Over 40 People from Well-Known Memes: Then and Now

The Astonished Girlfriend

This meme gained widespread attention in 2017 and continues to be used on social media for different purposes. The original intention of the image was to show a distracted boyfriend caught by his surprised girlfriend. Since then, social media users have used the picture in various humorous contexts.

The individuals in the picture are stock photo models, and the creator of the image is Antonio Guillem. He collaborates with various models to produce images. Guillem mentioned that taking this photo was an enjoyable experience because the models couldn’t stop laughing. The concept was brilliant, given that the meme went viral.

She remains indifferent.

This is one of the most unsettling memes ever created. The girl on the left might appear adorable in the image, but the context and timing of the photo give it an eerie vibe. It’s the perfect meme to share when you’re indifferent to something.

However, the girl has now grown up and is in college. Her name is Zoe Roth, and she still has an affinity for fires. While many things have changed, her fascination with fire has not. She posted 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 for another reason after the event. Her unimpressed expression while receiving the medal went viral on the internet. Former President Barack Obama added to her social media fame by striking the same pose with the gymnast.

Years have passed since the meme, and much has changed in McKayla’s life. She was the first female athlete to speak out against Larry Nassar from USA Gymnastics. In 2020, the gymnast also surprised her fans by showcasing her musical talent with the release of “Wake Up Call.”

Brian, who is always fresh and lively

The “Bad Luck Brian” meme is one that never loses its appeal. Despite any efforts to ignore it, the meme consistently resurfaces. It may be known as “Bad Luck Brian,” but for Brian, it brought fame. While he may not be as famous as a celebrity, everyone remembers him distinctly.

Known as “Brian,” his real name is Kyle Craven. Currently, Kyle works in construction. The picture that became a meme was taken for his yearbook, and he has since moved past that awkward stage.

The Enigmatic Figure

Being surprised by unexpected news might bring a particular expression to your face. This spontaneous photo taken by someone was never intended to become a meme. However, given the variety of content available, meme creators found a way to use this picture.

It’s certainly a great picture to use, but the most intriguing part is that nobody knows the identity of this man. He might have seen himself featured in a meme but has never come forward. It would be fascinating to discover who this man is in real life and what he is currently doing.

The Excited Child

Once you’ve achieved success, you might become excited and hug others. You might also make a hand gesture to celebrate the achievement. This is why the kid became famous for his successful pose. The photo is still used by people on social media platforms to express enthusiasm about things.

Sammy Griner is the child in this picture and went viral when he was just one year old. The internet fame helped his family raise money for his father’s transplant. The procedure was completed in time, benefiting the family. You can look at the picture on the right to see Sammy recreating the pose after growing up.

The Young Actress

Good Luck Charlie was a popular series that aired on Disney over ten years ago. The sitcom was noted for its comedic moments, but one particular scene became more famous than the entire series. You can identify the scene by looking at the picture.

This child actress gained fame during the show’s run due to her excellent expression. Many people use this picture to convey a doubtful or confused expression. Mia Talerico, the child in this meme, has now grown up. Her fan base on Instagram has surpassed 1.4 million followers thanks to her active presence.

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 circulated online. People used the reaction to express frustration about boyfriend troubles, life issues, and other problems.

Interestingly, the image involves an Italian actress. Silvia Bottini is a celebrated figure in her country and has taken on various roles. Her acting skills are exceptional because she doesn’t focus on her international fame. Instead, she concentrates 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 Besides Garfield

We are all familiar with Garfield, the orange cat, from various cartoons and films. While Garfield is a fictional character, the cat in this image is real. Memes featuring Grumpy became popular on the internet over three years ago.

Grumpy’s meme popularity was so immense that the cat received a book deal. An Instagram account was also created for Grumpy, owing to the humorous reactions. Sadly, this feline is no longer living. Grumpy passed away in 2019 for unknown reasons, but many people continue to share this amusing meme on social media.

The Intelligent Person

This meme is certainly a long-time favorite on the internet, used to convey all sorts of ideas. The person in the meme might be weary of its constant use. But who is this individual in real life?

