Bento The Keyboard Cat: Remembering An Internet Icon

In a heart-wrenching announcement for cat enthusiasts and meme aficionados, Bento, famously known as Keyboard Cat, has passed away. Bento, who was only 8 years old, died on March 8, 2018. His owner, Charlie Schmidt, a painter and performance artist, shared the sad news through a touching tribute video on YouTube and posted on Keyboard Cat's social media accounts.

Schmidt expressed his sorrow in a statement to Newsweek, saying, “He was such a loyal and talented companion. I am sad.” Keyboard Cat captured the hearts of millions after the original video, titled "Cool Cat," was uploaded in 2007. The charming video showcased a cat wearing a T-shirt, playfully tapping its paws on an electric piano, which exploded in popularity, especially in 2009.

This timeline might seem a bit confusing, as Keyboard Cat would have been quite old if he had just passed away. The reality is that Bento is not the same cat featured in the original video; that cat was named Fatso, from a recording made by Schmidt in the 1980s. Tragically, Fatso passed away in 1987, as confirmed by The Guardian.

Understanding Keyboard Cat's Legacy

The Rise of Keyboard Cat

Bento, the second Keyboard Cat, was believed to be a “distant relative” of Fatso. For eight years, Schmidt created numerous Keyboard Cat videos featuring Bento dressed in various shirts, tapping away on the ivories. In 2011, he even parodied the Oscar-nominated documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop by live streaming a 24-hour video of Bento in an art studio, titled Exit Through the Pet Shop.

Together, Schmidt and Bento transformed Keyboard Cat into a cultural phenomenon through commercials, merchandise, and regular appearances at events in their hometown of Spokane, Washington, as noted by The Spokesman-Review.

The Viral Meme Phenomenon

The original Keyboard Cat meme gained immense popularity in 2009 when YouTuber Brad O'Farrell cleverly edited a clip of Fatso playing along to jazzy music at the end of a video featuring a person falling down an escalator. This led to the birth of the meme "Play him off, keyboard cat," inspiring countless mashups of Fatso “playing off” various epic fails. The trend gained traction when actor Ashton Kutcher tweeted a Keyboard Cat mashup in 2009, which has since been deleted.

Watch Schmidt's heartfelt tribute video to Bento below:

Update: This story has been updated to include a statement from Charlie Schmidt.

Celebrating Bento's Impact on Internet Culture

A Lasting Impression on Social Media

Bento's legacy continues to resonate across social media platforms. His videos not only entertained but also brought joy to millions, solidifying his place in internet culture. The influence of Keyboard Cat can be seen in various memes and videos that reference the character, showcasing how a simple concept can evolve into a beloved icon.

Moreover, the love and affection shown by fans illustrate the profound connection between pets and their owners, enhancing the shared experience of joy and loss in the digital age.

The Emotional Bond Between Pets and Owners

Bento’s story is a reminder of the strong emotional bonds that exist between pets and their owners. Charlie Schmidt’s tribute reflects the love and companionship that pets offer, reminding us that they are not just animals but cherished family members. The impact of such relationships can be felt deeply, sparking conversations about pet ownership, care, and the joy they bring into our lives.

As we remember Bento, we celebrate not just a cat who played music but an internet phenomenon that connected people through laughter, creativity, and shared experiences.