Bryan Gaw, Katy Perry’s Left Shark, shares 2015 halftime secrets, viral fame fallout, and career shift in an exclusive interview.
Who Was the Man Behind Left Shark’s Viral Super Bowl Flop?
Bryan Gaw, the dancer inside Left Shark’s costume, finally spills a decade later: “The steps were meant for freestyle!” In an interview with PEOPLE, the pro (who worked with Gaga and Cyrus) clarifies his chaotic 2015 halftime moves weren’t flubs—just improv. “The internet made it a thing,” he laughs.
How Did 73,000 Fans Spark a Meme Empire?
Gaw calls performing with Katy Perry “the pinnacle” of his career, but the real magic erupted post-show. Overnight, his shark suit meme swarmed feeds, terrifying him:
“My phone blew up with interview requests. I hid for three years to keep focus on Katy.” Perry, though, embraced the gag, gifting shark onesies to her crew.
Why Did Left Shark Vanish from Dance?
Post-virality, Gaw swapped shark fins for scissors. After Perry’s 2015 tour, he pivoted to hairstyling: “Dance’s grind wore me out. Now I craft beauty at Serrano Salon.”
Yet rhythm lingers—he still dances “for fun,” refusing to let life (or pom-poms) weigh him down.
Will Left Shark Return for Super Bowl 2025?
As SZA and Kendrick Lamar prep for this year’s halftime show, Gaw vows to watch… from his couch.
“The Super Bowl’s chaos is unmatched. But my moment?” He grins. “It’s wild how 13 minutes can redefine a decade.”
Quick Facts About Left Shark’s Bryan Gaw:
- Identity Reveal: Hid as Left Shark until 2018 to avoid upstaging Perry.
- Pre-Shark Career: Danced for Gaga, Cyrus, and Disney pre-2015 Super Bowl.
- Viral Defense: Claims freestyle, not flubs, caused meme frenzy.
- Post-Fame Shift: Licensed hairstylist in LA, owns Serrano Salon.
- Legacy: Shark suits became Halloween staples; Perry gifted crew onesies.
