In 2012, a goofy yearbook photo of Kyle Craven became one of the internet’s most beloved memes. Known as “Bad Luck Brian,” the image showed him in a red sweater vest, teal shirt, and braces, paired with captions about comical misfortunes. It quickly spread across Reddit, 4chan, and Facebook.
Within a week, the image had over a million views. According to Google Trends, searches for “Bad Luck Brian” peaked in April 2012 and still see nostalgic spikes.
While most people would have clung to the fame, Kyle didn’t. He licensed the meme, appeared in a few interviews, and then walked away. As he told the Akron Beacon Journal:
“I just go to work every day like everyone else.”
His decision to keep life normal might have been his smartest move of all.
Fast Facts
- Name: Kyle Craven (aka Bad Luck Brian)
- Viral Moment: Meme exploded on Reddit in 2012
- Lives in: Bath Township, Ohio
- Current Role: VP at Craven Construction
- Meme Income: $15K–$20K + $36K NFT sale
Where Is Kyle Craven Now?
In 2025, Kyle lives in Bath Township, Ohio, a peaceful suburb of Akron. He stays close to his roots in Cuyahoga Falls, where he grew up.
Today, he’s Vice President at Craven Construction, his family’s business that builds churches. He holds a degree in Construction Management from Kent State University and has stayed in the field ever since.
In early 2025, he helped lead the $800,000 purchase of Quaker Square, a historic downtown Akron property. As one of six investors, this move shows his growing role in local real estate.
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A Meme Face, But Not a Public One
Kyle may be a meme icon, but he doesn’t live like one.
He no longer has braces, his hairstyle is more modern, and he wears everyday clothes like T-shirts and ball caps. Unless you pull up the meme, you’d never guess who he is. People do recognize him sometimes, at Chipotle in Fairlawn or Rockne’s in Akron, but it’s rare.
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He occasionally posts on Instagram (@solidbadluck) and runs a low-traffic YouTube channel, but that’s more for fun than fame. He also shows up at meme-friendly events like VidCon and DogeDay Tokyo, often with fellow viral stars like Scumbag Steve.
Family, Career, and Unexpected Fortune
Kyle is married to his high school sweetheart and has two kids. He keeps his family life private, but one story stands out. In 2025, he hosted a group of Slovakian business guests for Thanksgiving dinner, complete with wine and gifts for his children.
As for meme money, Kyle has earned:
- $15,000–$20,000 from licensing and merchandise
- $36,000 from a 2021 NFT sale
- Paid roles in ads for McDonald’s, Heinz, Hyundai, and more
His mom only realized how big the meme was when she saw a student wearing his face on a shirt:
“That’s when it clicked,” she said. “The world knew Kyle’s goofy photo, but we knew his heart.”
How He Reinvented Meme Fame
Kyle has found clever ways to reinvent his meme legacy. He’s recreated the image at events, brainstormed a Bad Luck Brian board game, and licensed his image for products.
But he’s never let the meme define him. He avoids controversy, stays grounded, and reminds fans:
“Don’t take the internet too seriously. Anyone can become a meme.”
His story proves that viral fame doesn’t have to lead to burnout, it can lead to a better life.
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Legacy and the Real Luck of Bad Luck Brian
Even now, more than a decade later, Kyle’s meme lives on.
Bad Luck Brian is considered part of the golden era of memes, a time when a single image and caption could take over the internet. His face still appears on posters, costumes, and reaction tweets.
But unlike many meme icons who tried to stay famous, Kyle quietly succeeded. He became a dad, a business leader, and a quietly respected figure.
If memes are today’s mythology, then Kyle Craven is the everyman who didn’t crash and burn. He simply waved, smiled, and built a good life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Kyle Craven, known as Bad Luck Brian, is alive and living in Bath Township, Ohio with his wife and kids.
His real name is Kyle Craven. He became famous in 2012 after his high school photo was turned into a viral meme.
Yes. Kyle earned around $15,000–$20,000 from licensing and made $36,000 by selling a Bad Luck Brian NFT in 2021.