Buzz
In an age where digital visibility can lead to unexpected wealth and influence, many express frustration over what they view as unearned celebrity status. The phrase 'famous for being famous' is often used as a critique, with reality TV stars and heirs frequently cited as symbols of cultural decline. However, society has always been captivated by unconventional figures who offer little societal value; in contrast, some reality stars might even be considered societal pillars.
10. Plennie Wingo
In 1931, while chatting with teenagers in his restaurant about potential publicity stunts, Plennie Wingo conceived a bizarre yet straightforward idea: he resolved to walk backward around the globe.
After some initial practice, he realized reflective glasses were essential for maintaining balance. With a sign on his jacket declaring his mission, he embarked on his journey. Covering approximately 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles), he was forced to return due to a passport issue in Istanbul, but by then, his unique endeavor had already made him a widely recognized figure.
In 1976, Wingo attempted another extensive backward walk, covering 634 kilometers (400 miles) from San Francisco to Santa Monica. Though less ambitious than his previous feat, the publicity he garnered was immense, culminating in an appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
9. Ikkyu Sojun
Despite his widespread fame during his lifetime, this Zen monk had few notable achievements. After joining the Zen order at a young age in the 15th century, he eventually became the headmaster of his school but famously resigned within two weeks. Ikkyu criticized his peers as hypocrites and lamented the monastic life, announcing that he would spend his time drinking and engaging in other indulgences if anyone needed him.
Unexpectedly, Ikkyu was permitted to rejoin his original Zen order at 60, but he caused an uproar by bringing his favorite prostitute into the monastery. He later found equilibrium by establishing his own school of Zen philosophy called 'Red Thread,' which emphasizes the significance of the erotic.
8. Bill Britt
In 1969, Bill Britt, a former insurance salesman and family man, suddenly left the affluent Boston neighborhood of Chestnut Hill for a makeshift shelter on government land. After 16 years, the state evicted him and demolished his shelter. In retaliation, he launched a fervent campaign to remain on the property.
Britt, who earned his income by recycling cans and bottles and declined welfare, lacked the funds to support his campaign. However, his sales expertise allowed him to skillfully engage the media, portraying himself as a victim of government persecution. His efforts were so effective that 'the hermit of Chestnut Hill' appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman as his shelter was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.
Britt derived no tangible benefits from his newfound fame. He declined all offers of alternative housing or charitable assistance, even from his daughter, who had been unaware of his location for years. Merely three years after his shelter was first destroyed, he passed away due to severe infections caused by his deplorable living conditions. His obituary was featured in The New York Times and other prominent publications.
7. Margaret Lillian Adams
Videos can achieve viral status for various reasons: shock value, explicit content, or public embarrassment. Margaret 'Magibon' Adams, however, captivated the Internet by creating what might be considered the most mundane videos ever.
Her first viral video, shown above, depicts the 20-year-old staring into her camera, occasionally glancing away, and then resuming her gaze. As Adams later clarified, she was simply experimenting with her new camera, never anticipating the video would garner such widespread attention. Her videos became so popular that the American expat was featured on Japanese television.
6. David Allen Bawden
Countless individuals have claimed to be a reincarnation of Jesus Christ or other divine figures, granting them significant influence over their followers. Among these, David Bawden stands out as one of the most notable. Born in Oklahoma City in 1960, he became a member of the traditionalist Catholic group, The Society of St. Pius, at the age of 15. In 1990, disillusioned with the Vatican’s election process and recent papal decisions, Bawden declared the papal election invalid and had himself elected as pope. This 'election' involved a total of six votes, including his own and those of his parents.
For decades, Bawden has maintained his claim to the papacy, amassing around 100 followers by 2012. His story has been featured in numerous media outlets, and he even starred in his own documentary. This is quite an achievement for someone with such limited resources that he had to self-publish his book.