Kayode Ewumi is the clever individual depicted in this meme. The image comes from a video he shared on his social media. This exposure helped launch his career in British television, leading to a starring role in a BBC show. Furthermore, Ewumi has won a BAFTA award and given a TED talk.

The Astonished Blinking Man

Yes, you’ve seen this man in this meme many 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 gave everyone a laugh, but who is this man?

Drew Scanlon seized this opportunity and launched his career online. He didn’t need more recognition since his meme had already earned him fame. Now he operates his YouTube channel and focuses on expanding it. He’s a smart guy who turned his meme notoriety into a career.

The Actor Jonathan Goldsmith

The Dos Equis beer company gained fame 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.

The actor was renowned 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. Nevertheless, his meme continues to be popular online. He was also seen at a Halloween parade a few years back.

Salt Bae

Who wouldn’t recognize this guy? Salt Bae became famous when a video of his seasoning technique was posted online. The world went wild, and it quickly became a viral hit.

The seasoning technique showcased in the video is what he practices in his real-life profession. He owns 14 restaurants worldwide. This is his unique style of seasoning, 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.

Hold on, what?

There comes a time in life when you find yourself puzzled about something. That’s precisely the moment when you might recall or share this meme here. The person in this meme became famous for his humorous expression. However, he was already on his way to gaining fame.

This is Nick Young, who is dating rapper Iggy Azalea. They were engaged, but the wedding never took place. Nonetheless, they are still together and their relationship is going strong. Nick, also known as Swaggy P, is a former professional basketball player who was an NBA champion in 2018.

Jordan Peele feeling anxious

Jordan Peele is a top-tier sketch show artist who consistently entertains his audience. The meme visible above originates from one of his sketch shows. Peele hadn’t anticipated that it would become a meme, bringing global recognition.

As noted, Peele always captivates the audience, and even as a meme, he elicits smiles. If you wish to express nervousness, simply show this image of Peele, and it will convey your feelings perfectly.

Enduring pain with a smile

Some people smile through their pain to hide the fact that they’re not okay. This meme resonates because of that reason. The old man looks as though he’s in pain but is still smiling to convey that everything is alright. Social media users often share this meme to express sensitivity.

The man in this meme is Andras Arato from Hungary. He became well-known after this picture and internet jokes spread. Andras has even given a TED Talk about this meme and its impact on his life. Things have been positive for him since he often travels and films ads.

Memes featuring Dwight Schrute

Rainn Wilson is undoubtedly best known for his role as Dwight Schrute. He consistently provided entertainment on the show and continues to amuse as a popular meme. Schrute is renowned for his cleverness and humor both in the series and in real life.

“The Office” marked Wilson’s major breakthrough. Although the show has ended, he continues to produce great work. He is currently busy with his digital media company, SoulPancake, and he has also penned an autobiography titled “The Bassoon King.” Be sure to take a look at it.

Avoiding Flatulence

Flatulence is a popular topic online because people find the reactions amusing. This is why this meme became more well-known than other jokes when it spread online. Many people use this image to depict the struggle of holding in a fart in public.

The expression of the individual in the meme shows someone trying to restrain themselves from something. However, the photo’s creator has a different interpretation. Michael McGee captured this image to highlight the way his friend’s forehead veins stand out. Naturally, we cannot be certain of the accuracy of this context.

The Girl Who Parodied Justin Bieber

If you’re not familiar with Laina Morris, it might seem like you’ve been living under a rock. This is because the YouTuber gained a lot of fame through her parody video. She created a parody of “Boyfriend,” a song by Justin Bieber that came out several years ago. Laina wanted to be known for her comedy, but some captured a screenshot and turned it into a widely circulated meme.

It’s been several years since Laina made that parody video, which brought her a large following on YouTube and Twitter. However, all good things eventually 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 find that student sitting at their desk even before the teacher arrives. In this meme, Igor Nazarov resembles that student, but the classroom depicted is unlike any we’ve seen before.

