Friday the 13th: Good Luck from 'Bad Luck Brian'

A Kent State Alumnus who became an internet meme sends best wishes on this 'unlucky' day.

Kyle Craven thought that a thrift store sweater vest and a goofy expression would liven up his high school yearbook photo. His high school principal didn't agree and made him retake the photo, but the original still existed, waiting. Six years later, in 2012, one of Craven's friends used the photo to create a meme and "Bad Luck Brian" was born. Thousands of memes and shares later, the character is known throughout the world and has created opportunities for Craven to travel destinations including Slovakia and Japan, meet other "internet celebrities" and even appear in TV commercials. 

Craven said that contrary to Brian's reputation for bad luck, his own luck is generally good and he's won multiple raffles, drawings and scratch-off lottery ticket prizes. So, on this Friday the 13th, a day with an unlucky reputation, he wanted to share a special message with his fellow Flashes. 

"Bad Luck Brian" aka Kent State Alumnus Kyle Craven

The infamous yearbook photo that exploded into thousands of meme posts. 

POSTED: Thursday, October 12, 2023 01:24 PM
Updated: Thursday, October 12, 2023 02:56 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Phil B. Soencksen