Does the Moustache Make the Man: Men with Famous Moustaches One
by A moustache is not for anyone, in fact, some women dislike them so much that the forbid the men they’re with to have one. In the media though, throughout the centuries, powerful and famous men emerged wearing these very obvious blocks of facial hair. In some cases, the moustaches were even viewed as part of these men’s act or identity. Were these just famous men with moustaches, or were the moustaches the furry assets that helped propel the men to fame? I have no proof either way, but I thought that this was an intriguing concept nevertheless.
Groucho Marx
One of the earliest, popular moustached faces in television is that of Groucho Marx, the American comedian and film star. He was born in 1890 and died at the ripe old age of eighty-seven in 1977. At the start of his career, he used grease paint to paint on his outrageously large moustache and eyebrows. However, he soon grew his own – which he wore for the rest of his life. Groucho, in his heyday, was one of the most recognisable celebrities of his time.
Laurel and Hardy
Stan Laurel – the thin one – was British born. He changed his name from Stanley Jefferson when he moved to America at twenty-two, because he was concerned that his name was too long and fussy for the American show business arena. Oliver Hardy – the bigger one – was American. He was born Norvell Hardy, but also changed his name when he was eighteen years old. They rose to fame on the American TV scene, and were famous around the 1920s – 30s, working mainly in motion pictures and on stage. They managed to appear together in a staggering 106 films. Now how’s that for a partnership! Laurel sported a toothbrush type moustache, the same style as Hitler and Mugabe, but along with his partner, he has provided the world with belly laughs and an impressive amount of slapstick comedy.
Clark Gable
Another instantly recognizable moustached heart-throb was Clarke Gable. His smooth performance in Gone With the Wind, got him nominated for ‘Best Actor.’ Gable had a hiccoughing start to his life, not only was he registered as a girl on his birth certificate, but his voice was very high and terribly whiny. After much training and make-overs, Clark Gable became what is now known as an A list film star. He worked as a Stage actor between 1924-1930, during which time, he appeared as an extra in many motion pictures. After he made it big-time, his moustache made him probably the most recognizable actor of his time. After all, he played the leading man for most of his film acting life.
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Post CommentUnofre Pili
On March 3, 2009 at 7:51 am
I inclined to agree with you anne.
BC Doan
On March 3, 2009 at 8:05 am
What a fun, and informative article to read! I tend to agree with you on the last paragraph.
Likha
On March 3, 2009 at 10:02 am
A moustache makes a lot of difference in how a man looks. So does a bald head.
seeingrhed
On March 3, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Great article.
Kate Smedley
On March 3, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Enjoyable and informative. Groucho Marx would never have had the same impact without his moustache! I do agree that all of the men here would have looked and seemed very different without them.
Jo Oliver
On March 3, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Great question Anne. For me, Clarke Gable just wouldnt be Clarke Gable without the moustache. So, I guess the moustache does make the man to a degree.
The Daily Digital
On March 3, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Very interesting article. I always like learning new things.
Betty Carew
On March 3, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I am not fomd of moustaches but do agree that these men wore it almost as a trademark. Excellent article Anne. Great write
Judy Sheldon
On March 3, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Anne, I am inclined to agree with you. Wonderful article and great collection of pictures to support.
Dee Gold
On March 3, 2009 at 9:42 pm
I’m not a fan of moustaches but enjoyed reading this.
valli
On March 3, 2009 at 10:47 pm
An enjoyable as well as informative read.
R.B. Parsley
On March 4, 2009 at 1:29 am
Anne,
Very good article. Myself and my cousins started wearing mustaches when we hit eighteen. Until my generation, no man in our family had one. We all still have one. I don’t know about any of them, but I would feel very naked without mine. Very informative, Anne, and keep up the great work.
Randy
Lex92
On March 4, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Yes I think it does!! Great article Anne!
gianne
On March 5, 2009 at 10:34 am
Yes, I think you’re right, Anne! A little like a woman anh her hair color or style, I think!
Vikram Chhabra
On March 7, 2009 at 10:14 pm
That was really a fun article… You should do one on beards for guys like me!!
Anne Lyken Garner
On March 10, 2009 at 5:37 am
Thanks for your comments, everyone. Vikram, I have done one with beards. It’s here
http://www.socyberty.com/Men/Only-Real-Men-Can-Grow-Facial-Hair.73980
OhSugar
On March 11, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Nicely done. You have some of my favorite actors from the classics. Thanks for sharing.
tom swift
On April 4, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Stan Laurel had a moustache? Since when?
Rex
On April 5, 2009 at 7:41 am
Charlie Chaplin?
Stalin?
Kaiser Wilhelm?