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Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Papa Jake' dies at 102
The American war veteran Jake Larson has died at the age of 102, as reported by DW. Known to his 1.2 million followers on TikTok as "Papa Jake," he captivated both young and old with his stories. In a statement on his social media accounts, his granddaughter McKaela Larson wrote that he died peacefully on July 17, and was "even cracking jokes 'til the very end." Larson was known for his quick smile and how he combined humorous anecdotes with somber reminders about the horrors of war. He had been living in Lafayette, California. A self-described Minnesota farm boy, he gained a huge following online in later life by sharing stories of WWII. He was born on December 20, 1922 in Owatonna, Minnesota. In 1938, while lying about his age, Larson enlisted in the National Guard at 15 years old. In 1942, he was stationed in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. He became operations sergeant and assembled the planning books for the invasion of Normandy. Larson was among the nearly 160,000 Allied Troops who stormed Normandy's beaches on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He survived machine gunfire when he landed on Omaha Beach. "We are the lucky ones," Larson told the Associated Press at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June, "They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honour these guys who gave us a chance to be alive." He had been awarded the Bronze Star, and French Legion of Honour for his service. Larson often called himself "the luckiest man in the world," and expressed awe at the attention he received. "I'm just a country boy. Now I'm a star on TikTok," he told AP in 2023. "I'm a legend! I didn't plan this, it came about."
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First Post
2 days ago
- General
- First Post
Who was Papa Jake Larson, the 102-year-old WWII hero and TikTok star who inspired millions?
Jake 'Papa Jake' Larson, a decorated World War II veteran and D-Day survivor who became a TikTok sensation in his 90s, has died at 102. From storming Omaha Beach in 1944 to sharing wartime stories with 1.2 million followers online, Larson's extraordinary life bridged generations and preserved the memory of one of history's most pivotal eras read more World War II veteran Jake Larson meets youths during ceremonies at the US cemetery to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings, on June 6, 2025 in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France. File Image/AP Jake Melvin Larson, widely known as 'Papa Jake' on TikTok and revered globally as a decorated World War II veteran and D-Day survivor, passed away last week (July 17, 2025), at the age of 102. From a Minnesota farm boy who enlisted underage to a Bronze Star recipient and later an internet sensation in his late 90s, Papa Jake's life spanned not only decades of personal courage and national history but also a digital bridge to younger generations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Announced by his granddaughter McKaela Larson through a social media post, his passing sparked tributes from across the United States and towns in France, especially in Normandy, where Larson had long been welcomed as a cherished guest and war hero. He had spent the last years of his life living in Lafayette, California. Jake Larson, known as 'Papa Jake' had gained 1.2 million followers on TikTok by sharing war stories. File Image/AFP 'Our beloved Papa Jake has passed away on July 17th at 102 years young,' McKaela wrote. 'He went peacefully.' 'I am so thankful to have shared my Papa Jake with you all. You meant the world to him,' she added. 'As Papa would say, love you all the mostest.' From a farm boy to a war hero Jake Larson was born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, and raised in the nearby community of Hope. In 1938, at just 15 years old, he enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard by falsely claiming he was of legal age. Assigned to the US Army's 135th Infantry Regiment in the 34th Infantry Division — known as the 'Red Bull' — Larson embarked on a military career that would define much of the 20th century's pivotal moments. By 1942, he was deployed overseas to Northern Ireland, where he rose to the role of operations sergeant. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In this capacity, he played a behind-the-scenes yet critical role in planning the Allied invasion of Normandy, compiling operational materials for what would become the largest amphibious military assault in history: Operation Overlord. Papa Jake during D-Day & WWII On June 6, 1944, Larson was among approximately 160,000 Allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day landings. Assigned to Omaha Beach, he was one of 34,000 US soldiers to engage in the bloody assault that day. Machine gun fire from fortified German positions made the beach one of the most perilous fronts, claiming over 2,400 American lives. Larson was one of the few to reach the bluffs overlooking the beach unharmed. In this photo taken April 29, 2019, D-Day veteran Jake Larson poses before going for a ride in the 'The Spirit of Benovia' World War II-era aircraft in Oakland, California, US. File Image/AP In a recollection shared through a US Army video posted in June, he described the chaos and fear that defined those hours: 'It seemed like that the landing was an eternity, with all the firing going on…. I can't describe it. And people say, 'Were you scared?' I was scared of stepping on a landmine, and that's what I was trying to prevent.' 