Lucas Cruikshank became one of YouTube's first major stars, launching his channel just months after the platform's creation. He made internet history by becoming the first creator to reach one million subscribers on a single channel.
The Rise of Fred Figglehorn
Better known as Fred Figglehorn, Cruikshank rose to fame in the mid-2000s through comedy skits starring his fictional six-year-old alter ego. Fred was characterized by his energetic personality, squeaky high-pitched voice, and chaotic home life, often getting into trouble due to his "anger management issues." The videos became a viral sensation, propelling Cruikshank to YouTube stardom.
Nickelodeon Deal and Sequels
His online success caught Nickelodeon's attention, leading to Fred: The Movie in 2010. The film's popularity spawned two sequels: Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred and Fred 3: Camp Fred, along with a TV series, Fred: The Show, which ran for 24 episodes. Fred also made cameo appearances in hit Nickelodeon shows like iCarly and Hannah Montana.
The Original Channel Today
While the original Fred YouTube channel still exists, it hasn't been active for nearly a decade. It evolved from Cruikshank's comedy sketches into a family-friendly community channel aimed at showcasing children's creativity. The channel's bio reads: "Hi! My name is Lucas Cruikshank. I created the FЯED YouTube channel when I was 13 years old... I want to give other kids a creative outlet."
Life After Fred
Now 32, Cruikshank has moved on from his famous character. He regularly uploads to his personal YouTube channel, Lucas, where his 3.4 million subscribers watch him review products, test viral fast-food hacks, and visit holiday destinations. Fans enjoy seeing how much he has changed since his Fred days.
Personal Life
Cruikshank came out as gay in a 2013 video, saying: "I'm gay. I feel so weird saying it on camera. But my family and friends have known for like three years. I just haven't felt the need to announce it on the internet." He later met his husband, Australian model Matthew Fawcus, introduced by fellow YouTuber Kingsley at a gay nightclub. Fawcus regularly shares glimpses of their life together on Instagram.
