“Gangster Granny” crowd surfs at age 99 during concert, claims record for rockin’ ride
While the crowd’s hands reached up to the sky at the Brantley Gilbert concert in Texas last month, a singular stretcher was swept along by their careful palms, carrying a 99-year-old woman who was grinning from ear-to-ear.
As part of an incredible Guinness World Records attempt, the entire arena was united in their mission to transport the grandmother above their heads to the front of the stage. When the country-rock musician belted out a tune, Pauline Kana (USA) became the oldest person to crowd surf in history, at the amazing age of 99 years and 274 days old.
The achievement was all thanks to the efforts of her grandson Ross Smith, who was eager to see his grandma accomplish her dreams of being “the greatest in the world” at something!
The duo have acquired quite an audience for themselves over the years, posting under Ross’ account, which has nearly 25 million followers on TikTok and four million on Instagram.
Pauline is known as the “Gangster Granny”, who entertains audiences through skits such as flirting with WWE superstars, ‘streaking’ through baseball games (in a bikini T-shirt), and holding up suggestive signs in public.
She is beloved on the internet for her relaxed attitude and genuine relationship with Ross, who arranges these crazy experiences for his spirited grandma.
Read more stories about seniors having record-breaking fun in our dedicated Human Body section!
In an interview with Press Pass LA in 2022, Pauline said that all the attention is new to her, as her generation grew up without TV or the web. Yet she described her viral experiences as a “whirlwind in the best way”, and something that has granted her the opportunity to connect with new people all over the world.
“It is very surreal, but I feel happy knowing that this time I’ve spent with my grandson creating silly videos has inspired and encouraged people to be kind, to laugh, and to connect with their elders,” she said.
“I hear from people all the time that tell me one of our videos helped them reconnect with their own grandparents, and I love hearing those stories.”
As such, Pauline is always ready to try anything that Ross throws her way – so when he suggested accomplishing a Guinness World Records title, she was eager to join in.
The day of the concert, she showed up in her best attire: a red-and-white T-shirt with her face on it, printed with the message “Old’s Cool”.
Musician Brantley Gilbert introduced Ross and Pauline to the crowd, and informed them of their upcoming attempt – and by the time the audience was ready, Pauline was strapped up in the gurney, ready for the ride of her lifetime.
At first, she gripped both edges of the stretcher as she was hoisted above the crowd, but as she got used to the jostling movement she began to joyfully wave her arms in the air, smiling like she was on a rollercoaster.
While the audience shouted out “Granny! Granny! Granny!” she gradually made her way to the stage, easily swept up in the momentum of all the moving hands and the rush of excitement from the exhilarating experience.
When at last she popped up again at the front of the crowd, Pauline had a big smile plastered on her face, and she danced onstage while holding Ross’s hand. Later, the pair posted a video of her holding her Guinness World Records certificate and shouting “I did it! I’m the greatest of all time!”
So congratulations to Ross and his Gangster Granny – you are both Officially Amazing!