#BerriesAndCream documented a 2007 Starburst commercial’s bizarre “Little Lad” character resurrecting as 2021 TikTok sensation. The hashtag tracked actor Jack Ferver reprising his role 14 years later, spawning dance trends, remixes, and proving TikTok’s power to make anything from the 2000s viral regardless of original context.
The Original Ad
Starburst’s 2007 “Berries and Cream” commercial featured Victorian-dressed Little Lad ecstatically dancing about Starburst’s new flavor. The surreal ad was memorable but quickly forgotten—until TikTok user @brittany_broski posted the clip August 2021, calling it “unhinged” and “deeply unsettling.” Gen Z discovered it, finding the absurdist humor perfectly aligned with their comedy sensibilities.
Jack Ferver Returns
The original actor Jack Ferver joined TikTok, posting in-character videos. #BerriesAndCream exploded—Ferver created new “Little Lad” content, collaborated with brands, and attended VidCon 2021 in costume. His wholesome embrace of the meme and genuine joy at relevance endeared him to fans. The 14-year gap between ad and virality became part of the charm.
The Dance Craze
A dance to “Berries and Cream” remix emerged—hip sways, twirls, and Little Lad’s signature skip. #BerriesAndCream featured millions of users in period costumes, businesses incorporating it into marketing, and even Starburst releasing limited “Berries and Cream” flavor. The trend showed TikTok’s unique ability to resurrect forgotten media into cultural moments.
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