Who is Drew Scanlon? The Story Behind the “Blinking White Guy” Meme
Web Desk
27 September, 2025 15:52
Who is Drew Scanlon? The Story Behind the “Blinking White Guy” Meme
Drew Scanlon, the man behind the internet’s viral Blinking White Guy meme, once again became a trending topic. This time, it wasn’t just for his meme but for a heartfelt cause. Scanlon requested netizens to donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a cause close to his heart. His post reminded the world that behind every meme is a real person with a story.
Early Life and Career
Drew Scanlon was born in the United States and built his career in the gaming and media industry. He gained recognition as a video editor and producer at Giant Bomb, a well-known video game website. At Giant Bomb, Scanlon worked on editing content, streaming gameplay, and co-creating shows.
In 2013, during one of the live episodes of Unprofessional Fridays, Scanlon’s now-famous blink was captured. The moment came when Editor-in-Chief Jeff Gerstmann made a humorous comment while playing the game Starbound. Drew’s subtle reaction — a confused and blinking face — unknowingly became an iconic internet expression.
Who is Drew Scanlon wife Sarah Elizabeth Scanlon?
Drew Scanlon is married to Sarah Elizabeth Scanlon, who is active on social media under the handle @nolnacsharas. Sarah has largely kept a low profile compared to her husband’s internet fame, but she occasionally appears in Drew’s projects and personal updates. The couple has collaborated on creative ventures, including launching a podcast together in 2024, which highlighted their shared interests in storytelling and travel. While Drew is widely recognized as the face of the Blinking White Guy Meme, Sarah has been a steady presence in his life, offering support as he balances his career in gaming, media production, and advocacy work like fundraising for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Rise of the Meme
Although the clip originated in December 2013, the Blinking White Guy GIF started going viral around 2017 after a user named @eskbl shared it on X (formerly Twitter). The meme quickly exploded as a way for people to react to unbelievable, awkward, or surprising situations.
According to Know Your Meme, the blink was already circulating two years before that on forums like NeoGAF, where a user called Tokubetsu shared it. The viral moment became part of global internet culture, often used by celebrities and ordinary netizens alike.
Drew’s Reflection on the Meme
Drew Scanlon has often spoken about how strange it feels to see his face used worldwide in millions of contexts. He has admitted that, although the meme brought him recognition, he never expected such a small moment to become such a phenomenon.
“While it is my face, I didn’t create the GIF or turn it into a meme. Often, it doesn’t really feel like it’s me,” Scanlon once told Know Your Meme.
Professional Work Beyond the Meme
Scanlon’s career extends far beyond internet fame. After leaving Giant Bomb, he created Cloth Map, a travel documentary project that explored cultures and communities through the lens of gaming.
He is also the co-host of Shift+F1, a popular podcast about Formula 1 racing. Additionally, he has been producing content for Eclipse, a creative studio. More recently, he collaborated with his wife to launch another podcast titled I Think It’s About.
Fundraising for a Cause
One of the most inspiring parts of Drew’s story is how he turned his meme fame into a force for good. On September 26, 2025, he asked his followers to donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. His campaign struck a chord, and he has already raised more than $154,000 for the organization.
Drew has supported the cause for nearly a decade, even participating in bike rides to raise awareness and funds for people affected by MS.
Legacy of the Meme
The Blinking White Guy meme remains one of the most recognizable reaction GIFs in internet history. But Drew Scanlon’s legacy is not just about being a meme — it is about how he embraced it, stayed grounded, and used his unexpected fame to make a difference.
Drew Scanlon’s story is a reminder that viral fame doesn’t define a person. Beyond the laughs and jokes, Drew is a creator, storyteller, and humanitarian. His journey from a gaming livestream to a worldwide meme, and now to meaningful advocacy, shows how internet culture can sometimes create unlikely heroes.
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