The photo was taken in Kyrgyzstan, and the government of Kyrgyzstan called Igor back when they discovered the picture was taken there. They invited him to show him the true nature of their country, which they did. Hopefully, Igor never has to return to the swamp classroom.

The Fashionable Primate

A monkey was seen in IKEA flaunting his new coat. However, he was unaware that he would instantly become a meme. Additionally, he became a video he is unaware of. This is one of the most adorable meme stories you’ll come across.

This photograph was taken in 2012 when Darwin was seen walking around in a jacket. As soon as the image was uploaded online, it turned into a meme. Now, Darwin is at the Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, where he truly belongs.

The Dad of Two

It’s rare to wake up and discover you’ve become famous on social media. The individual in this meme had worse luck than others because he became a meme overnight. The “Steve” meme originated from a photo taken at his grandmother’s house.

However, people used the picture to make jokes and referred to him as a father of two. Naturally, social media users were completely mistaken, as this man is not named 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 Gentleman

Yes, your favorite meme is here. While people here are using this meme daily, the person featured in it is involved in something significant. Giorgio Tsoukalos was the host of Ancient Aliens when this screenshot was captured from one of its clips.

However, that’s not all. Tsoukalos is a ufologist, meaning he studies UFOs, and some of his theories have been broadcasted. In fact, he’s the person who can answer your questions about UFOs. Additionally, he is a television producer. He is a multi-talented individual with many skills.

The Attractive Convict

Many believed Jeremy Meeks had potential in the fashion industry due to his good looks and sense of style. This is one reason why his photo gained fame as a meme. People referred to him as attractive and other labels, but many are unaware of his recent endeavors.

Meeks has transformed into a global model and has gained considerable success. After parting ways with his family, he began a relationship with Chloe Green, who is the heiress to 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 his life has really taken off.

Trendy Teacher

Some of you might have had this professor in your class. His photo on the left went viral because of his relaxed attitude on campus, inspiring people to come up with creative captions. The professor wasn’t at all bothered by his picture becoming a meme.

This is Professor Tom Winter, who simply enjoys skateboarding around campus. Everyone could use a laid-back professor like him to make college a little more enjoyable. The meme hasn’t deterred him from skateboarding on campus, and he’s still spotted doing it.

The Adorable Pup

Dogs are a popular choice for many pet owners, with a variety of breeds available to suit anyone looking for a furry friend. However, not every dog achieves the fame of the one pictured. This pup became beloved for its adorable appearance and straightforward demeanor.

What makes it even better is that we know the dog’s name. Kabosu was just a puppy when his meme became an internet sensation. As time has passed, he has grown and has traveled to different places with his owner. Naturally, the dog remains unaware of how much he is adored by social media users.

Mr. Grins

The person in this meme gained fame for all the right reasons. Running a marathon is an excellent activity for both body and mind, but have you ever seen someone so relaxed and easygoing while participating? He became famous for his photogenic nature. Who is this person?

Zeddie Little, also known as Mr. Smiles, confused many people with his photogenic appearance. Looking handsome and laid-back, this makes the perfect meme to share when you want to appear carefree. Zeddie surely seems like someone who enjoys life. Let’s hope he truly is like this in real life.

Not a Businessperson

This well-dressed individual used to be a popular meme for switching phrases. He frequently appeared in various memes and amused everyone. You can easily relate to him because of his expressions, and he definitely looks like a businessman.

However, you’d be mistaken. In reality, this man is an electrical engineer and a bodybuilder. He was seen in a bodybuilding competition where many people recognized him from the meme. He really 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 on different social media platforms. People refer to it as the Conceited reaction because the reason for the pout is hard to understand. Another reason for the meme’s name is the rapper connected to the image. The picture is a screenshot from a rap battle between Conceited and Jesse James. The two rappers engaged in a verbal altercation in the video, resulting in Conceited’s pouting response. He has gained significant fame since that battle and now collaborates with well-known celebrities. His background story is more interesting than those of other rappers.

