Jake Thomas Reveals Truth Behind ‘Cracking Up’ Meme (Exclusive)
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Jake Thomas, famously known for his role as Matt McGuire on the Disney Channel series ‘Lizzie McGuire’, recently opened up about the truth behind the viral ‘Cracking Up’ meme that has been circulating online. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Thomas shared insights into the incident that led to the creation of the meme, shedding light on the story behind the viral moment that has become a part of internet culture.
The incident took place during an interview at the Osmosis Jones premiere on Aug. 7, 2001, at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Thomas revealed that he had no recollection of the interview or why he ended up saying “cracking up” multiple times. At the time of the interview, he was just 11 years old and expressed his excitement about ‘cracking up’ during the premiere.
Reflecting on the moment, Thomas expressed his amusement at how the meme has stuck with him over the years. Despite being recognised in public for the meme and having it mentioned frequently on his social media posts, Thomas has embraced the meme with a positive attitude. He finds it amusing and views it as a special part of internet culture that cannot be bought or fabricated.
The clip from the interview went viral shortly after the premiere and has continued to follow Thomas around, becoming a memorable part of his online presence. In September 2021, Thomas even posted a greenscreen video on TikTok, reacting to the meme, which garnered millions of views. The video showcased Thomas playfully acknowledging and embracing the meme that has become synonymous with his name.
Looking back on the experience, Thomas, now 35, admitted that he has not used the phrase ‘cracking up’ in his adult life naturally, as it instantly draws references to the meme. Nevertheless, he remains grateful for the experience and appreciates the humour and creativity that memes bring to the digital landscape.
Thomas expressed his gratitude for being a part of internet culture and acknowledged that being a meme sensation in today’s age is a unique experience that he cherishes. Despite not actively revisiting the phrase ‘cracking up’ in his daily life, he acknowledges the impact of memes and the joy they bring to people across the world.
In conclusion, Jake Thomas’s revelation about the ‘Cracking Up’ meme sheds light on the fun, quirky side of internet culture and how a spontaneous moment can become immortalised in the digital realm. His positive outlook on the meme serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways in which pop culture can shape and redefine one’s public image. Thomas’s story is a testament to the enduring legacy of viral moments and the enduring impact they can have on individuals in the age of social media.