'I was 5 foot 7 at that time. I weighed 120 pounds and I said, 'Thank God the Germans aren't good at shooting at toothpicks',' he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Larson went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge — the last major German offensive on the Western Front — enduring a month of intense winter warfare across Belgium and Luxembourg. His actions during the war earned him numerous honours, including the Bronze Star Medal from the US Army and the French Legion of Honour, France's highest civilian and military award. Despite his accolades, Larson never saw himself as a hero. 'We are the lucky ones,' he told AP at the 81st D-Day commemoration in June, while standing among the headstones at the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach. 'They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honour these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.' Post-war life for Papa Jake Following his discharge from military service in 1945, Larson returned home and later married Lola Cassem. Their marriage lasted until her death in 1991. In the decades that followed, he built a quiet life for himself, largely out of the spotlight, until his unexpected rise to social media fame in the twilight of his life. In 2020, with assistance from his granddaughter, Larson launched a TikTok account — @storytimewithpapajake — where he began sharing stories of his war experiences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The platform, initially foreign to many of his generation, soon turned him into a viral figure. In this photo taken April 29, 2019, D-Day veteran Jake Larson walks to a seat before going for a ride in the 'The Spirit of Benovia' WWII-era aircraft in Oakland, California, US. File Image/AP By 2025, he had amassed over 1.2 million followers and more than 11 million likes. His popularity extended to YouTube as well, where he gained more than 16,000 subscribers. His videos — a mix of candid reflections, historical commentary, and humour — became a medium through which millions learned about the human costs and moral weight of the Second World War. 'I'm just a country boy. Now I'm a star on TikTok,' he told AP in 2023. 'I'm a legend! I didn't plan this, it came about.' In 2021, he published a memoir titled The Luckiest Man in the World: Stories from the Life of Papa Jake, a nod to how he often described himself — not for having survived the war, but for having the opportunity to share his life and honour his fallen comrades. Papa Jake's legacy Larson's presence was a mainstay at international memorial events, particularly in Normandy, where he was deeply respected. From schoolchildren to museum curators, he was warmly welcomed during his visits. The Overlord Museum in France — dedicated to preserving the memory of D-Day — posted a tribute that described him as 'an exceptional witness and bearer of memory,' recalling his humility, storytelling, and warm smile that touched visitors of all ages. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even in his final years, he remained active and engaged with his audience. In 2023, during a commemorative visit to France, he met with 99-year-old British veteran Bill Gladden, who had landed in a glider on D-Day and been wounded by gunfire. Their emotional exchange — hands clasped, tears in their eyes — became a moment widely shared online. 'I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet,' Larson told Gladden. Gladden passed away the following year. Papa Jake's contributions to preserving World War II history were recognised by international media as well. In June, he and CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour were jointly awarded a News and Documentary Emmy for their live interview during the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Though his fame came unexpectedly and late in life, Larson used it to promote remembrance, compassion, and peace. 'Make peace not war,' he said during an interview — a sentiment that resonated deeply with his global audience. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US veteran SSgt. Jake M Larson talks to a girl who wears an American flag around her neck during a gathering in preparation of the 79th D-Day anniversary in La Fiere, Normandy, France, June 4, 2023. File Image/AP His storytelling was never just about reminiscing; it was about accountability, memory, and ensuring that history — especially its darkest moments — would not be forgotten. Following his death, tributes poured in not only from followers across the United States but from towns and institutions in France that had long considered him part of their shared historical heritage. The official tourism page for Normandy stated that he 'will never be forgotten.' His granddaughter has expressed her intent to keep his memory alive through continued storytelling: 'When the time is right, I will continue to share Papa Jake's stories and keep his memory alive.' Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who Was Tom Troupe? Find Out as Star Trek Actor and Broadway Veteran Passes Away at 97
