The man behind one of Australia’s most iconic memes, Jack Karlson, has died at the age of 82. Karlson, whose dramatic 1991 arrest outside a Chinese restaurant in Brisbane became a viral sensation in 2009, passed away in hospital on Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones after a battle with prostate cancer.
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Born Cecil George Edwards, Karlson was a petty criminal and prison escapee who became a pop culture legend. His unforgettable lines during his arrest, such as “Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest” and “What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal,” have since been immortalized in memes, musical remixes, reaction videos, and even tattoos. The phrase “Democracy Manifest” has transcended the internet, inspiring everything from t-shirts to a racehorse name.
Karlson’s family confirmed his passing, noting that he lived a “full and colourful path” despite the challenges he faced. “He lived by his motto—to keep on laughing,” the family said in a statement.
Karlson’s life was filled with drama and intrigue. In June, he made headlines again when he reunited with Stoll Watt, one of the policemen involved in his infamous arrest, to announce an upcoming documentary on his life. Karlson maintained that the 1991 incident was a case of mistaken identity, and it has been speculated that he was confused with a Hungarian chess player known for dine-and-dash scams.
In his final weeks, Karlson’s larger-than-life personality continued to shine through. His niece, Kim Edwards, recalled how he attempted to escape from the hospital multiple times, even asking for his pipe to be smuggled in. As a final farewell, the family gave him a last taste of red wine through his drip.
Tributes have poured in across social media, with fans and media personalities expressing their sadness at the loss of a true Australian character. Chris Reason, the reporter who covered the original arrest, wrote, “His immortal words will echo through generations.” One fan, Danny Kingston, honored Karlson by posting a photo of himself wearing a t-shirt depicting the famous meme, captioning it, “A true legend has left this planet.”
Stoll Watt, who had formed a close friendship with Karlson since their reunion, described him as a “larger than life” figure with “a big heart.” He added, “It’s a sad day for Australia. We’ve just lost a true colourful character.”
As Australia mourns the passing of Jack Karlson, his legacy as a viral icon and beloved cultural figure remains stronger than ever.
