These 7 Viral Video Stars Have Changed, but Not Always for the Better

Then:

In 2007 youngster Jonathan was interviewed as part of a fluff news piece. When asked how he felt about his zombie face paint, he responded with the now-infamous line “I like turtles.” And thus a legend was born.

Now:

Now in college, Jonathan hasn’t exploited his viral clip for fame, instead choosing to lead a quiet life.

Then:

Better known as Star Wars Kid, a young Raza recorded himself imitating Darth Maul using his high school’s video equipment. When other students discovered the tape (which he left behind) it was uploaded to the P2P services and became a hit of sorts. On YouTube, it has 32,000,000 hits.

Now:

Starting in 2013 Raza began speaking out against cyber-bullying, using his own experience following the video’s popularity to illustrate the effects that harassment has.

Then:

 In 2011 the army vet and former radio DJ were interviewed after a reporter saw him by the side of the road holding a sign asking for donations and advertising his voice talents. Williams was homeless at the time.

Now:

Since the video went viral Williams has received many voices over jobs and has turned his situation around. However, it’s been a rocky road: Williams has checked into rehab to combat alcoholism and emotional stress.

Then:

In 2009 the wedding party filmed their entrance, a dance set to Chris Brown’s “Forever.” They emailed it to friends and family who couldn’t attend; it was quickly uploaded to YouTube and went viral.

Now:

According to the couple, the sudden popularity of the video was staggering. Though they received many offers they turned them down, instead of soliciting donations for the Sheila Wellstone Institute.

Then:

In 2010 Paul Vasquez caught sight of a double rainbow. He filmed the view with running commentary, wherein he is overjoyed by the “double complete rainbow” in his front yard. He asks “what does this mean?”

Now:

With the attention gained after the video went viral. Paul has been using YouTube to explain his spirituality, relating it all back to the double rainbow.

2Caitlin Upton

Then:

Miss Teen South Carolina 2007 was asked by a judge why she felt one-fifth of Americans couldn’t locate the country on a world map. Her answer was, in part, “Uh, I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and, uh, the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and, I believe that they should, our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S.”

Now:

1William Hung

Then:

In 2004 William Hung tried out for American idol despite having no music experience to speak of.

His tryout consisted of an off-key rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” and bizarre dancing. Oddly, when he was shot down he admitted that he had no regrets and that he did his best instead of having the usual meltdown, so good on him.

Now:

Despite his bizarre showing, Hung managed to launch a pop music career, though all of his albums were received as well as his American Idol performance.

In 2011 he ended his music career and became crime analyst for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He has said that he still has no regrets about his music and sees himself as an inspirational story.