The Girl Who Loves Tacos

There was a time when Old El Paso commercials were well-known. But who would have thought that a meme would emerge from it? Mia Agraviador certainly didn’t foresee her appearance on the internet, especially as a meme. She might have enjoyed making the commercial, but not necessarily being turned into a meme.

It’s positive that she is now mature and in college. Hardly anyone can recognize her. Moreover, she has no plans to share this information. She might be eating tacos and recalling this in her mind.

Isn’t it puzzling?

Whenever something confusing was being discussed online, this woman was present. It’s a perfect meme to share in times of confusion. The “confusion math lady” is likely one you have saved in your meme collection.

Although she appears to be a math teacher, she’s actually an actress named Renata Sorrah. This image is from her role in a soap opera from the 2000s. Sorrah may have aged, but the meme continues to be shared today. It’s a great way to leave a legacy.

Asking you once more

Bernie Sanders is once more seeking your support. It wouldn’t be wise to refuse him. The screenshot on the left is from the campaign video that helped him raise $25 million in only a month.

However, because of a blank space left under “I Am Once Again Asking,” some transformed it into a meme. But this worked out well for Sanders, as the meme helped his video go viral and many people received his message. He didn’t intend for it to happen this way, but it achieved the desired result.

The Deceitful Man

This meme tops the list of all memes. If you’ve been on the internet for a while, you may have encountered this meme. Nick Fraser wanted to gain followers when he uploaded a cover of “Too Close” by Next. However, he didn’t realize he would soon become a meme. His lying expression in the video made it happen, and he became the most popular meme of its time. Nick is now an influencer and continues to make people laugh.

NEXT

How about that?

Yes, you’re referring to the “Cash Me Outside” girl who gained fame during her appearance on Dr. Phil, where the discussion was about her educational challenges. We all know the outcome of that interview. After that, she didn’t need to pursue her studies further.

Danielle Bregoli, also known as Bhad Bhabie, seized this opportunity and launched a rap career. Shortly after her meme went viral, she released music videos and amassed a large following. However, none of her music videos have reached the same level of fame as the meme. It’s impressive how she addressed her educational issues.

Jimmy, the Campaigner

Jimmy McMillan is well-known for several reasons, primarily due to a speech he delivered while campaigning for the Governor of New York. A photo of him giving the speech, paired with a relatable quote, was widely shared. During the event, Jim highlighted the issue of high rent, which led to his fame.

Although his speech gained viral popularity online, it wasn’t sufficient to secure the necessary votes for him to win the Governor position. Nonetheless, he continues his work as an activist and might consider re-entering politics by contesting for the same position again.

The Uncertain Child

This image became viral on the internet a few years back due to the child’s puzzled expression. It appears as though he is questioning something occurring in front of him. This expression amused social media users, who often used it in memes for scenarios requiring a confused look.

While the true story behind the image is unknown, the child’s name is known. Gavin Thomas has grown somewhat over the years and has lost some front teeth. The picture on the right is a more recent photo. The child also has Instagram and Twitter accounts, although it’s uncertain if he personally uploads posts.

It’s Not Real!

People were frightened and acted irrationally because of her smile. Some claimed it wasn’t genuine and she was just being playful. Regardless of what people said, this photo became a spooky meme circulating on the internet. 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’s a nurse and used to play college basketball.

Fortunate Johnny!

Memes have brought fame to many people, but no one got as lucky as Johnny did. In the left picture, which is the original meme, Johnny went to wish his friend a happy birthday with flowers. However, the girl posted this picture with a caption about Johnny being a great friend.

The meme became famous as the friend-zoned Johnny. But who knew Johnny would turn the tables with the internet. In the picture on the right, he is seen with a girl and his hand on her back. It seems to be the same girl who friend-zoned him back then.

The Sorrowful Response

The picture of the sad Dmitry was well-known on social media a few years ago. People shared it because of the person’s despondent expression. Releasing sand from his hand with a sorrowful look allowed the image to go viral. Many people use it to relate to sad situations.

