The man behind the viral “succulent Chinese meal” news segment has left a positive mark on Australian and Internet culture.
Jack Karlson’s name might not immediately ring a bell, but millions have viewed him on the Internet.
Most popularly known as “Democracy Manifest” or “Succulent Chinese Meal,” Mr. Karlson became viral when a video of his 1991 arrest resurfaced on the Internet.
Jack Karlson, the man who had the funniest arrest ever, has died. He deserves a statue.
— Today Years Old (@todayyearsoldig) August 8, 2024
Long live this legend.pic.twitter.com/qh0txfKEvw
After years of battling prostate cancer, Jack Karlson has passed away at the age of 82, surrounded by friends and family.
He is survived by his daughter Heidi, son Erik, nieces Kelly and Kerry, his nephew Karl, and grandchildren Terri-Lace and Nec, as well as the countless lives he’s touched with his humorous approach to life.
Heath Davis, the director behind the upcoming documentary on Jack titled “The Man Who Ate A Succulent Chinese Meal,” quoted,
Jack’s inherent ability to always see the bright side of life despite the insurmountable hardship is something I’ll carry forward with me in my own life. here really is only one Jack Karlson and he truly was Australia’s last larrikin.
www.sbs.com.au
The Hard Life Of Jack Karlson Behind The Spotlight
Jack Karlson was born Cecil George Edwards in 1942.
From a young age, Jack had a hard life that was full of petty crimes and frequent visits to jail.
He began this life of delinquency in 1956 as a ward of Blackheath Presbyterian Boys’ Home in the Brisbane suburb of Oxley.
Jack was allegedly physically and sexually abused while under the wardship.
He was in and out of prison for much of his early life, frequently getting arrested for petty crimes and escaping three times.
In a conversation with ABC’s Earshot, he proudly recounted his 1996 escape from Boggo Road Gaol, where he leaped off a train en route to court following charges of breaking, entering, and theft.
During one of his prison sentences, he met Jim McNeil, the famous playwright, and told him of his life and exploits, some of which were included in McNeil’s now-famous plays.
They remained friends until Jim died in 1982.
Real Story Behind The Infamous Arrest
While there are multiple accounts of what actually led to his arrest in 1991, Jack always maintained that it was a case of mistaken identity.
According to Jack, he was mistaken by the police for a most-wanted criminal linked to credit card fraud.
The Final Days Of Jack Karlson
Jack’s niece, Kim Edwards, shared that her uncle spent the last few weeks of his life in prison and that he tried to escape but was unsuccessful.
She also mentioned that he enjoyed his final sip of red wine through his IV just before it was taken out.
Jack Karlson lived a controversial and hard life, but the people whose lives he touched through his humor and charisma will never forget him.
We wish the sincerest condolences to his family as Jack Karlson enjoys his “succulent Chinese meal in the sky.”
