Memes have become a popular trend in this era, providing entertainment on social media. They allow you to share relatable jokes with friends to begin a conversation. The great thing is that new memes emerge every year, so you’re sure to find something new.
However, some memes are considered classics due to their frequent use. You may have come across many of the following images on social media before, but you might not be familiar with the stories of the individuals in the photos. Here’s what you need to know about the people behind your favorite memes.
The Surprised Girlfriend
This meme went viral in 2017 and continues to be used on social media for various purposes. The original intent of the image was to show a distracted boyfriend being caught by his stunned girlfriend. Since then, the picture has been used in different contexts for entertainment by social media users.
The individuals in the image are stock photo models, but the creator of the image is named Antonio Guillem. He collaborates with various models to produce photos. Guillem mentioned that taking this photo was an enjoyable task because the models couldn’t stop laughing. The concept was excellent, especially considering the meme’s viral success.
She Still Shows No Concern
This was one of the eeriest memes ever. The girl on the left might appear cute in the photo, but the setting and timing make it unsettling. It’s the perfect meme to share when you’re indifferent about something.
Yet, the girl is now grown up and attending college. Her name is Zoe Roth, and she still has a fascination with fires. Although things have changed, her passion for fire is unchanged. She posted the picture on the left on social media to reminisce about her past.
The Olympian Who Wasn’t Impressed
McKayla Maroney is a well-known gymnast who won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. However, her fame grew for a different reason after the event. Her displeased expression while receiving the medal went viral on the internet. Former President Barack Obama also added to the social media buzz by posing with the gymnast in the same way.
It has been many 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, who always remains fresh and current
Bad luck Brian is one of those memes that never gets outdated. No matter how much you try to ignore it, the meme always seems to pop up. Although it’s called bad luck Brian, the meme actually brought fame to Brian. While he might not be as famous as a celebrity, everyone remembers him well.
He is widely known 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 he’s now moved past that awkward stage.
The Enigmatic Gentleman
Discovering something unexpected might also bring that expression to your face. This candid shot wasn’t originally intended to become a meme. However, with a variety of content available, meme creators found a way to use this image.
It’s undoubtedly a perfect picture for that purpose, but the most intriguing aspect is that nobody knows who this man is. He may have seen himself in a meme but hasn’t come forward. It would be fascinating to learn who he is in real life and what he is up to.
The Excited Child
After reaching success, you might feel excited and embrace others. You could also make a hand gesture to celebrate the achievement. This is why the child was known for his triumphant pose. The image is still used on social media to express enthusiasm about various topics.
Sammy Griner is the child in this image, who went viral at just one year old. His internet fame helped his family raise funds for his father’s transplant. The procedure was timely and beneficial for the family. You can view the image on the right showing Sammy recreating the pose as he got older.
The Young Actress
Good Luck Charlie was a popular show that aired on Disney over ten years ago. The sitcom was known for its funny moments, but one particular scene became more iconic than the whole series. You can identify the scene by looking at the picture.
This young actress gained fame during the show’s run for her great expressive abilities. Many individuals use this picture when they want to convey a doubtful or confused expression. Mia Talerico, the child in this meme, has grown up. Her Instagram following has surpassed 1.4 million due 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 humorous situations. This is what occurred after this meme spread online. People used the reaction to complain 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 skills are excellent because she does not prioritize 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 Popular Cat Besides Garfield
We are all familiar with Garfield, the orange cat, from different cartoons and movies. Naturally, Garfield was just a fictional character. However, the cat in this picture is real. Memes of Grumpy spread across the internet over three years ago.
The meme’s popularity for this cat was so immense that Grumpy secured a book deal. An Instagram page was also created for Grumpy due to the humorous expressions. Sadly, this feline is no longer living. Grumpy passed away in 2019 for unknown reasons, yet many users still share this amusing meme on social media.
The Intelligent Person
The meme featured here is certainly an internet all-time favorite. This meme is employed to convey every conceivable idea. He might be exhausted by now. But who is this person in real life?
