Lauren Johnson

Comp 1
9/9/16
Markiplier: Outrageous Internet Sensation
Mark Edward Fischbach, also known as
comedian and gaming YouTube sensation
Markiplier, is no stranger to adversity. Marks
experiences while growing up helped him
become the success he is today, but also
allowed him to develop compassion for the
sick, both medically and psychologically, and a
driving need to help. Fischbach spent most of
the years growing up in a home with feuding
parents. Mark and his brother Thomas would
play video games to distract themselves from their fighting parents.
Markiplier posing for the camera in a photoshoot.

His parents ultimately divorced and things were less turbulent for him
in high school, however, as Mark was starting to plan for college his father
was diagnosed with cancer. He still decided to pursue college anyway,
enrolling in the University of Cincinnati with the intention of becoming a civil
engineer in the biomedical field. His father died during that year and it was
too much for Mark to handle. Devastated and at a low point in his life, Mark
dropped out of college, and made the decision to change his lifestyle. He
turned to comedy, and this time, YouTube became his outlet for distraction,
but also an outlet to help others.
1

In 2014, he moved to Los Angeles to live and work with the comedy
sketch YouTube channel, Cyndago, by Daniel Kyre and Ryan Magee, with Matt
Watson (who later joined the group). During their time together, they
completed over 40 sketches and 14 original songs. Their comedy was loud
and crazy, and attracted fans from all over who especially loved his comedic
gameplay commentary. Unfortunately, a depressed Daniel Kyre attempted
suicide on September 16 and died 2 days later in the hospital. Mark was
devastated over his friends death, the group disbanded, and Mark took a
break from YouTube from September 17 to October 5. Upon starting back to
work, he was surprised that his YouTube channel had grown to over 10
million subscribers. Just like that, he had become a gaming Youtube
sensation. He decided to try to use his new celebrity status as a way to help
others as well. Choosing causes close to his heart, such as cancer research
and depression, he began raising money by hosting gaming streams and his
fans have not disappointed. In February 2015, he set up a crowdfunding
campaign through GoFundMe.com for the benefit of the Depression and
Bipolar Support Alliance. Through the use of multiple social media outlets,
according to Vocativ, he raised over $74,500 in 18 hours by broadcasting
himself playing Super Mario World nonstop. The Depression and Bipolar
Support Alliance, helps and support people like his late friend, so, hopefully,
they do not make the decision to go through with suicide.

One of Many Checks for Fundraising

Despite all of his successes, the year 2015 proved to be harsh for
Markiplier. On March 22, he suffered a minor heart attack and had an
emergency surgery, all resulting from an inefficient enzyme which does not
break down alcohol. Realizing that his fans would be worried should word get
out, Mark decided to post a status video to tell them what was happening.
He kept on posting statuses on his YouTube and Twitter during his time in the
hospital. The surgery was a success, Mark is mended and his celebrity
increased even more due to his appreciative followers on YouTube and
Twitter. In the Youtube rewind of 2015, he was prominently shown in the
video. Not all things went wrong in 2015. Mark got a golden labrador receiver
named Chica and she has been a beacon of love and happiness for him. She
has been featured in little short videos made by Mark.

Despite his adversities, Markiplier is blessed with dedicated fans. He is

known for his entertaining and hilarious, over the top, gaming commentaries
that people love. People love him for his bubbly personality, melodic voice
and outrageous antics. He currently has more than
14 million subscribers, and is ranked 6th in the list of the most influential
celebrities among teenagers.

Markiplier freaking out during a recording, being himself.

Works Cited
Craxy. The Back Story of Markiplier. Quote TV, 11 Aug. 2014.
https://www.quotev.com/story/
5255637/The-Back-Story-of-Markiplier/1. Accessed 9 Sep. 2016.
Cuen, Leigh. YouTube Star Fights Depression With Hours Of Super Mario
World. Vacativ,
22 Feb. 2015. http://www.vocativ.com/culture/society/youtube-starrocks-super-mario-world-charity/. Accessed 9 Sep. 2016.
Mooney, Paula. Famous YouTuber Markiplier Lands In The Hospital, Updates
Fans That Hes
Headed To Surgery [Video]. Inquisitr News Worth Sharing, 22 Mar.
2015.
http://www.inquisitr.com/1947156/famous-youtuber-markiplier-lands-inthe-hospital-updates-fans-that-hes-headed-to-surgery-video/. Accessed
9 Sep. 2016.