However, the person in this picture is not Dmitry. He is a Russian musician named Vladimir Brest, and the picture is from one of his albums. The singer didn’t like that people turned the reaction into a meme because he is a positive person and did not want children to be negatively influenced after seeing the picture.

Young Target Cashier

Alex has become an inspiration for many teenagers due to his dedication to his job at Target from a young age. However, that isn’t the reason he became a meme. Some girls noticed him as an attractive cashier at Target and took his photo. He then gained fame for his youthful good looks.

Now that Alex has grown up, you can see his current appearance in the picture on the left. He’s now muscular 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 Coffee Maker

This meme transformed the life of an average barista. The image that is now a meme was captured when a photographer took his picture during an interview. Because of his look, people dubbed him the hipster barista. It’s a classic meme used to respond to a question sarcastically.

However, Dustin Cole, the barista in the picture, ultimately changed his style and now sports a plaid shirt and cap. It seems he chose to stop wearing glasses. He looks fantastic with this new appearance, as his previous meme look gave him a moody vibe.

Chloe, the Essential

The young queen of the meme world has arrived. You may have shared Chloe online in various situations. This is a versatile meme that can be used to convey any emotion. Fear, disgust, and confusion are just a few reasons why her picture is shared to express different feelings.

But where is Chloe these days? She recently started a shared Instagram account with her sister and is looking to start a career soon. It may take some time for people to recognize her, but with a closer look, no one could overlook her. This is the best way for her to capitalize on this opportunity.

The Girl Who is Crying

School events hold significant importance for many students, particularly those aspiring to compete nationally. This is why the girl playing the piccolo was in tears when she was broadcast live on TV. The pride of the moment made her emotional while she was performing.

Rachel Chalifoux from Villanova University turned into a meme after her tearful performance was captured in a screenshot and circulated on social media. Nevertheless, her abilities earned her acclaim, leading to an appearance on the Tonight Show following the event. On this occasion, she felt much happier about being on television.

The Meme of Crime

The internet is a wild place where individuals can achieve fame in various ways. Antoine Dodson gained attention online through his interview about a street crime. Besides the meme, people also identified him as a rapist and a fugitive. This is when “Hide yo kids, Hide yo wife” became famous.

Although this might be an old story, the Dodson family was affected by the negative fame Antoine received. He later ventured into the music industry and has been releasing impressive songs for his fans. Additionally, he launched his own merchandise and appeared on television.

The Surprised Cat Meme

The shocked cat and yelling woman meme has been popular for years. People still create new memes using these pictures with various captions. The most remarkable aspect is that the expressions of all characters in the image are spot-on. The woman appears to be blaming the cat, while the cat looks on with an expressionless face.

Interestingly, all the characters in the image are real. The cat is named Smudge and even has his own Instagram account. His owner has mentioned that the cat dislikes salad and often sits at a chair for dinner. One of the women in the image is an actress.

What did you mention?

There are undoubtedly numerous memes out there. However, there was a particular one missing to use when you don’t comprehend what someone else is saying. This one was ideal for that scenario. This woman provided the perfect solution for many internet users.

Besides being a meme, Kalin Elisabeth is a social media influencer and model. This image was captured during her photo shoot and resulted in a brilliant meme. Kalin hasn’t been negatively impacted by becoming a meme and continues to thrive. We could use more people like her.

Unable to relate

This meme is something you might have used at least once to depict a moment when you simply can’t relate. It’s a perfect way to show when someone explains something thoroughly, yet you comprehend none of it.

What makes this meme so effective is that these two images come from different clips. The person attempting to explain is Quen Blackwell, a former Vine star. The image on the right is from the reality show Little Women. Interestingly, these two individuals have never even met.

Cardi B has arrived

Cardi B doesn’t need an introduction, as you’re likely already familiar with her. However, not many know that she is the girl from the “My Momma Said So” video meme. That’s correct, you read that right.

Cardi B is the one on the left in the meme. This clip of her went viral, and when people on the internet investigated who the girl was, they discovered it was Cardi B. If you’re curious about what Cardi B is doing, just search her name on YouTube. Her work is widely available online.