Kayode Ewumi is the clever man depicted in this meme. This image was captured from a video he uploaded on his social media. This eventually led to a career on British TV. He also had an opportunity to take the lead role in a BBC show. Furthermore, Ewumi received a BAFTA award and delivered a TED talk.
The Guy Who Looks Surprised While Blinking
Yes, you’ve seen this person in that meme many times. When the meme became popular, people went wild sharing it. His response in the meme was so genuine that everyone could relate to him easily. It was a hit with everyone, but who is this person?
Drew Scanlon seized this opportunity and began his online career. He didn’t need fame since the meme had already brought him his share of recognition. Now he runs a YouTube channel and is focused on growing it. He is a smart guy who turned his meme fame into a career.
Jonathan Goldsmith, the performer
The Dos Equis beer company gained fame for its marketing strategies, leading to this picture from one of their ad campaigns becoming iconic. The man in the photo was often described as intriguing due to his unreadable expression. This man is Jonathan Goldsmith.
At that time, the actor was well-known for his refined taste and acting roles. He appeared in numerous plays and TV shows. Naturally, Jonathan has since retired because of his age, but his meme is still 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 his seasoning technique video was shared online. It quickly went viral and gained immense popularity.
The seasoning technique shown in the video is actually something he does in real life. He owns 14 restaurants worldwide. This is his trademark 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. Just a meme turned him into a sensation and the admiration of many women.
Hold on, what?
There comes a time in your life when you’re puzzled by something. That’s the perfect moment to recall or share this meme here. The man in the meme became famous because of his humorous expression. However, he was already on his path to fame.
Yes, this is Nick Young, who is in a relationship with Iggy Azalea, the rapper. They were engaged, but the wedding didn’t take place. Nevertheless, they’re still dating and going strong. Nick is a former professional basketball player, known as Swaggy P, who became an NBA champion in 2018.
Jordan Peele feeling anxious
Jordan Peele is a highly talented sketch show artist who never ceases to entertain his audience. The meme shown above originates from one of his sketch shows. Peele never anticipated that this would become a meme and make him recognizable worldwide.
As noted, Peele consistently astonishes his audience, and even as a meme, he manages to bring a smile to viewers’ faces. If you ever want to express that you’re nervous, just show them this picture of Peele, and your message will be conveyed.
Enduring Pain with a Smile
Some individuals smile through their pain to hide from others that they’re not okay. This meme resonates for this very reason. The older gentleman seems to be in pain but continues to smile to convey that everything is alright. Social media users often share this meme to express sensitivity.
The man featured in this meme is Andras Arato from Hungary. He gained fame after this image and subsequent internet jokes spread. Andras has also delivered a TED Talk regarding this meme and its impact on his life. Life has been positive for him, as he regularly travels and films advertisements.
Memes featuring Dwight Schrute
There’s no question that Rainn Wilson will forever be associated with Dwight Schrute. He was consistently amusing on the show and continues to amuse in meme form. Schrute is known for his cleverness and humor in both the show and real life.
The Office was his breakthrough role, and even though the show has ended, he’s still producing great work. He’s quite occupied with his digital media company, SoulPancake. Additionally, he wrote an autobiography, The Bassoon King. Be sure to check it out.
Attempting to Hold in a Fart
Farting is a popular topic online because people find reactions amusing. This explains why this meme became more popular than other jokes when it spread on the internet. Many use this image to depict the struggle of trying not to fart in public.
The man’s expression in the meme suggests someone trying to hold something in. However, the photo’s creator offers another perspective. Michael McGee took this photo to highlight how his friend’s forehead veins are pronounced. Naturally, we can’t confirm the accuracy of this context.
The Girl Who Parodies 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 a lot of fame from her parody video. She created a parody of “Boyfriend,” a song that Justin Bieber released a few years ago. Laina wanted recognition for her comedy, but someone took a screenshot and spread a meme of her.
It’s been several years since Laina made that parody video. It gained her a significant 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 there no matter what. You’ll find this student at their desk even if the teacher hasn’t arrived yet. In the meme, Igor Nazarov resembles that student, but the classroom in the image is quite unusual.
