With over 100 million subscribers and 24 billion views, PewDiePie is a household name in the world of digital entertainment. Known for his engaging "Let's Play" videos, Felix Kjellberg, better known as PewDiePie, has captivated audiences across the globe. His unique style, often marked by humor and spontaneity, has contributed to the meteoric rise of his YouTube channel, making him one of the platform's most successful creators.
However, his journey has not been without challenges. PewDiePie has faced significant controversies that have shaped his public persona. From accusations of racism to backlash over inappropriate comments, his path to fame has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows.
As we delve into the life and career of PewDiePie, we will explore his early beginnings, rise to fame, the controversies that have surrounded him, and his impact on the YouTube platform. Get ready to discover the multifaceted story of one of the internet's most polarizing figures!
Table of Contents
Who Is PewDiePie?
Known online as PewDiePie, Felix Kjellberg is one of the internet’s biggest stars — he has more than 100 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, and over 24 billion views. The PewDiePie channel is best known for its irreverent gaming content, shot in a “Let’s Play” style — videos of Kjellberg playing video games while giving an expletive-strewn running commentary. "Let’s play" became a hugely popular YouTube genre, and PewDiePie its superstar; his repertoire has expanded to include live-action and animated comedy shorts.
Early Life and Career
Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg was born on October 24, 1989, in Gothenburg, Sweden. His mother and father, Johanna and Ulf, are both successful chief executives. As a child, he enjoyed art and playing on his Super Nintendo; his obsession with video games grew during adolescence, during which he spent a lot of time gaming in his bedroom or at internet cafes. “Sweden has a great culture around gaming,” he told Rolling Stone magazine in 2015. “We’re really nerdy people.”
During his last year of high school, he bought a computer with money he made selling artwork through his grandmother’s gallery. He set up his first YouTube channel, PewDie, in 2006 — “pew” being slang for the sound of a laser gun firing — but as his interest in the channel waned, he forgot his password. When he returned to YouTube in 2010, he was forced to set up a new account, PewDiePie.
Rise to Fame
PewDiePie began to take off after Kjellberg filmed himself screaming his way around the horror game Amnesia, and began to receive requests from viewers for more of the same. He was soon uploading several clips a day and eventually dropped out of Chalmers in 2011 to work at a hotdog kiosk while he developed his channel. He reached his first 1 million subscribers in July 2012, and by December that year, he had signed with Maker Studios.
This talent network for video-makers provided resources, expertise, and help with promotion and marketing, in return for a share of ad revenue. On August 15, 2013, PewDiePie became the most-subscribed YouTube channel in the world.
Controversies
As his fame grew, so did the controversies surrounding him. PewDiePie faced backlash over his use of offensive language in videos, including racial slurs and derogatory terms. This led to significant fallout, including losing partnerships with major companies like Disney's Maker Studios in February 2017. His actions prompted discussions about the impact of influencers and the responsibilities that come with such a platform.
Despite the controversies, PewDiePie has also shown growth, addressing past mistakes and attempting to distance himself from the drama. Yet, the unpredictability of his future remains a topic of conversation among fans and critics alike.
Personal Life
In July 2013, Kjellberg moved to Brighton, a UK seaside town that has become a hub for YouTubers, with his Italian girlfriend, Marzia Bisognin (nicknamed CutiePie), a beauty blogger. They were introduced online in 2011 and began a long-distance relationship, eventually living together in Italy, Sweden, and finally Brighton.
In August 2019, Kjellberg and Bisognin tied the knot in a private London ceremony. Announcing the union on Twitter, he wrote: “We are married!!! I’m the happiest I can be. I’m so lucky to share my life with this amazing woman.”
Summary
PewDiePie's journey is a testament to the complexities of fame in the digital age. From his explosive rise to stardom to the controversies that have marked his career, he remains a captivating figure in the realm of social media. His story serves as a reminder of the power and pitfalls of internet fame, encouraging both fans and creators to reflect on the responsibilities that come with being in the public eye.
Personal Details | Information |
---|---|
Birth Year | 1989 |
Birth Date | October 24, 1989 |
Birth City | Gothenburg |
Birth Country | Sweden |
Gender | Male |
Best Known For | PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg) is popular for his "Let's Play" YouTube commentaries. |
Astrological Sign | Scorpio |
Nationalities | Swedish |
Interesting Facts | Before PewDiePie became a YouTube sensation, he sold hot dogs. According to Forbes, PewDiePie earned $15 million in 2016. |
Occupations |
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