Twelve years ago, Drew Scanlon blinked on camera during a live stream with video game review website Giant Bomb, and that single moment exploded into one of the internet’s most recognizable memes in 2017. The clip showing his subtle look of irritation became the go-to reaction image for millions of people worldwide, earning him the nickname “Blinking Guy” and a fame he never sought or expected. Rather than simply accepting his viral status, Scanlon decided to transform his accidental celebrity into something meaningful by using his platform to raise money for people battling multiple sclerosis.
Inspired by his friend Katie and her mother Elle, who both have MS, Scanlon organized an annual bike race supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and has raised more than $300,000 for the cause. He openly admits that the meme doesn’t really feel like him since he had nothing to do with creating it beyond the fact that it’s his face, but he views his unexpected fame as a gift that should be paid forward. Through his website blinkingguy.com, Scanlon continues to channel the internet’s fascination with his momentary expression into tangible support for MS research and patient care. His story proves that even the most random viral moments can become powerful forces for good when someone chooses compassion over capitalizing on fleeting internet fame.
