Remembering Jack Karlson: The Face Behind the ‘Succulent Chinese Meal’ Meme

Jack Karlson, the man famous for the hilarious “succulent Chinese meal” meme, has sadly passed away at the age of 82. His family shared that he died peacefully in a hospital, surrounded by loved ones, due to prostate cancer.

Karlson’s life was anything but dull. His well-known catchphrase came from a video taken during his dramatic arrest in 1991, which didn’t go viral until much later, in 2009. In the footage, he passionately exclaimed, “What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?” as he was taken away by police.

This iconic moment became a sensation online, turning him into a meme sensation, especially after the arrest was linked to a stolen credit card case, something Karlson always claimed was a mix-up.

His family reminisced about his life, saying he truly lived by his motto, “to keep on laughing.” They mentioned that he even attempted to escape the hospital in his final weeks and was cheeky enough to ask for a last taste of red wine, which they happily provided through his drip.

A documentary, titled “The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal,” is currently in production and set to be released in early 2025. Director Heath Davis believes that Karlson’s real name was Cecil George Edwards and highlighted some of the wild methods he used to escape prison.

Karlson, a part-time actor, had a turbulent childhood but maintained a zest for life that made him unforgettable. He once shared that he was completely unaware of his internet fame until someone suggested selling wine featuring his face. A cheeky entrepreneurial spirit was alive in him, as he allowed it with the condition he received a cut of the profits.