Where Did the Man Crying Meme Come from? Exact Scene Footage, Video Sources, and Templates
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
In May 2020, during the height of pandemic stay-at-home orders, actor Pedro Pascal participated in a live-streamed virtual reading of Paul Rudnick’s play I, My Ancestor alongside fellow performer Russell Tovey. Facing his webcam in casual clothing, Pascal began delivering his lines with intense vulnerability.
Midway through the passage, Pascal's character reached an absurd emotional breaking point. Pascal began to weep, wiping his eyes, before abruptly breaking character and descending into helpless, wheezing laughter. The camera remained fixed on him as he shifted between profound sadness and manic giggles for nearly ten seconds.
Creators immediately recognized the clip's versatility. Paired with melancholy acoustic tracks like Beach House's "Space Song," the split-second tonal whiplash captured the psychological strain of modern screen culture. The clip spread rapidly on TikTok and Instagram Reels, quickly becoming the internet's favorite metaphor for trying to keep it together while life falls apart.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
