Grumpy Cat, The Legendary Meme Sensation, Has Died At Age 7
May 17, 2019
Steve Jennings / Getty Images
Grumpy cat, the internet feline whose mean-looking face went viral, has passed away. She was 7.
Some days are grumpier than others... pic.twitter.com/ws209VWl97
— Grumpy Cat (@RealGrumpyCat) May 17, 2019
Her real name was Tardar Sauce. Her rise to internet fame began all the way back in 2012, when Bryan Bundesen, brother of owner Tabatha Bundeson, posted a pic of the unhappy-looking cat on Reddit.
6 years ago, Reddit (& the world) met Grumpy Cat, a feline whose perpetual scowl resonated with despondent fans everywhere. She went on to earn more money than Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Her real name was Tardar Sauce.
Today, we lost an icon. https://t.co/p8Y6z5pXBV pic.twitter.com/5FCUQuDALH
— Reddit (@reddit) May 17, 2019
The post garnered millions of views in just a few days, and from there the legend of Grumpy Cat was born. Not only did Grumpy Cat become one of the most popular memes of all time, she made the rounds on TV shows ranging from Good Morning America to American Idol and The Bachelorette. Grumpy Cat was also able to land a sponsorship deal with Friskies.
Positivity is over-rated. #G4P16 pic.twitter.com/F6RAELAkuT
— Friskies (@Friskies) November 7, 2016
On top of merchandise including books, mugs and t-shirts, Grumpy Cat was so beloved she even got her own special on Lifetime called Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever.
"Besides being our baby, and a cherished member of the family, Grumpy Cat has helped millions of people smile all around the world," Grumpy Cat's family said in a statement. "Her spirit will continue to live on through her fans everywhere."
