8-Year-Old Auditions for Video About Kazoos. 35 Years Later, the Viral Meme Has Been Viewed Over 90 Million Times (Exclusive)

Man from Viral 1989 Video About Kazoos Shares Life Update 35 Years Later

Brett Ambler, the man who starred in a viral 1989 video about kazoos as a child, has recently given an exclusive update on his life after 35 years. The video, titled “Special Friends: Starring You On Kazoo,” features Ambler at the age of 8, playing the kazoo and delivering his iconic line, “Wait a minute, who are you?” Little did he know that this video would resurface decades later as a beloved internet meme, garnering over 90 million views.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Ambler reminisced about his experience filming the video. He revealed that the video was part of a series created by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, founders of the Melissa & Doug toy company. Ambler was chosen out of hundreds of kids to star in the video, which was shot on a working farm in Connecticut over a couple of months.

Despite being just a child at the time, Ambler displayed a natural talent for performing and became the standout star of the video. His memorable lines, such as “When I’m with friends, I like to have fun, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!” and “I like to sing, dance, pretend, and kazoo!” have stuck with viewers over the years. The video was released in 1989 and quickly gained popularity.

The resurgence of the video as an internet meme came as a surprise to Ambler. He recalled a chance encounter with a young boy in a sandwich shop who recognized him as the kid from the kazoo video. This serendipitous moment led Ambler to share his story online, which ultimately resulted in the meme gaining traction on platforms like YouTube.

Since the video resurfaced, Ambler has embraced his role as the “Kazoo Kid” and is grateful that his work continues to entertain people to this day. Despite the humorous and campy nature of the video, Ambler acknowledges the impact it has had on his life and career as an actor. He has since appeared in various theatre productions and continues to pursue his passion for music, playing instruments like the upright bass, drums, guitar, and more.

As Ambler reflects on his unexpected journey from a child actor to an internet meme sensation, he remains humble and appreciative of the enduring legacy of the kazoo video. Whether he’s recognized on the street as the “Kazoo Kid” or connecting with new cast members over his viral fame, Ambler takes it all in stride. His love for music and performance shines through as he continues to bring joy to audiences, proving that sometimes, a childhood moment of whimsy can leave a lasting impact for years to come.