Original Celebrity Memers of Yesteryears - Present-day whereabouts explored
In the ever-evolving world of the internet, memes have become a powerful cultural force, bringing laughter, emotion, and connection to millions worldwide. From the early days of "Bad Luck Brian" and "Side-Eyeing Chloe" to the more recent "Disaster Girl" and "Popeyes Kid," these iconic memes have catapulted their creators into the limelight. Let's take a closer look at what some of these meme stars are up to today.
Kyle Craven, the brainchild behind "Bad Luck Brian," is a versatile individual. He is the VP of his family's construction business and co-owner of the Quaker Square redevelopment. Craven has also dabbled in advertising, appearing in various campaigns, and has ventured into the digital realm, selling NFTs, traveling internationally, and earning revenue from merchandise and licensing deals.
Chloe Clem, known for her "Side-Eyeing Chloe" meme, has amassed a substantial following of over 600,000 on Instagram. In 2021, she sold her meme as an NFT for approximately $74,000. However, specific career details for Clem were not available.
Sam Griner, the self-proclaimed "lazy teenager" and artist behind "Success Kid," has used the meme to fund a kidney transplant campaign for his father. Griner continues to create art and express himself through his meme.
Blake Boston, better known as "Scumbag Steve," is a father of two and an active member of music and gaming communities. He continues to post on social platforms and reflects on life beyond the meme.
Zoe Roth, the creator of the "Disaster Girl" meme, has parlayed her internet fame into a successful career. She now works as a research associate at S&P Global, analysing trends in Internet-of-Things technologies. Roth has used the proceeds from selling the meme as an NFT to support charitable causes and pay off student loans.
Mia Talerico, who played Charlie Duncan on Good Luck Charlie, has transitioned from the small screen to the digital realm. At 14, she is a high school sophomore who continues acting, appearing on Brat TV's Mani and posting regularly on Instagram, hinting at future film roles.
Laina Morris, the face behind the "Overly Attached Girlfriend" meme, stepped back from content creation due to struggles with anxiety, depression, and personal pressures from being a meme figure. However, she now works freelance and creates short-form content on her own terms.
Dieunerst Collin, known as "Popeyes Kid," has taken his meme fame and turned it into a successful sports career. He is now an offensive lineman at Lake Erie College and has secured a sponsorship with Popeyes, featuring on billboards and ads. Collin studies sports management and dreams of a career as a professional football player or sports analyst.
In a notable legal case, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a ruling ordering former Congressman Steve King to pay $750 for using the "Success Kid" meme in a political ad without permission.
While detailed information on the careers and activities of Michael McGee, the creator of the "Strained Face in Classroom" meme, Silvia Bottini, the creator of the "First World Problems" meme, and other meme stars were not found in the search results, their impact on internet culture remains significant. Their stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of memes and the endless possibilities they present for their creators.
[1] [Source for Chloe Clem and Laina Morris' career updates]
Celebrities who emerged from popular memes in pop-culture continue to make waves in various fields. For instance, Kyle Craven, the creator of "Bad Luck Brian," is now a businessman, advertising professional, and NFT seller, while Zoe Roth, the mastermind behind "Disaster Girl," works as a research associate at S&P Global analyzing Internet-of-Things technologies. On social-media platforms, Laina Morris, previously known as "Overly Attached Girlfriend," has resumed content creation on her own terms, and Mia Talerico, famed for Good Luck Charlie, has transitioned to a digital career, appearing on Brat TV and posting regularly on Instagram. In the world of entertainment and sports, Dieunerst Collin, or "Popeyes Kid," has secured a sponsorship with Popeyes and aspires to become a professional football player or sports analyst.
