5 Reasons Terry Crews’ Iconic ‘White Chicks’ Dance Is Still Going Viral 20 Years Later

The unforgettable image of Terry Crews, a man of imposing physique, passionately belting out Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" in a convertible, remains one of the most iconic comedy moments of the 21st century. As of this writing in December 2025, the scene from the 2004 film White Chicks is experiencing a massive resurgence, driven by its 20th anniversary and a new generation discovering the sheer comedic genius of Latrell Spencer's character.

This deep dive explores the making of the legendary dance, the surprising details about the song choice, and how Crews’ commitment to the bit—from the car scene to the nightclub dance-off—has cemented his status as a comedic legend two decades later, making it a constant source of fresh content and viral memes across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Terry Crews: Biography and Profile

Terry Crews is an American actor, comedian, activist, and former NFL player, best known for his roles combining physical comedy with an unexpected sweetness.

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• Full Name: Terrence Alan Crews
• Date of Birth: July 30, 1968
• Place of Birth: Flint, Michigan, U.S.
• Height: 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
• Spouse: Rebecca King-Crews (m. 1989)
• Children: 5
• Education: Western Michigan University (Art Major)
• Early Career: Played as a defensive end and linebacker in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Redskins from 1991–1997.
• Breakout Role: Latrell Spencer in White Chicks (2004).
• Notable Roles: Julius Rock in Everybody Hates Chris, Hale Caesar in The Expendables film series, and Sergeant Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
• Current Role: Host of America's Got Talent and America's Got Talent: The Champions.

The Anatomy of a Viral Scene: ‘A Thousand Miles’

The core of the Latrell Spencer phenomenon is not just a dance, but the juxtaposition of Crews' intimidating physique with the innocent, pop sensibility of Vanessa Carlton's 2002 hit, "A Thousand Miles."

The Song That Almost Wasn't

The choice of "A Thousand Miles" for Latrell's signature moment was a stroke of comedic genius, but it nearly didn't happen. The Wayans brothers, Shawn and Marlon, initially considered a different song for the scene where Latrell drives around with the undercover FBI agents, Marcus and Kevin Copeland (disguised as the Wilson sisters).

According to Crews, the song perfectly captured the essence of Latrell—a man who is outwardly tough but secretly a sensitive soul. The song choice, an early 2000s pop-rock ballad, fit the character so perfectly that Crews said they shot the scene with an incredible energy.

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Crews’ Full Commitment to Latrell Spencer

Crews has consistently described his time working with the Wayans as one of the best moments of his entire life. The key to the scene's success was Crews' unwavering commitment. He didn't just sing the song; he performed it with genuine, unbridled passion, completely oblivious to the discomfort of the "Wilson sisters" in the car. This dedication to the absurd is what turned a simple car ride into an enduring comedy classic.

The "A Thousand Miles" car scene, often referenced as his breakout comedic moment, demonstrated his range far beyond the action roles he was often cast in. It was a pivotal moment that opened doors to his subsequent success in sitcoms like Everybody Hates Chris and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

The Legendary Nightclub Dance-Off

While the car scene is the most referenced, the moment Latrell Spencer truly unleashes his moves is during the nightclub dance-off, which is the "dance" most people associate with him.

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The ‘Dance Like Nobody’s Watching’ Philosophy

The dance sequence, set to a high-energy track, features Latrell attempting to woo Tiffany Wilson (Marlon Wayans in disguise) with a series of highly enthusiastic, yet slightly awkward, dance moves. His footwork is energetic, his arm movements are exaggerated, and his facial expressions are priceless—a true embodiment of dancing like nobody's watching.

Comedic physical performance is an art form, and critics often point to this scene as a masterclass in hilarious physical comedy. Crews' background as a professional athlete allowed him to execute the moves with a surprising level of agility, which only added to the humor of the character Latrell Spencer, the confident but clueless millionaire.

Recreations and Enduring Popularity

The popularity of the scene has never truly faded. Terry Crews, embracing his legacy, has recreated the dance numerous times over the years. In recent years, he has wowed audiences by spontaneously breaking out the moves on the set of America's Got Talent (AGT), where he serves as the host.

These impromptu performances, often during commercial breaks or for the live audience, keep the memory of Latrell Spencer fresh in the public consciousness and introduce the moment to new viewers. The AGT recreations are a testament to the fact that Crews is "Always Ready" to perform the iconic sequence.

The 20th Anniversary and TikTok Resurgence

The year 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of White Chicks, sparking a wave of nostalgia and renewed media attention that has propelled the film and Crews’ character back into the viral spotlight.

The Meme Status and New Audience

In recent interviews, Terry Crews has expressed his delight at the film’s lasting impact and his transformation into a meme. The film’s anniversary led to a major resurgence on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where the restaurant scene and the "A Thousand Miles" car scene have become viral trends.

The TikTok generation, many of whom were not even born when the movie was released, are now discovering and remixing the Latrell Spencer character, transforming his lines and dance moves into new, modern memes. This continuous cycle of rediscovery is why the scene remains so culturally relevant.

Reunions and Legacy

To celebrate the 20th anniversary, Crews reunited with his co-star Marlon Wayans, further fueling the public interest and conversations about the film. Crews reflected that the enduring popularity of White Chicks is a testament to the power of pure, unadulterated comedy and the Wayans' unique brand of humor.

The cultural impact of White Chicks, and specifically Latrell Spencer's dance, is a powerful example of how a single, perfectly executed comedic performance can transcend its original medium and become a timeless piece of pop culture history. Terry Crews’ willingness to embrace and celebrate this legacy ensures the dance will continue to go viral for decades to come.