The Dean Norris Reaction meme, also known as the Smiling/Frowning Hank Schrader meme, originated from a pair of photos posted by the Breaking Bad actor on his Twitter account in 2014. One image shows Norris with a wide, infectious grin, while the other features a stark, soul-piercing frown. It became a viral sensation in 2021 when social media users paired the images with contrasting captions to illustrate a sudden change in mood or a 'before and after' realization. The meme is a masterclass in visual storytelling, perfectly capturing the transition from blissful ignorance to grim reality, making it a staple for expressing irony and relatable life letdowns.