25 bizarre viral stories of 2012

Clint Eastwood talks to an empty chair at the RNC

Clint Eastwood's surprise appearance at the Republican National Convention was exciting for fans, but has also attracted some likely unintentional, unwelcome attention.

The 82-year-old legendary actor and director made an appearance at the RCN to support Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. During a 10-minute improvised speech, Eastwood exchanged words an imaginary President Obama.

The appearance sparked Internet jokes on Twitter and other social networks, including a photo meme that depicted people talking to empty chairs. Eastwood defended himself, saying that when he was mayor of Carmel, Calif. he never gave speeches.

"They've got this crazy actor who's 82 years old up there in a suit," he said. "I was a mayor, and they're probably thinking I know how to give a speech, but even when I was mayor I never gave speeches. I gave talks."

Credit: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky