If you were obsessed with watching Lizzie McGuire growing up, you probably remember Lizzie’s mischievous-yet-endearing younger brother, Matt, whose antics made the show far more entertaining than it already was. Recently, the actor who played Matt, Jake Thomas, became the reason behind the “Cracking Up” TikTok trend, and yes, the trend is actually hilarious. It features a soundbite from an old press interview at the Osmosis Jones premiere where Thomas was asked, “What are you most looking forward to about this film?” According to his wonderfully awkward, rambling response, Thomas said he basically wanted to “crack up.” Now, TikTokers are using this comical soundbite to highlight moments when they want to crack up, too.
Do yourself a favor and watch this adorable video of baby Matt McGuire (spiky hair and all) at the 2001 film premiere. He says, verbatim: “Well, um, I think I’m looking forward to cracking up. I hope I can, you know, like totally crack up. I haven’t totally like…cracked up in a long time.” It’s impossible not to smile listening to Thomas’ answer — I mean, who hasn’t forgotten how to speak English on the spot at least once? Since the interview resurfaced, Thomas has posted funny TikToks about it, and it’s clear he’s in on the joke. Not only does the “Cracking Up” trend tickle me every time, but it blows my mind that Lizzie McGuire’s little brother is now 31 in real life. Help.
The minute TikTokers discovered Thomas’ comical interview (honestly, a meme-in-the-making) it quickly evolved into an amusing trend. Creators call out moments when they can’t help but laugh while using Thomas’ soundbite as a backdrop — like when you’re walking into church with your siblings on Christmas Eve or dying laughing at Friends even though you’ve binged it a million times already. I chuckled at this one from TikToker @gbdq, who remembers how, back in the day, simply saying the name “Bob” could send any elementary schooler into a fit of laughter. As someone who has definitely laughed at the most inappropriate times and definitely can’t keep it together at Christmas Eve service, I love how TikTokers are bringing humor to my FYP in a creative way.
To try the “Cracking Up” trend, simply save the soundbite here and get ready for some laughs. Think of a scenario that you can’t help but giggle about, whether it’s chaotic Ben Stiller in Night at the Museum or the way you get ticklish every time you get a pedicure. Of course, this can also be a time you cracked yourself up, like TikToker @sithlordsabrina who is all jokes at the Starbucks counter. Then, after you hear the interviewer ask, “What are you looking forward to most about this film?” respond by mouthing Thomas’ words. Record your response, add text overlay describing your situation, then add a brief, witty caption, and voila!
Not only is “Cracking Up” my new favorite theater monologue, but the TikTok trend is bringing a wholesome, playful vibe to my FYP that I desperately need. I’m amazed at how Thomas’ interview randomly resurfaced after 20 years, and how TikTokers appreciate the humor despite many of them not even being born when Lizzie McGuire was on-air! Whether you’re new to TikTok and want to explore a simple, straightforward trend, or you’re all about the Lizzie McGuire nostalgia and are still bitter the reboot got canceled, the “Cracking Up” TikTok trend is the perfect one to try. Give it a go and tell me why you can’t seem to keep it together.