Former Child Star Embraces Viral Meme from Iconic Film

In 1997, a 13-year-old actor named Ahmad Hammond landed a breakout role in the hit film Soul Food. However, shortly after the film's release, he was diagnosed with Castleman disease, a rare disorder, and was advised to keep his health condition private.

Over the past 28 years, one of the more poignant scenes from Soul Food, in which Hammond's character emotionally breaks down in front of his family, has turned into a viral meme that is widely used on the internet. Rather than feeling embarrassed, Hammond has embraced the meme, even using it himself when responding to comments online.

Now, in 2025, Hammond is working on a reunion documentary titled Sunday Dinner: The Soul Food Reunion, which is slated for release in 2027. The documentary will catch up with the original Soul Food cast, including Vivica A. Fox and director George Tillman Jr., three decades after the film's release.

While Hammond has been approached with other acting opportunities over the years, he is waiting for the right project to come along before returning to the spotlight. The actor remains grateful for the lasting impact of Soul Food and the viral fame of his character's emotional scene, which he sees as an integral part of the film's legacy.