The photo was taken in Kyrgyzstan, and the Kyrgyzstan government summoned Igor back when they discovered the photo’s origin. They invited him to show the true side of their country, which they did. Hopefully, Igor won’t have to return to the swampy classroom.
The Fashionable Ape
This monkey was seen at IKEA displaying his new jacket. However, he was unaware that he would instantly become a meme. Additionally, he also appeared in a video that he was not aware of. This is one of the most adorable meme stories you will ever encounter.
The photo was taken in 2012 when Darwin was seen wandering around in a jacket. As soon as the photo was uploaded online, it was made into a meme. Now, Darwin resides at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, where he truly belongs.
The Dad of Two
It’s not every day that you wake up and find out you’ve become famous on social media. The person in this meme had less luck than others because he was transformed into a meme overnight. This Steve meme originated from a photo he took at his grandmother’s house.
However, people used the picture to make jokes and labeled him as a father of two. Of course, social media users got it wrong because this man’s name isn’t Steve. His real name is Blake, and he’s from Boston. The meme might be dated, but some people on social media still recall it.
The Relaxed Individual
Yes, your favorite meme is here. While people commonly use this meme, the person featured in it is involved in something significant. Giorgio Tsoukalos was the host of “Ancient Aliens” when this image was captured from one of its segments.
But there’s more to him. Tsoukalos is a ufologist, studying UFOs, and some of his theories have been broadcasted. In truth, he’s the person to answer your UFO-related questions. Additionally, he is a television producer. He is multi-talented, juggling many roles.
The Attractive Convict
Many believed that Jeremy Meeks would have a future in the fashion world due to his good looks and sense of style. This is one reason why his photo became famous as a meme. Although people often referred to him as attractive, many are unaware of his recent activities.
Meeks has transitioned into an international modeling career and has seen considerable success. After leaving 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 his life has significantly improved.
Trendy Teacher
Some of you might have had this professor in your class. His picture on the left went viral for being laid-back on campus, and then people began showcasing their creativity with various captions. The professor didn’t mind at all that his picture became a meme.
This is Professor Tom Winter, who simply enjoys skateboarding around campus. Everyone needs a chill professor like him to make college a bit more entertaining. The meme hasn’t deterred him from skateboarding on campus, and he’s still often seen doing it.
The Adorable Puppy
Many people love dogs as pets. There are many breeds available to help you find a furry friend easily. However, not all dogs become famous like the one in this picture. This dog became popular due to its cuteness and simple reactions.
The great part is that we know this animal’s name. Kabosu was a puppy when his meme went viral online. Over time, he has grown a lot and visits various places with his owner. Naturally, the dog is unaware of how much social media users adore him.
Mr. Grins
The person 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 at ease while running a marathon? He gained fame for being incredibly photogenic. Who is this person?
Zeddie Little, also known as Mr. Smiles, puzzled many people with his photogenic appearance. Looking so attractive and relaxed, this is the perfect meme to share when you want to appear carefree. Zeddie definitely seems like someone who enjoys life happily. Hopefully, he is truly like this in reality.
Not a Businessperson
This man, always dressed formally, was once a favorite meme for swapping phrases. He frequently appeared in many memes and brought joy to everyone. His expressions made it easy to connect with him. He certainly resembles a businessman.
But that’s where you’re mistaken. In reality, this guy is an electrical engineer and a bodybuilder. He was seen at a bodybuilding competition where many recognized him from the meme. He truly surprised everyone when they found out who he really is. He even got featured in a college textbook.
The Well-Known Pout
This meme featuring a young person pouting has circulated across multiple social media platforms. It’s often referred to as the “Conceited reaction” because the reason for the pout is unclear. Another reason for the meme’s name is the rapper associated with the image.
The image is a screenshot from a rap battle between Conceited and Jesse James. During the video, these two rappers engaged in a verbal altercation, resulting in Conceited’s pouty response. Since that battle, he has gained significant fame and now collaborates with well-known stars. His background story is more eventful than those of many other rappers.
The Girl Who Loves Tacos
There was a period when Old El Paso commercials were well-known. However, who would have guessed they would become the basis for a meme? Mia Agraviador certainly didn’t anticipate becoming an internet meme. She might have enjoyed filming the commercial, but not as a meme.
