Fat Albert began as a character created by Bill Cosby, leading the animated series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids from 1972 to 1985. The 2004 live-action film Fat Albert brought the character back with Kenan Thompson in the title role, mixing cartoon characters with the real world. Clips from the film later circulated on soundboards and in meme edits, where his 'Hey hey hey' persona and big party moments became shorthand for a cheerful, larger-than-life entrance that needs no explanation.