to use in situations where you don’t understand what someone else is saying. This particular meme was perfect for that scenario. This woman provided a solution to many internet users.
Besides being a meme, Kalin Elisabeth is a social media influencer and model. The picture used for the meme was captured during one of her photo shoots and has become quite popular. Kalin hasn’t been negatively impacted by becoming a meme and continues to thrive. We could use more individuals like her.
I don’t identify with that.
This is one of those memes you might have used at least once to depict a situation where you just can’t connect. It’s perfect for when someone is explaining something in detail, but nothing makes sense to you.
What’s interesting about this meme is that it’s made up of two separate clips. The person explaining in detail is Quen Blackwell, a former Vine star. The perplexed reaction on the right is from a clip from the reality show Little Women. Interestingly, these two individuals have never even met.
Cardi B Has Arrived
Cardi B likely requires no introduction, as many of you are already familiar with her. However, not many people realize that she is the girl from the “My Momma Said So” meme video. Indeed, that’s correct.
In the meme, Cardi B is the one on the left, and this clip went viral. When the internet investigated to identify the girl, it turned out to be Cardi B. If you’re curious about what Cardi B is doing now, simply search her name on YouTube. Her work is widely available online.