“For me, that’s what it’s all about. And I’m excited to see what comes next in that regard.” A basic Google search will show several pages of folks claiming to be the real “Turtle Boy” — including reports that he created a YouTube show called “It’s Turtle Time.” Ware, to say the least, was shell-shocked.
The Viral Moment
A combination of excitement about the turtles and nervousness about the interview led him to spout the famous phrase. One viewer who caught the interview found the moment funny enough to upload on YouTube. Under the user name 3mediapro, this video was uploaded on June 10, 2007—and it quickly gathered hundreds of thousands of views, inspired countless remixes and parodies, and even launched I like turtles-themed products like t-shirts. On May 31st, 2007, ten-year-old Jonathan Ware was visiting the Rose Festival in Portland, Oregon.
I like turtles
- Taken from a viral internet video and meme, I like turtles is a humorous non sequitur often used to indicate you’re blissfully clueless about a topic.
- And when it rains, it pours, as mother Tina Ware told The Scotsman.
- She asks him to talk about his zombie look, and he hilariously replies, “I like turtles.” It’s an ideal case of random internet humor that doesn’t make sense but still inspires laughter.
- “I like turtles” quickly turned into an online sensation, as reuploads and remixes would swarm YouTube as well as social media sites like MySpace, where eventually Jonathan Ware’s sister discovered her brother’s newfound fame.
- The phrase “I like turtles” transcends mere internet meme status; it reflects the power of authenticity and humor in a digital landscape saturated with cynicism.
- Ware’s hilarious deadpan became one of the earliest viral memes, ultimately shaping the spontaneity and unpredictability that would come to define internet culture.
Soon thereafter, Jonathon had spawned a line of merchandise, from T-shirts to mugs to bags, and every other trinket that could possibly bear the zombie-painted face of a turtle-loving 10-year-old. After the interview was featured in television and uploaded online, the expression went viral and became a popular piece of reference. “They’re posting too many videos and they’re always trying to do something to impress their followers. If you want to keep a following that’s loyal to you, give them just a little bit here and there. But no, they keep posting content to keep up their moneybags and to be famous. In 2007, a 10-year-old kid in zombie face paint became a viral sensation long before there was ever a term for it — all thanks to three simple words.
He doesn’t like telling people he’s Turtle Boy
After the initial fame, Jonathan enjoyed a brief period in the spotlight, even appearing on various talk shows. This bizarre fame parallels other unique stories in entertainment; for example, Lauren Swickard() has made a name for herself through unexpected career shifts. Just think about it—a few seconds in front of the camera led Jonathan straight into the hearts of millions, much like how The cast Of Joe pickett() brought their own unique stories to light and engaged viewers. The phrase “I like turtles” transcends mere internet meme status; it reflects the power of authenticity and humor in a digital landscape saturated with cynicism. Jonathan’s innocent love for turtles personifies refreshing moments when genuine interactions lighten the mood.
‘I like turtles’ kid was an OG viral sensation. Here’s why he’s back.
- But it seems that Jonathon is just an all-around animal lovin’ kind of guy.
- Jonathan’s phrase illuminates the joy of simplicity and the quest for authenticity in a rapidly changing digital world.
- The original video has garnered 73 million views since it was first uploaded in 2007, and many people can likely still quote it perfectly.
- The clip shows a local news reporter approaching him at a local arts festival, where he’d just gotten his face painted.
- He said he’d just been to a display of turtles near the face-painting booth.
- Various advocacy groups have harnessed Jonathan’s story to educate audiences on the importance of protecting turtle habitats.
During his visit to the fair, Jonathan had his face painted to look like a Zombie and was approached by the KGW local news correspondent Nancy Francis. When asked to comment about his face paint on camera, Jonathan tersely responded “I like turtles.” A copy of the KGW newscast was uploaded by YouTuber1 CaptJax458 on June 11th, 2007, garnering over 72 million views in 16 years (shown below). The kid who famously uttered the phrase is none other than Jonathan Ware.
There’s a subsection of early YouTube memes that still resonate with the chronically online all these years later. The original video has garnered 73 million views since it was first uploaded in 2007, and many people can likely still quote it perfectly. It follows a news broadcast where a reporter engages in some soft news, interviewing a young boy with zombie face makeup. She asks him to talk about his zombie look, and he hilariously replies, “I like turtles.” It’s an ideal case of random internet humor that doesn’t make sense but still inspires laughter.
That was 16 years ago, and now, “I Like Turtles” kid is back.
“I like turtles” quickly turned into an online sensation, as reuploads and remixes would swarm YouTube as well as social media sites like MySpace, where eventually Jonathan Ware’s sister discovered her brother’s newfound fame. Outside of memes and products inspired by Jonathon’s internet-legendary declaration, I like turtles has gone on to be used as a sort of verbal shrug. When you don’t know what else to say or don’t think a question is worth answering, you can respond “I like turtles” as a dismissal of the question or your own knowledge of a subject. I like turtles can also just be as a bonanzacity humorously random statement.
Considered one of TIME Magazine’s 50 best YouTube videos, it is difficult to pinpoint what exactly it is about Jonathon and his confession that has kept audiences coming back year after year after year. Is it the rather frightening zombie face paint coupled with his love of turtles that makes the video so absurdly funny? Sometimes, the most important questions in life just don’t have suitable answers.
Taken from a viral internet video and meme, I like turtles is a humorous non sequitur often used to indicate you’re blissfully clueless about a topic. Well, you might not be able to find more clothing, but Jonathon’s parents were contacted from everyone from a British ringtone seller, to an animal show planning a turtle special. And when it rains, it pours, as mother Tina Ware told The Scotsman. “Every day when I come home,” Tina said, “There’s a message from someone else on our answering machine.” After all, it isn’t every day that you find a zombie who loves turtles. Well, he also likes geckos, as evidenced by KGW’s follow-up interview.
But it seems that Jonathon is just an all-around animal lovin’ kind of guy. As of 2007, the Ware family had three dogs, four cats, two birds, two hermit crabs, a lizard, and a gecko. Following his famous proclamation of turtle devotion, however, his mother told KGW that the family would also be adding a turtle to the mix. So why did Jonathon choose to share his love of turtles with the public? A YouTube tribute video titled “I Still Like Turtles” went viral again! It celebrated the seventh anniversary of the original clip, showcasing a teen Jonathan reflecting on his sudden fame.
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