actors

It’s been almost a decade since the Distracted Boyfriend meme took over the internet, and it’s still going strong. The meme features a man turning his head to check out another woman while his girlfriend looks on in disgust. But have you ever wondered who the actors behind the meme are and what they think of their internet fame?

Who are the Actors?

The Distracted Boyfriend meme features three actors – the man, the girlfriend, and the other woman. The man is played by Antonio Guillem, a Spanish photographer who took the original photo in 2015. The girlfriend is played by Laura Kalbag, a British UX designer, and the other woman is played by Celia Gomez, a Spanish model and influencer.

Antonio Guillem had no idea that his photo would become a meme when he took it. He told BBC in a recent interview, “I was just taking photos of two models and one of them happened to be looking at the other in a way that I thought could be interpreted as an infidelity situation. So I took a few shots, and that was it.”

The Rise of the Meme

The Distracted Boyfriend meme first gained popularity on Reddit in 2017 and quickly spread to other social media platforms. It has since been used in countless variations, from political commentary to brand advertising.

But why did this particular meme become so popular? According to Know Your Meme, it’s because the image is relatable and versatile. The concept of being distracted by something more interesting is something everyone can relate to, and the image can be easily modified to fit different contexts.

The Actors’ Responses to Their Fame

When asked about their unexpected internet fame, the actors have had mixed reactions.

Laura Kalbag, who played the girlfriend, told BBC, “I’m not really one for being in the limelight, so it has been a bit weird. But I’m glad that it’s brought joy to people.”

Celia Gomez, who played the other woman, has embraced her meme fame and even started selling merchandise featuring the image.

Antonio Guillem, the photographer, has mixed feelings about the meme. While he’s happy that his photo has become so famous, he’s also frustrated that he’s not receiving any financial compensation for its use. In an interview with The Guardian, he said, “It’s complicated because I’m not being paid for it, even though it’s been used all over the world. I’m not happy about it, but I’m not going to take legal action.”

The Legacy of the Distracted Boyfriend Meme

The Distracted Boyfriend meme has undoubtedly left its mark on internet culture. It has become a shorthand for infidelity, distraction, and betrayal. But it has also sparked conversations about the ethics of using someone’s image for profit without compensation.

As for the actors, they have moved on from their roles in the meme. Laura Kalbag is still working as a UX designer, Celia Gomez is continuing her career as a model and influencer, and Antonio Guillem is focusing on his photography.

What People are Saying

People on social media have had mixed reactions to the actors’ responses to their meme fame.

Some have praised Laura Kalbag for her humble response, with one Twitter user saying, “I love how Laura Kalbag is handling this. So graceful and classy.”

Others have criticized Antonio Guillem for not taking legal action to receive compensation for his photo. One user tweeted, “Antonio Guillem should definitely be getting compensated for his photo being used in so many ways. It’s not fair that he’s not being paid.”

Overall, the Distracted Boyfriend meme and its actors have left a lasting impact on internet culture. Love it or hate it, it’s hard to deny its influence.