Very sad news today as the man who went viral around the world for being arrested while trying to enjoy a ‘succulent Chinese meal’ has died aged 82.
Jack Karlson passed away just weeks after his family announced he had cancer, but his legacy will live on the internet forever as it has done since 2009 when the iconic clip first went viral:
The backstory behind the meme might actually be funnier than the clip itself. According to the Aussie media, Jack Karlson had a penchant for free food in general (not just Chinese food). He was so into dine & dashing that he got named in the papers ‘Sydney’s most famous restaurant runner’ as he had so many convictions for failing to pay for food.
Apparently he used to just go around to five star restaurants, eat a delicious meal and then do a runner. All of his fines and court orders built up quite a bit, although I’m not sure whether he actually did any time for it or not.
In a statement, Karlson’s family said:
“He walked a full and colourful path and, despite the troubles thrown at him, he lived by his motto – to keep on laughing.”
Good motto. Hats off and RIP to Jack Karlson – he quite clearly enjoyed his life and his food and felt that he was such an absolute legend that he shouldn’t have to pay for any of it. Turns out he was probably right.
For the man who went viral after dine & dashing on a Hinge date who brought a friend along with her, click HERE. A man after Jack Karlson’s own heart!
