Damn Daniel: Where Is Daniel Lara Now? The Untold Story Of The White Vans Meme Star (2025 Update)

Eight years after a simple video clip of a teenager's outfit became a global phenomenon, the name "Damn Daniel" remains an iconic piece of internet history. The phrase, delivered with a distinctive, enthusiastic voice-crack, launched Daniel Lara into a level of viral fame few ever achieve, making his signature white Vans a fashion statement overnight. As of December 17, 2025, the curiosity surrounding the young man who defined a generation of meme culture is as strong as ever: where is Daniel Lara now, and what has his life been like since the spotlight faded?

The story of Daniel Lara is a classic case of instant, unexpected internet celebrity, followed by a deliberate and successful retreat into a private life. While many viral stars have tried to capitalize on their fame, Daniel and his friend Joshua Holz chose a different path, quietly navigating the transition from high school students to global sensations and back to relative anonymity.

Daniel Lara: Biography and Profile

Daniel Lara, the subject of the "Damn Daniel" meme, was an ordinary high school student in Riverside, California, before his life changed in February 2016. The video, filmed by his friend Joshua Holz, quickly became one of the most recognizable memes of the decade, leading to immediate public scrutiny and a whirlwind of media appearances.

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• Full Name: Daniel Lara
• Role in Meme: Subject of the viral video clip
• Friend/Videographer: Joshua Holz
• Date of Birth: April 4, 2001
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 24 years old
• Hometown: Riverside, California, USA
• High School: Poly High School (Riverside, California)
• Viral Video Date: February 2016
• Meme Catchphrase: "Damn Daniel! Back at it again with the white Vans!"
• Notable Appearances: The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2016), The Webby Awards (2016)
• Post-Fame Status: Largely private, focusing on education and personal life.

The Anatomy of a Viral Sensation: How "Damn Daniel" Broke the Internet

The "Damn Daniel" video was short, simple, and utterly captivating. It was a 30-second Snapchat compilation posted to Twitter by Daniel’s friend, Joshua Holz, featuring Daniel walking through his high school parking lot in various outfits, with Holz providing the signature, enthusiastic voiceover.

The meme's success was driven by several key factors:

The Power of the White Vans

The phrase "Back at it again with the white Vans!" became the most quoted line of the year. The casual, inexpensive footwear was instantly elevated to a cultural icon. The video's popularity was so immense that it reportedly caused a spike in sales for the shoe company Vans, which later gifted Daniel a lifetime supply of their shoes.

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The Ellen DeGeneres Show Appearance

Within weeks of the video going viral, Daniel Lara and Joshua Holz were invited to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. This appearance cemented their status in mainstream culture. During the show, Ellen presented Daniel with a custom surfboard and the aforementioned lifetime supply of Vans.

In a heartwarming gesture, Daniel and Joshua later decided to donate the Vans to patients at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, showing a maturity beyond their years in handling their sudden fame and wealth. This act helped define their public image as grounded and kindhearted.

The Dark Side of Instant Fame: The Swatting Incident

Like many internet celebrities, the boys were not immune to the negative attention that comes with virality. In a serious incident, their home was targeted by a "swatting" prank—a dangerous hoax where a false emergency is reported to police to provoke an armed response. The incident, which occurred shortly after their rise to fame, served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with such intense public exposure.

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Daniel Lara's Life After the Meme: The Pursuit of Privacy (2025)

The most compelling part of Daniel Lara's story is his deliberate choice to step away from the spotlight. By the time he was a senior in high school, both Daniel and Joshua had made it clear that the "Damn Daniel" chapter of their lives was closed.

Daniel Lara, who would be turning 25 in early 2026, has successfully maintained a low profile, a rare feat for someone who was once the center of a global meme. This intentional retreat suggests a preference for a normal life over the pressures of being a full-time internet personality.

Focus on Education and Personal Life

After graduating from Poly High School, Daniel focused on his education. While specific, confirmed details about his current university or career are scarce—a testament to his desire for privacy—it is known that he and Joshua chose to move on from the meme. The lack of recent, specific public appearances or new social media ventures confirms that he has prioritized a traditional path.

His decision to avoid the influencer circuit is a unique narrative in the world of viral fame. Unlike many who try to monetize their 15 minutes, Daniel Lara appears to have chosen stability and normalcy. He has effectively transitioned from being a globally recognized face to an anonymous young adult, using his fame for good (the Vans donation) and then quietly closing the door on that era.

The Enduring Legacy of "Damn Daniel"

Even though Daniel Lara is no longer "back at it again" on social media, the meme's cultural impact endures. It’s a touchstone for the mid-2010s internet and a perfect example of a truly organic, unscripted viral moment. The meme is still referenced in fashion, music, and general conversation, proving that while Daniel may have moved on, the phrase "Damn Daniel!" is permanently etched into the digital lexicon.

In a world where every moment is documented and monetized, Daniel Lara's story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best choice after achieving peak fame is to simply walk away and get back to your own life—white Vans and all.