Summary
Did you know that Jerry Messing, the guy from the “m’lady” fedora meme, was inFreaks and Geeks? Because I sure didn’t.Freaks and Geekswas a bit before my time, but only by a hair, because I certainly grew up with Judd Apatow comedy, asthe Apatow movie erawas a crucial part of my high school film diet. So, when I eventually went back to watchFreaks and Geeks, I was quite surprised to see just how many of my favorite stars came out of that excellent but little-seen series.
Of course, I knew that Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Linda Cardellini were leads. Buteven the minorFreaks and Geekscharacters were recognizable stars at the timeor went on to impressive careers. It’s hard to list all thefamous actors who appeared onFreaks and Geeks. Naturally, even some cast members who didn’t go on to big careers in the industry are still very recognizable faces. Take Jerry Messing, who I didn’t even realize was the same guy from the Fedora meme until my editor asked me to write this article. Now, I can’t get enough.
Freaks And Geeks Cast: Where They Are Now
From Linda Cardellini to Jason Segel to Seth Rogen, many actors in the sadly short-lived Freaks and Geeks cast went on to become huge stars.
The Jerry Messing Tips Fedora Meme Set The Internet On Fire
The Messing Meme Is Usually Used To Mock Overzealous Internet Commenters
The “Tips Fedora” meme features a photo of a young man, smiling uncomfortably, and grabbing the tip of his fedora in a gesture of appreciation, respect, or goodwill.It’s typically used as a mocking response to a statement or opinionthat is considered to be held by someone who would wear a fedora. It’s representative of a “neck-beard”, “nice guy”, or “overzealous atheist” character on the internet and goes hand-in-hand with people “white-knighting” (being overly protective of women).
The reaction meme is a hilarious and quick way to suggest that someone is taking themselves too seriously, good opinion or not.
It’s a very funny meme and I remember seeing it in the early days of Reddit when commenters would get on their high horse about some obscure fact or idea. The reaction meme isa quick and hilarious way to suggest that someone is taking themselves too seriously, good opinion or not. Lately, I’ve enjoyed the “tipping intensifies” variation where Messing’s photo is blurred as if what’s being said is so resonant with the image, the man can’t stand still.
The photo came about after Jerry Messing had a photoshoot done, as he toldBuzzFeed,
“It was taken by a photographer that does headshots at his studio. There was extra film left in the roll so I decided to do that one for the fun of it.”
Messing later posted the photo on hisFacebookaccount and the internet took it from there.
I Didn’t Realize Jerry Messing Was Gordon Crisp In Freaks And Geeks
Messing Also Suffered A Serious Medical Setback Because Of Covid-19
Once I learned about Messing being inFreaks and Geeksin the meme, I couldn’t unsee it. Messing plays Gordon Crisp in the show, a recurring character. Gordon is a good-natured student with trimethylaminuria at William McKinley High School and a member of the Geeks. He’s a kind character, who treats everyone well and playsDungeons & Dragonswith Sam, Neil and Bill. It’s a funny and real performance from Messing. We’ve all been, or known, a Gordon in middle school or high school, and they’re always the people we wish we would have spent more time with.
Mr. Show with Bob and David(1999)
Freaks and Geeks(1999-2000)
Malcolm in the Middle(2000-2003)
The Brothers García(2002-2003)
Tiny
Messing also plays Pugsley in the filmAddams Family Reunionand Artie Ryan inEven Stevens, among a handful of other roles. All of his characters tend to be jovial and fun-loving. However, Messing hasn’t acted since 2003. He’s since gone on to start a YouTube Channel,FedoraProductions, gamely leaning into the meme that made him internet-famous. Sadly, Messing was left partially paralyzed after a serious battle with COVID-19 (viaThe Wrap). He posts updates on hisFacebookand has shared aGoFundMeto help pay hospital bills.
Despite his hardships, Jerry Messing is courageously progressing through his treatments. I can’t help but get inspired by his commitment to getting back on his feet and I hope to see him healthy again soon, as I’m sure fans of the meme andFreaks and Geeksare too.
Freaks and Geeks
Cast
Judd Apatow’s Freaks and Geeks is a comedy-drama series centered around several now-popular stars in their first-ever appearances as outcast teenagers dealing with the “hilarious unfairness of teen life.” The friend groups are split into “freaks” and “geeks,” each with their own quirks that resonate with teens today as they try to find their place in the socially complex world of high school.