Trigger Warning: This article contains references to an individual's death. Tom Troupe, a seasoned actor known for his roles in Cheers, Star Trek, and more than 75 television series, passed away at the age of 97. He passed away Sunday morning at his home in Beverly Hills, just five days after his birthday. His death, due to natural causes, was confirmed by his public relations representatives. A veteran actor across stage and screen Born on July 15, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, Tom Troupe began his acting journey in local theater before relocating to New York City in 1948. He studied at the Herbert Berghof Studio under the guidance of Uta Hagen, having received a scholarship. He later served in the Korean War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star, as per Variety. Troupe made his Broadway debut in 1957 as Peter van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, performing alongside Joseph Schildkraut. A year later, he relocated to Los Angeles and began building a prolific career in television and film. Throughout the 1960s to the 1990s, Troupe appeared in several iconic TV shows. His notable credits include Star Trek, The Fugitive, Mission: Impossible, The Wild, Wild West, Mary Hartman, Cagney & Lacey, CHiPs, Knots Landing, Murder, She Wrote, Cheers, Frasier, and Archie Bunker's Place. His presence on screen brought a dependable charm and professionalism to both guest roles and recurring appearances. Here's what you may not know about his film and theater career Troupe also worked in major films, including The Big Fisherman, The Devil's Brigade, Kelly's Heroes, Summer School, and My Own Private Idaho. In the theater, he often performed with his wife, Carole Cook, in stage productions such as The Gin Game, The Lion in Winter, and Fathers' Day. He also toured with Same Time Next Year alongside Barbara Rush and appeared on Broadway in Romantic Comedy with Mia Farrow. One of his personal projects included the one-man play The Diary of a Madman, which he co-wrote. Troupe was married to actress Carole Cook until her passing in 2023 at age 98. The couple were widely admired for their decades-long relationship both on and off stage. He is survived by his son, Christopher Troupe; daughter-in-law, Becky Coulter; granddaughter, Ashley Troupe; and several nieces and nephews.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
D-Day veteran and TikTok star Papa Jake Larson dies at 102
Jake 'Papa Jake' Larson, a World War II veteran and beloved TikTok personality who brought stories of wartime courage to a new generation, died on July 17 at the age of 102, according to his family. Larson, who gained over 1.2 million followers on TikTok through his 'Story Time with Papa Jake' account, passed away peacefully, his granddaughter McKaela Larson announced on social media. 'As Papa would say, love you all the mostest,' she wrote. Born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson enlisted in the National Guard at age 15 by lying about his age. He served in Northern Ireland before becoming an operations sergeant responsible for assembling planning materials for the D-Day invasion. On June 6, 1944, he landed on Omaha Beach under heavy machine-gun fire and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge. His wartime service earned him the Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor. Decades after the war, Larson found a new way to connect with others—this time through social media. His TikTok posts blended humorous anecdotes with solemn reflections on the horrors of war and the sacrifices of his fellow soldiers. 'We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive,' he told the Associated Press at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June. He frequently returned to Normandy, where he was greeted with open arms by locals and visitors alike. After his passing, tributes poured in from across the U.S. and France. The Overlord Museum called him 'an exceptional witness and bearer of memory,' vowing that his stories will live on.
DW
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- DW
'Papa Jake' Larson, TikTok star and WWII vet, dies at 102 – DW – 07/21/2025
Jake Larson, known as 'Papa Jake,' has died. The WWII veteran shot to fame on TikTok as he shared world war stories to millions. He was 102 years old. The American war veteran Jake Larson, has died at the age of 102. Known to his 1.2 million followers on TikTok as "Papa Jake", he captivated both young and old with his stories. In a statement on his social media accounts, his granddaughter McKaela Larson wrote that he died peacefully on 17th July, and was "even cracking jokes 'til the very end." Jake was known for his quick smile and how he combined humourous anecdotes with somber reminders about the horrors of war. He had been living in Lafayette, California. A self-described Minnesota farm boy, Jake Larson gained a huge following online in later life by sharing stories of WWII. He was born on 20th December 1922 in Owatonna Minesota. In 1938, while lying about his age, Larson enlisted in the National Guard at 15 years old. In 1942, he was stationed in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. He became operations sergeant and assembled the planning books for the invasion of Normandy. Larson was among the nearly 160,000 Allied Troops who stormed Normandy's beaches on D-Day, 6th June 1944. He survived machine gunfire when he landed on Omaha beach. "We are the lucky ones," Jake told theAssociated Press at the 81st anniversary of D-Day in June, "They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive" He had been awarded the Bronze Star, and French Legion of Honour for his service. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Jake often called himself "the luckiest man in the world," and expressed awe at the attention he received. "I'm just a country boy. Now I'm a star on TikTok," he told AP in 2023. "I'm a legend! I didn't plan this, it came about." Just three weeks ago, he co-won an Emmy with British-Iranian journalist Christiane Amanpour for their interview marking last year's 80th anniversary of D-Day. Followers across the USA, and towns around Normandy are paying tribute to "Papa Jake". He had visited Normandy several times over the last years. The official page for tourism in Normandy said he "will never be forgotten" McKaela Larson asked that her family be given privacy, but said when the time is right, she will continue to "share Papa Jake's stories and keep his memory alive" "As Papa would say, love you all the mostest," she wrote.
