Jack Karlson, Aussie Meme Legend of “Succulent Chinese Meal,” Dies at 82

Jack Karlson, the Australian man behind the viral “democracy manifest” meme, has passed away at the age of 82. Karlson became an internet sensation after a video clip from 1991 surfaced, showing his dramatic arrest while enjoying a “succulent Chinese meal.” This footage catapulted him to worldwide recognition years later, in 2009, when it was uploaded to internet video sites.

News.com.au reported that Karlson succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, surrounded by his family. In their statement, his family said, “He walked a full and colorful path and despite the troubles thrown at him, he lived by his motto – to keep on laughing.” Karlson also battled numerous other health conditions, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

The now-famous incident took place in October 1991 at the China Sea Restaurant in Brisbane. Karlson was accused of using a stolen credit card, a case that turned out to be mistaken identity. The situation quickly escalated as police attempted to arrest him. Captured on camera, Karlson’s arrest featured his booming voice, theatrical flair, and his love for Chinese food, instantly making him a cult hero.

The clip shows Karlson being escorted out of the restaurant by numerous police officers. As he exits, he exclaims, “You just assured me I could speak.” The police inform him that he is under arrest, to which he indifferently responds, “I’m under what? Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest!”

The situation intensifies as Karlson furiously exclaims, “Have a look at the headlock here.” He also accuses an officer, saying, “See that chap over there… get your hand off my penis! This is the bloke who got me on the penis, people,” although the footage doesn’t make it clear what exactly happened.

As police continue trying to force him into the car, Karlson demands, “For what reason? What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?” He sarcastically compliments the officers’ martial arts skills, saying, “Oh that’s a nice headlock, sir. Oh! Ah, I see that you know your judo well. Good one.”

Noticing an officer inside the car, he mockingly asks, “And you sir, are you waiting to receive my limp penis?” As he is finally subdued, he yells, “How dare you?! Get your hands off me.” Defeated, Karlson bids the crowd farewell with a dramatic “Tata! And farewell!”

In a 2021 interview with 7News, Karlson recalled the incident, emphasising his intent to showcase the absurdity of his arrest. “We’re supposed to be living in a democracy, and here they are dragging me out of a restaurant, halfway through a succulent Chinese meal. Well, I thought, ‘Gentleman, this is democracy manifest.’” He saw the cameras as an opportunity to proclaim his innocence, stating, “I thought, ‘here’s an opportunity to prove my innocence. Because they’ve dragged me out, thinking I was some sort of international gangster, which I wasn’t.”

He humorously admitted, “So here’s a chance, for the camera, for the people of Australia, to let democracy manifest itself gloriously, and that’s why I carried on like that. Of course, I had been somewhat influenced by the juice of the great grape.”

Karlson, who had dabbled in acting and was a professional painter, hardly talked about the event until it went viral. He recounted how he eventually realized his fame when approached for a business idea. “It took me many years for someone to show me it was up there on the internet. Until someone approached me and said can we put it up, and sell bottles of wine with your face. The wine incidentally is called Get Your Hands Off My Pinot Noir. And I said ‘go ahead, as long as I get a cut out of it.’”

News.com.au reports that Karlson is the subject of a documentary titled “The Man who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal,” currently in production. Directed by Heath Davis, it is set to be released in early 2025.

Karlson is survived by his daughter Heidi, his son Erik, his nieces Kim, Kelly, and Kerry, his nephew Karl, as well as grandchildren Terri-Lace and Nec, and many grandnieces and nephews.

Source: News.com.au