Ray William Johnson
Ray William Johnson
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Ray William Johnson is an American comedian, actor, musician, and internet personality.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 12, 1981, in El Paso, Texas, USA. No death date available.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American - Comedian, Actor, Musician, Internet Personality
Early Life and Background
Ray William Johnson was born to Ray Laverne Johnson and Deborah Dianne (née Cervantes) in El Paso, Texas. His parents were both high school sweethearts who instilled in him a love for comedy and music. Growing up, he spent most of his time making people laugh with impressions and jokes, even landing a few gigs at local talent shows.
After graduating from Parkland High School in 1999, Johnson attended the University of Texas at Austin but dropped out to pursue a career in comedy. He began posting videos on YouTube in 2007 under various pseudonyms, including "The Annoying Thing" and "Ray William Johnson." The anonymity allowed him to experiment with different personas without fear of judgment.
Major Accomplishments
Johnson's breakout moment came when he created the channel "SuperMegaMonkey", which quickly gained popularity due to his witty commentary on viral videos. He eventually dropped the moniker and went solo, posting humorous reactions to popular YouTube clips. His unique style caught the attention of major networks, leading to hosting gigs for shows like _Fusion_.
Johnson's work has been featured in top-tier publications such as The New York Times, Variety, and Rolling Stone. He was named one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People Online" in 2013. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with other prominent figures, including Philip DeFranco and Jenna Marbles.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable projects include:
Creating the YouTube channel "SuperMegaMonkey", which gained a massive following.
Hosting the Fuse TV show _H2_ from 2014 to 2015, featuring hilarious commentaries on viral content and internet trends.
* Writing and starring in several web series, such as _The Annoying Thing_.
Impact and Legacy
Johnson's pioneering work in the online comedy space paved the way for a new generation of creators. His irreverent humor, coupled with his ability to adapt to changing platforms, has earned him a loyal following across various demographics. He continues to inspire up-and-coming comedians and entertainers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ray William Johnson's influence on the digital landscape is undeniable. As one of the earliest and most influential YouTubers, he has been quoted and referenced countless times in various publications and media outlets. His sharp wit, quick thinking, and ability to connect with audiences have cemented his status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Johnson's innovative approach to comedy has left an indelible mark on popular culture. He continues to push boundaries, exploring new formats and mediums while maintaining his signature irreverence. As he continues to evolve and adapt, it's clear that Ray William Johnson will remain a driving force behind the evolution of online entertainment.
Quotes by Ray William Johnson
What really shocks me, what I can honestly sit back and ponder for hours in a lot of cases is just, 'Why would you film yourself doing that? Who put you up to that? What are you getting out of that?'
I was influenced by a lot of stand-up comedians... Eddie Murphy back when he was doing 'Raw.' I watched that so many times as a kid, I can probably still quote the entire thing to this day. Chris Rock. Dave Chappelle. George Carlin. A lot of the guys who were sort of edgy for their time.
If you hear an old parable and you don't believe it, it's mythology. If you hear an old parable and you believe it, it's religion.
What really shocks me, what I can honestly sit back and ponder for hours in a lot of cases is just, 'Why would you film yourself doing that? Who put you up to that? What are you getting out of that?
One of the amazing things about the Internet is that the content creators are the gatekeepers. We can think of an idea and execute it quickly, and we didn't have to pitch the idea to a major network or convince a studio head to sign-off on the concept.
Never angrily rant into your web cam. While smashing a keyboard in half over a game of 'World of Warcraft' may seem totally justified in your head, to the rest of the known universe you look like a raging psychopath.
My success has been something I've worked a long time at and it's been a gradual process. I compare it to the idea of someone losing a lot of weight over a period of a few years. You don't really notice the weight loss overall but if you compare photos from then and now there's a big difference.