The kid from the viral “David After Dentist” video, David DeVore Jr., grew up and went on to live a relatively normal life, with his family capitalizing on the video’s success for a period of time.
In 2008, a video titled “David After Dentist” was uploaded to YouTube, featuring a young boy named David DeVore Jr. experiencing the effects of anesthesia after a dental procedure. The video quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and becoming a cultural phenomenon. David’s disoriented state and memorable quotes, such as “Is this real life?” captured the hearts and laughter of viewers around the world.
As the video gained popularity, David’s father, David DeVore Sr., took steps to monetize the unexpected hit. The family sold merchandise, including T-shirts, and made media appearances. They also managed to secure deals that allowed them to profit from the video’s widespread distribution.
Despite the sudden fame, the DeVore family aimed to keep their lives as normal as possible. David Jr. continued his education and participated in typical childhood activities. As he grew older, he occasionally reflected on his unexpected internet fame in interviews, acknowledging the video’s impact on his life but also emphasizing his desire for a normal upbringing.
By the time David reached adulthood, the internet landscape had changed significantly, with countless viral stars coming and going. However, the “David After Dentist” video remains a memorable piece of internet history. David Jr. has since embraced his role in the viral culture, using his experience to connect with others who have had similar experiences of sudden internet fame.
The DeVore family’s experience with “David After Dentist” serves as an early example of how viral content can shape the lives of ordinary people, thrusting them into the spotlight and creating opportunities and challenges that were previously unimaginable in the pre-social media era.