5. David Johnson And Gregory Jacobs
David Johnson is an eccentric individual who, in the early 1980s, decided to disguise himself as a bush near Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco to startle unsuspecting passersby. Over time, he became a cherished local figure, reportedly earning up to $60,000 annually from tips. He enlisted Gregory Jacobs to protect him from potential attacks and to encourage people to tip, a strategy that likely contributed significantly to his earnings.
The only setback occurred in 2004 when the local district attorney attempted to halt Johnson’s act following numerous complaints. Fortunately for his admirers, Johnson’s public defender successfully defended the case, allowing him to resume his antics. Tragedy struck in 2014 when Jacobs passed away. His obituary was published in newspapers across California, including coverage on the local NBC affiliate, with local news outlets reassuring readers that the 'original Bushman' would continue terrifying unsuspecting pedestrians.
4. Robert ‘Romeo’ Coates
Despite inheriting a fortune from a sugar plantation, Coates pursued a career in stage acting in 19th-century Britain. In February 1810, he made his debut at the Bath Theater Royal, showcasing his unconventional style. Despite overwhelmingly negative reactions, including audiences throwing food, Coates persisted in funding self-indulgent productions of Shakespeare’s works and other esteemed plays.
Throughout his six-year career, Coates became infamous for his lack of refinement. He donned garish outfits, such as a blue cape paired with silver silk featuring pink lining and crimson pantaloons. He often broke character during performances, once leaving the stage to offer snuff to an audience member. Before death scenes, he meticulously placed a handkerchief onstage and set his hat upon it before dramatically dying. On one occasion, he repeated his death scene three times in succession.
Proving that ironic admiration isn’t a modern phenomenon, Coates became a theatrical legend akin to cult film figures like Tommy Wiseau and Ed Wood. He performed for royalty, including dukes, duchesses, and even the prince regent. It wasn’t until his retirement in 1816 that he fully embraced his campy reputation, by which point he was drawing sellout crowds, with over 1,000 people turned away at each performance.
3. Ruthie Lucille Fontanini
Few have garnered such widespread attention for so little and then faded so completely into obscurity. Ruthie Lucille Fontanini, a 26-year-old tavern owner in Des Moines, Iowa, faced legal trouble twice in 1953 for her unconventional beer-serving technique: balancing a mug on her chest and delivering it to customers. After successfully defending herself in court both times, her provocative method earned her unexpected fame.
Even the renowned Cecille B. DeMille was said to be a fan of Ruthie, reportedly attending her performances multiple times. Her fame was so significant that a pair of mountains, named 'The Ruthies,' were christened in her honor during the latter stages of the Korean War. Despite her notoriety, Fontanini never sought to monetize her fame, choosing instead to marry and lead a quiet, domestic life.
2. Alvin Kelly
Alvin Kelly, a stuntman, made headlines in 1924 when he climbed a flagpole and sat atop it to promote a Hollywood theater. He remained there for an astonishing 13 hours and 13 minutes, sparking a trend that compelled him to continually surpass his own records. His ultimate achievement was an almost unbelievable 49-day stint.
Kelly maintained his balance by securing his feet in stirrups while seated on a platform just 33 centimeters (13 inches) wide. He sustained himself with liquid meals and used a tube in his pants to urinate, directing the flow down the pole. This daring feat earned him $100 per hour for six years until the trend faded with the arrival of the Great Depression.
1. Mr. Whipple
Beginning in 1964, the Charmin toilet paper company launched a series of advertisements featuring Mr. Whipple, portrayed by Dick Wilson, known for his role in Bewitched. The commercials typically depicted the grocery store manager scolding customers for squeezing the toilet paper, only to secretly do so himself, leading to accusations of hypocrisy.
Though the premise might seem as fleeting as a piece of toilet paper, it resonated deeply with the public. Wilson appeared as Mr. Whipple in 500 commercials over 21 years. In a 1978 survey, the character was ranked the third-most recognizable man in America, trailing only Richard Nixon and Billy Graham.