It’s great that she has now grown up and is in college. Hardly anyone can recognize her now. Furthermore, this is something she doesn’t plan on telling anyone. She might be eating tacos and this thought could be running through her mind.
Isn’t it perplexing?
Whenever something confusing needed to be discussed online, this woman was present. It’s an ideal meme to share when there’s confusion. The confused math lady is likely saved in your meme collection.
She appears to be a math teacher, but who is she? Rather than being a math teacher, she is an actress named Renata Sorrah. This image is from her soap opera in the 2000s. Sorrah may have aged, but the meme continues to be shared today. It’s a remarkable way to leave your legacy.
Asking You Once More
Bernie Sanders is here making his request once more. It wouldn’t be wise to refuse him. The image on the left was captured from the campaign video that helped him raise $25 million in just a month.
However, because of a space left under the phrase “I Am Once Again Asking,” some people turned it into a meme. This ended up benefiting Sanders, as even with its meme status, his video went viral, spreading his message widely. Although this wasn’t his intention, it achieved the desired effect.
The Deceitful Man
This meme undoubtedly deserves the top spot. If you’ve been online for a while, you might have encountered this meme yourself. Nick Fraser aimed to gain followers by posting a cover of “Too Close” by Next.
What he didn’t anticipate was becoming a meme sensation. His expression while lying in the video became iconic, and he became the most popular meme of that era. Nick is now an influencer and continues to entertain people.
NEXT
What about that?
Yes, you’re seeing the “Cash Me Outside” girl who became famous from her interview with Dr. Phil. The interview focused on her educational problems, but we all know the outcome. Afterward, she no longer needed to pursue her studies.
Danielle Bregoli, also known as Bhad Bhabie, seized this opportunity and launched a rap career. Right after her meme went viral, she released several music videos and gained a large following. However, no music video she released is as famous as the meme once was. It’s impressive to see how she addressed her education issues.
Jimmy, the campaigner
Jimmy McMillan is well-known for various reasons, with the most notable being the speech he delivered while campaigning for Governor of New York. A photo circulated of him giving the speech with a memorable line. At the event, Jim highlighted the issue of high rent, gaining widespread recognition.
Although his speech went viral online, it wasn’t sufficient to secure the necessary votes, and thus, Jimmy did not win the Governor’s seat. Nonetheless, he continues his life as an activist and might attempt to re-enter politics by seeking the same position again.
The Uncertain Child
This image became a viral sensation online a few years back due to the child’s perplexed expression. It looks as though he is questioning something occurring in front of him. This amused many on social media, resulting in its use as a meme in situations that called for a bewildered look.
While the true backstory of the picture is unknown, we do know the child’s name is Gavin Thomas. He has grown somewhat and, over time, has lost some of his front teeth. The picture on the right is a more recent photo. The child also has accounts on Instagram and Twitter, although it’s unclear whether he personally makes any posts.
It’s not real!
People were frightened and went wild because of her smile. Some claimed it wasn’t genuine, and she was just being goofy. Regardless of what people said, this became an opportunity for a creepy meme on the internet. Many wished that she wasn’t like this in real life.
Fortunately, Maddie Goldenberger is not like that in real life. The photo was taken in the 90s, with her holding her favorite books. Nowadays, she is a nurse and a former college basketball player.
Fortunate Johnny!
Memes have brought fame to many people, but no one seems to have been as fortunate as Johnny. In the original meme, shown in the left picture, Johnny went to wish his friend a happy birthday with flowers. However, the girl shared this picture with a caption describing Johnny as a great friend.
The meme became popular as “friend-zoned Johnny.” But who would have thought that Johnny would leverage this situation online? In the picture on the right, he’s seen with a girl and his arm around her back, appearing to be the same girl who had friend-zoned him before.
The Unhappy Response
The image known as the “sad Dmitry picture” became popular on social media several years ago due to the individual’s despairing expression. The photo, showing someone with a sad face letting sand fall from their hand, quickly went viral and is often used to symbolize sad situations. However, the person in the photo is not actually named Dmitry; he is a Russian musician named Vladimir Brest, and the picture is from one of his album covers. Brest was not pleased with his image being used as a meme because he views himself as a positive person and didn’t want the image to have a negative influence on children.
