The 10 greatest moustaches in film and television history

Posted by: Paul Little // August 12, 2008 @ 9:24am

Moustaches: the symbol of manliness. While in recent years, it appears moustaches have tragically gone "out of style", there should be little doubt that in their heydey, they were the ultimate fashion statement for men. No matter what the style -- the casual 'stache of the 70s that showed you didn't give a damn, the thick moustache of the 80s that told everyone you could kick their ass, the pencil-thin moustache that screams out evil villain (or John Waters), or the thick and curly moustaches of turn of the century criminals and crazy prospectors -- a moustache is the furry window into a man's soul.

So in conjunction with the August 16th AMC Basic Cable Premiere of the 2004 action comedy Starsky & Hutch (based on the 70s TV show of the same name, and featuring plenty of killer 'staches throughout), ShowbizMonkeys.com is taking a look at some of the best moustaches of film and television. (Those with beards need not apply -- you're too afraid to let your moustache speak for itself!)

Take a look at our Top 10 below (and be sure to enter for your chance to win a DVD copy of Starsky & Hutch for your own moustache movie collection).

10. Sascha Baron Cohen (Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan)

As a way to show how out-of-touch Khazakhstan is with the modern world, as well as to show he was a man's man, Borat wore his moustache proudly. Of course, the moustache wasn't the only body hair used by Sascha Baron Cohen for comedic effect in Borat, but it's his most recognizable (one would hope). Eastern European moustaches are funny, plain and simple. Plus it lets Cohen hide behind his character when out on the street making fools of people left and right -- proving their usefullness.

9. Alex Trebek (Jeopardy)

Sure, he shaved it off a couple years ago (one can only handle being that manly for so long before it takes a toll on one's life) but the Jeopardy host was known for years as much for his moustache as he was for his hosting abilities. Very few have rocked the 'stache as long as he did, and for that we commend him.

8. Jason Lee (My Name is Earl)

Few actors are as dedicated to their character's moustache as Jason Lee is. It's no fake 'stache, and he's even worn it in other roles to make sure it stays thick and manly when it's time to tape episodes of My Name is Earl. Sure, he looks a little ridiculous, but the longer the show is on the air, the more Jason Lee himself will be identified by his moustache. He might never be able to shave it off.

7. Will Ferrell (Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy)

Yes, in 21st century filmmaking, oftentimes moustaches are worn not just for their representation of pure testosterone, but also for comedic effect. It works especially well when the films are taking place in the 70s or 80s, when moustaches were king. Much like Vince Vaughn's 'stache in Starsky & Hutch, Will Ferrell's moustache in Anchorman just adds to his character's hilarity.

6. Ned Flanders (The Simpsons)

Does Ned Flanders' moustache show he's out of touch? If you've seen any of the episodes of The Simpsons where Flanders takes his shirt off, then you'll realise the moustache is really there an extension of his extreme manliness. He may be a preachy goody-goody, but his 'stache allows him to have that little bit of edge... what's he hiding behind there?

5. Billy Dee Williams (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi)

How cool is Billy Dee Williams? If you don't know the answer to that question, then YOU'RE not cool. Seriously, after the first Star Wars, you wouldn't think that anyone could be cooler than Han Solo, but to many, Lando surpassed. There's little doubt the moustache was a big part of that.

4. Groucho Marx

The legendary comedian used to paint on his crazy moustache, but eventually grew one in himself and kept it for most of his life. You know those all-in-one fake glasses, nose, and moustache sets you can buy at joke shops? Yeah, they're based on ol' Groucho. His 'stache is that legendary. Any comedians who use the moustache for their comedy owe it all to Groucho Marx.

3. Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood, Gangs of New York)

Every time I see Daniel Day-Lewis with a clean-shaven face, I'm confused. I just don't recognize him, despite his many roles sans-moustache. It seems his most iconic characters have donned the 'stache, and I'm certain this somehow brings him his acting power. Considering he's one of the greatest actors of our time, I think more actors should take note -- moustaches lead to Oscars.

2. Burt Reynolds (Cannonball Run, Smokey and the Bandit, Cop and a Half)

Yes, Cop and a Half! "I'm your worst nightmare, an 8-year-old with a badge." How the hell else are you going to deal with such a nightmarish situation, than with the power of the moustache. Of course, throughout the late 70s and 80s, Burt Reynolds was pulling off the moustache in film roles left and right. His most notable franchises -- Cannonball Run and Smokey and the Bandit -- featured the 'stache prominently. Burt Reynolds is one of the manliest men around, and the fact that he is often identified by his moustache -- there's even a blog named after it -- just solidifies his high spot on this list.

1. Tom Selleck (Magnum P.I.)

The best moustache of all time. Burt Reynolds comes close, but nobody can beat Selleck in Magnum P.I. While Burt Reynolds as an actor is often identified by his moustache, but no character is more identified by his 'stache (and hairy masculinity in general) than Tom Selleck's Magnum. When I'm out on the street and I see a man with a thick moustache, my first thought jumps to Magnum. There really has been no better use of facial hair in the history of the world.

Tags: moustache, mustache, Starsky & Hutch, Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds

4 Comments Posted

erin says...

LOL!

Tuesday, August 12 @ 11:36pm

100487707 says...

I think Borat was the greatest! Although a contravercial movie, some moments are very funny. Simpson's neighbour, Ned Fladers is pretty cool too.

Thursday, October 1 @ 12:04am

krob47 says...

I think Burt Reynolds should have made #1.

Monday, October 12 @ 6:27pm

Andy63 says...

Great page - disappointed not to see Charlie Chaplin though - his mustache was so famous that Hitler copied it. Check out my Top 10 Best Noses in Film and Television (and song). None of them have mustaches though.