The internet’s beloved ‘Blinking Guy’ meme, Drew Scanlon, has resurfaced eight years after his viral moment, not to capitalize on his fame, but to transform it into a powerful fundraising campaign for the National MS Society. His recent post on X, which unveiled his current appearance and called for donations, quickly went viral, reigniting interest in the man behind the iconic GIF and garnering significant support for a cause close to his heart.
In 2017, a simple yet profound GIF of a man blinking repeatedly in disbelief became an internet sensation. This was Drew Scanlon, then a video editor at Giant Bomb, whose spontaneous reaction to a humorous in-game comment resonated with millions online. Eight years later, that iconic blink still serves as a universal expression of incredulity across digital platforms. However, Scanlon, now 39, has recently leveraged his enduring internet fame for a purpose far greater than online reactions: raising money for the National MS Society, a charity deeply personal to him.
The Unexpected Resurgence of an Internet Icon
Scanlon took to X (formerly Twitter) with a post that quickly racked up over 21 million views, 408,000 likes, and 38,000 retweets. He introduced himself to a new generation of internet users, stating, “Hi Internet! I’m Drew and this is my face,” alongside the famous GIF. He then humbly requested donations to the National MS Society, emphasizing its importance due to his close friends suffering from the disease.
Initially, Scanlon was hesitant to monetize his internet fame. As he told Sky News in 2019, he felt he didn’t “own” the meme, considering it a creation of the internet itself. However, seeing the opportunity to make a tangible difference, he decided to “toot his own meme horn.” This year’s campaign has already raised over $68,000 towards a $75,000 goal for the National MS Society, building on a previous effort in 2019 that raised over $28,000 for the same cause.
The Unexpected Origins of a Digital Phenomenon
The now-famous blink was captured during a 2013 episode of Giant Bomb’s ‘Unprofessional Fridays’ show, a popular gaming reviews website. Scanlon, then a video editor, was on camera playing the adventure game Starbound. The moment of pure disbelief struck when a team member, Jeff Gerstmann, made a casual comment about “farming with my hoe here.” Scanlon’s natural, unscripted reaction — a head shake, raised eyebrows, and rapid blinking — was immortalized.
Recalling the incident, Scanlon admitted it was a “very forgettable moment” at the time. He didn’t think twice about it until 2017, when he realized the short clip was gaining immense traction on Twitter. Describing the feeling as “weird” and “a little bit scary,” he recognized the internet’s power to transform a fleeting expression into a global language of reaction.
Community Reactions: Shock, Praise, and a Touch of Fandom
The internet’s response to Scanlon’s revelation was a mix of surprise and overwhelming support. Many commenters praised his decision to use his platform for good, while others were simply thrilled to put a face to the ubiquitous GIF.
- “Nice to put a face to the blink,” one user quipped, capturing the sentiment of many.
- “You’ve been in my top three GIF rotation for the last three years, hands down. You get a follow. Thanks for your contribution to digital humanity,” another fan wrote.
- Others were genuinely surprised by his appearance, with comments like, “Wow. Never thought I would find the face behind a meme on my timeline,” and “You have lost so much weight!”
- A few playful comments even popped up, such as “Are you single? asking for a friend,” highlighting the unexpected shift from meme to admired internet figure.
More Than Just a Meme: A Life Beyond the Blink
Beyond his viral moment, Scanlon has continued to forge a diverse career. After the GIF gained traction, he transitioned from Giant Bomb to work on Cloth Map, a crowdfunded documentary project exploring the world through the lens of games. From 2020 to 2024, he served as a producer at Digital Eclipse, a video game development studio.
Today, Scanlon co-hosts two podcasts: one dedicated to movies with his wife, Sara, and another centered on Formula 1. His commitment to funding MS research is unwavering, demonstrated by his annual 160 km bike ride across San Francisco as part of the charity cycling group Big El West, raising funds for the National MS Society. More information on his fundraising efforts can be found on his National MS Society participant page.
The versatility of the ‘Blinking Guy’ GIF, as Scanlon himself explained, is why it has remained relevant for so many years. It serves as a “quick and easy way to express a feeling,” acting as a form of “body language over this new internet medium we have.” His journey from an accidental internet star to a dedicated philanthropist reminds us of the power of digital culture and the positive impact individuals can make when they choose to use their unique platforms for good.
