RIP Bento, Legendary Keyboard Cat and Master of Synth
Bento, also known as Keyboard Cat, passed away earlier this week. The key-tapping feline was an Internet sensation best known for his skills at pawing the ivory.
Bento was 9 years old when he passed of liver cancer. According to Time, Bento was adopted by Charlie Schmidt in 2009 after a video of his previous cat, Fatso—a.k.a. the original Keyboard Cat—went viral in 2007. The video footage itself was from 1984, and Fatso had long since passed away.
The original Keyboard Cat video is considered one of the most prolific viral videos - garnering over 50 million views. And while Fatso was Bento's launch into Internet stardom, Bento became a YouTube star in his own right thanks, starring in a series of videos - and even commercials - that featured his synthesizer skills.
“Not every cat in the world can do this," Schmidt told The Washington Post. "Or everybody would be and there would be a million Keyboard Cats.” Bento craved the attention.
Bento's dad posted a video in tribute to his beloved, talented companion, highlighting his favorite videos and all the joy he brought to viewers around the world.
Needless to say, the Internet is in a state of mourning.
Since Schmidt posted the tribute video, he told the Washington Post that Keyboard Cat’s social media channels, and even his personal email, have been flooded with messages of condolence from around the world.
“I got an email today from people in South Africa," said Scmidt. "[They] were asking me, ‘What do I do with my 6-year-old? He won’t stop crying.'"
Others took to Twitter to share their sorrow over the loss of Bento, adding a bit of humor and light (as we like to think Bento would have appreciated):
just found out keyboard cat died, please respect my need for privacy in this trying time
— Josh Billinson (@jbillinson) March 18, 2018
KEYBOARD CAT DIED DONT SPEAK TO ME FOR THE NEXT 5 DAYS
— natsom (@NatSom3) March 19, 2018
Rest in Peace, Keyboard Cat. You played your way into our hearts!
There’a no doubt you were a true cat lover. Just remember that when you think of Bento and know he’s in Heaven with Fatso, playing the keyboards.
He will be missed.
Rest in Peace Bento… You stole the hearts of millions, you will be sorely missed…. God speed with your journey over the rainbow bridge… 😻😽😿🌈
I didn’t know of Bento’s existence until his passing, and still I am deeply sorry he’s gone. He just looks like a dandy cat, keyboard or no.
One has to have loved a cat to know how profound that love can be. My sympathy to the hoomins who knew and loved Bento.
This is a huge loss. Bento was a True Legend. I will always remember him. His music will live on forever.
There is an unbelievable band up in Heaven for you to join.
Will miss you so sad
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