Edd Gould
A pioneering online animator whose quirky, homemade cartoon universe, Eddsworld, became a foundational pillar of early YouTube creativity.
1988–2012 (age 24)·British animator·Birthday: October 28·Millennials
Biography
Edd Gould was at the forefront of the internet's DIY animation boom. From his bedroom in England, he began creating flash cartoons in the early 2000s, uploading them to Newgrounds and later YouTube. His series, Eddsworld, featured exaggerated versions of himself and his friends in absurd, often violent comedic adventures, defined by a distinct, scrappy art style and infectious sense of fun. The series cultivated a massive online following, inspiring a generation of creators. Gould continued producing work even after a leukemia diagnosis in 2006, with his resilience and passion endearing him further to his community. His passing in 2012 did not end Eddsworld; his collaborators kept the project alive, ensuring his creative spirit continued to reach millions.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Edd was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Edd Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Edd's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Died at 24
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
Key Achievements
- Created and produced the long-running, influential web animation series Eddsworld.
- Pioneered the use of Flash animation and early YouTube for independent cartoon storytelling.
- Built a vast and dedicated global fanbase for his independent creative work in the 2000s.
Did You Know?
He voiced multiple characters in his own animations, including the main character Edd.
The famous 'Hello, I'm Edd' introduction from his cartoons became a catchphrase for fans.
A charity single titled 'Goodbye to a World' was released by his friends to honor him and raise funds for leukemia research.
“I just make cartoons with my friends and put them online.”
