The Viral Sensation of the ‘Succulent Chinese Meal’ Nearly 20 Years Later
Jack Karlson was a pioneer in teaching Australians how to achieve their 15 minutes of fame and sustain it for over 33 years, long before the age of Instagram and Tik Tok.
Fame is often described as a fickle beast. Countless individuals create makeup tutorials, new dances, daring stunts, and controversial opinions every minute, hoping to achieve fame through their efforts.
In 1991, the internet was not widely known, and enduring national fame was primarily reserved for Australian entertainers like Dame Edna and Peter Allen.
Through the unexpected medium of television, Jack Karlson rose to fame through news footage of an arrest at a Brisbane Chinatown restaurant. Despite fierce competition for attention, Karlson’s memorable soliloquy secured him a place in the country’s history of colorful characters.
His eloquence, perhaps his only talent at the time, stood out when he was mistakenly arrested by police while having lunch with a friend. This incident, captured on television and later uploaded to YouTube where it went viral in 2009, showcased Karlson’s unique personality.
Karlson’s famous lines, such as “Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest,” and “A succulent Chinese meal,” have become the subject of memes, books, and merchandise. His legacy lived on even as similar incidents made headlines years later.
This week, at the age of 82, Karlson passed away. A GoFundMe campaign has raised $8,500 to help cover his funeral expenses. It is fitting that his wake will feature a succulent Chinese meal, paying tribute to the infamous moment that defined his fame.
