Dartmouth ‘Baddy’ Luke Sullivan Twerks His Way to L.A.

"Baddies, Pose for me!" has been the battle cry for one successful SouthCoaster who is making quite the splash these days in California.

Luke Sullivan, 29, grew up in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, where he attended Dartmouth High School before heading to UMass. For years, he was a familiar face at Frontera Grill in Fairhaven, where his energetic personality and charm helped him stand out.

Not just to customers, but eventually to the world.

Before his influencer career took off, Sullivan faced an unimaginable setback. In 2019, while feeding a friend’s dog, he was bitten in the face, resulting in five reconstructive surgeries on his nose. The traumatic injury not only altered his plans to move to Los Angeles but also tested him mentally, emotionally, and financially.

READ MORE: Dartmouth TikTok Superstar Is Disgusted With Gazelle

What followed was a long, painful recovery and a battle with depression. But through that experience, Sullivan began to embrace his identity more fully, eventually coming out publicly in March of 2020. “I was hiding my true self,” he said, “and I think the universe waited until I was ready to live honestly before blessing me with any success.”

The Turning Point: Coming Out & Going Viral

March 2020 was more than a personal milestone, it marked the beginning of Sullivan's rise. After publicly coming out, he began posting videos online that truly reflected who he was. He leaned into his vibrant, hilarious, and bold personality, and the internet took notice.

A dance trend to Natalie Nunn’s “Pose for Me” helped him break through. One video reached 15 million views on TikTok, and a follow-up clip filmed on an airplane soared to 51 million views on Instagram. That flight video alone took him from 19,000 followers to over 134,000 in a matter of weeks.

His social presence exploded across platforms:

• Instagram: 134K+ followers
• TikTok: Dozens of videos in the millions
• Facebook: A growing audience fueled by loyal fans

His catchphrase? “Baddies!” A nod to the Zeus Network’s Baddies series, and now a signature part of his brand. Sullivan isn’t just dancing; he’s building a movement rooted in authenticity, visibility, and fun.

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A post shared by Luke Sullivan 👑 (@baddydaddysull)

Hustle, Fashion, and Finding His Niche

Luke didn’t stop at social media fame.

He also earned his Massachusetts real estate license, works as a personal stylist and shopper for New Bedford native, model and social media influencer Ana Montana, (AKA Analicia Chaves), and has helped clients purchase high-end fashion items; even flying to Paris to pick up a Birkin bag for a client. This man is fancy!

When it comes to fashion, he describes his style in three words: sexy, comfortable, and stylish. Whether he’s in a designer hoodie or a curated sweatsuit from a niche brand, Sullivan is all about confidence over clout. “You don’t have to spend a fortune to look good,” he said. “Most people in LA are maxing out credit cards for an image that isn’t real. I’m about being real.”

Giving Back to the SouthCoast

Even while living in LA, Luke hasn’t forgotten his roots. He’s used his platform to highlight SouthCoast small businesses and give them a boost with his online famedom. From restaurants to boutiques, he creates content that helps shine a light on the local talent back home.

What’s Next for Luke?

Sullivan's eyes are set on reality television. While he hasn’t announced any specific shows yet, he’s entertaining offers and considering what opportunity aligns best with his values. “It has to feel right. I’ve come too far to just say yes to anything.”

He’s also continuing to grow his personal brand and remains focused on making authentic content that uplifts others. “My videos might be silly or wild, but they make people smile,” he said. “That means everything to me.”

A Message to the SouthCoast

From hiding in the closet and recovering from a painful injury to becoming a viral sensation in LA, he’s living proof that authenticity pays off.

“To anyone back home with big dreams, just go for it,” he said. “Don’t wait for someone to hand it to you. The world’s too big, and the clock’s ticking. If something feels like it’s not working, make it work. Even if that means being a barista while chasing your dream... do what you’ve got to do.”

Luke Sullivan didn’t just go viral, he turned his pain into power, his passion into a platform, and his twerk into a ticket to the top. And he’s not done yet.