‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ star Robert Capron is unrecognizable at 28, years after famous meme

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" star Robert Capron has turned 28, and fans are stunned by his transformation from his days playing Rowley Jefferson in the franchise movies between 2010 and 2017. Social media account Pop Crave shared side-by-side photos comparing Capron as his character with his current appearance, showing a fit physique and darker hair that left many fans in disbelief. Comments on the post described the change as a "glow up" and noted that seeing "Rowley all grown up is making an entire generation of millennials and Gen Z feel ancient." Capron famously starred in the films based on Jeff Kinney's book series, but a moment from 2011's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules" became a viral meme titled "Rowley Waves and Looks Down." In a 2024 interview, Capron said that being part of the "meme pantheon" is his favorite part of the experience, adding that as someone who sent around "goofy GIFs" in high school, he finds it delightful to now be sent around as a reaction GIF.