Young Cashier from Target
Alex is an inspiration for many teenagers because of his dedication to his job at Target at a young age. However, that’s not what made him a meme. Some girls at the checkout photographed him because they thought he was an attractive cashier. He gained fame for his appearance at such a young age.
Now older, you can see in the picture on the left that Alex has become a muscular man and no longer works at Target. He has about 8,000 followers on Instagram and had a brief role in a movie called “Coming Home.”
The Mysterious Barista
This meme transformed the life of an ordinary barista. The image that is now circulated as a meme was captured when an interviewer took his photo. Because of his look, people dubbed him the hipster barista. This meme is usually used to reply to questions sarcastically.
However, Dustin Cole, the barista in question, eventually altered his appearance and now sports a plaid shirt and cap. It appears he chose not to wear glasses anymore. He looks fantastic in this new style, as his former meme look gave him a more brooding appearance.
Chloe, the Essential
The young queen of the meme world has arrived. You’ve probably posted Chloe online in a variety of scenarios. This is a versatile meme that expresses any emotion like fear, disgust, or confusion.
But where is Chloe now? She recently launched a joint Instagram account with her sister and is looking to start her career soon. It might take a while for people to realize it’s her, but with a keen eye, no one can miss it. This is the perfect opportunity for her to leverage.
The Weeping Girl
School events are very important to many students, particularly those aiming to compete at the national level. This explains why the girl playing the piccolo was crying while being shown on live TV. The proud moment moved her emotionally as she played the instrument.
Rachel Chalifoux from Villanova University became a meme when people took a screenshot of her tearful performance and posted it on social media. Nevertheless, her talent earned her recognition, and she appeared on the Tonight Show after the event. This time, she was happier about being on a TV show.
The Meme of Crime
The internet is a wild place where people can become famous in various ways. Antoine Dodson gained internet fame through his street crime interview. Besides the meme, people noticed he was portrayed as a rapist and a bandit on the loose. This is when “Hide yo kids, Hide yo wife” became popular.
Although this may now be an old story, the Dodson family was traumatized by the negative fame Antoine received. He later entered the music industry and has been releasing some great songs for his fans. He also launched his merchandise and has appeared on television.
The Surprised Cat Meme
This meme of a shocked cat and a yelling woman has been popular for years. People continue to create new memes using these images with various captions. The most remarkable thing is how accurately all the expressions are captured in the picture. The woman appears to be accusing the cat, while the cat has an unapologetic look.
It turns out that everyone in the picture is real. The cat, named Smudge, even has his own Instagram account. His owner has mentioned that he doesn’t like salad and prefers sitting at a chair during dinner. Meanwhile, one of the women is an actress.
Could you repeat what you said?
There are undeniably numerous memes available. However, there seemed to be a perfect meme lacking for situations when you don’t comprehend what someone else is saying. This particular one was ideal for that scenario. This woman provided what many internet users were missing.
In addition to being a meme, Kalin Elisabeth is also a social media influencer and model. The photo was taken during one of her shoots and became a fantastic meme. Kalin wasn’t bothered by becoming a meme and continues to thrive. We could use more people like her.
Cannot relate.
This is a popular meme you might have used at least once to depict a situation where you can’t relate. It’s perfect for when someone explains something in detail, but it goes over your head.
The great thing about this meme is that the two pictures come from different clips. The person explaining in detail is Quen Blackwell, a former Vine star. The image for the meme on the right is from “Little Women,” a reality show. Interestingly, these two stars have never met.
Cardi B Has Arrived
Cardi B is a well-known figure, as most of you might already know. However, not many people realize she is the girl featured in the My Momma Said So video meme. That’s correct.
In the meme, Cardi B is on the left side. The clip became viral, and when the internet investigated to identify the girl, they discovered it was Cardi B. To see what Cardi B is currently doing, simply search her name on YouTube. Her content is widely available online.