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.
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was born of parents who were blood-relations to each other, and was the fourth of six children. However, only two of his parents’ children reached adulthood – Adolf and a younger sister. He failed his first year in high school, and had to be put back a grade. During his young years, after twice being refused entry into an art school, he sold his paintings in the street to tourists. Money soon ran out and he eventually found himself homeless. Time progressed, and after being deemed unfit to serve in the Austrian army, he signed up with the Bavarian army during WW1.
He later became a German politician, but the Germans will always rightly point out that he was actually born in Austria. After a year of joining up, he became the leader of what is now known as the Nazi Party, and ruled Germany from 1933-1945. Unfortunately, everyone knows what happened next. This type of moustache would have probably been more widely used, were it not for the fact that this was the man who made it famous.
Mahatma Gandhi
I included this second picture because it proves that Ghandi had a moustache ever since he was a little boy (but I jest).
His real name was Mohandas Karamchand Ghandi. He was a well-known political and spiritual leader of India. He has since become one of the icons representing non-violent demonstrations and civil rights freedom for downtrodden people all over the world. Mahatma (‘Great Soul’ in Sanskrit) gave up his job as a lawyer in South Africa in 1915, and returned to India to fight the cause of his people living in poverty. He has done so much for the world and the way in which we view our freedom. I think that his round glasses and moustache come together in a way that makes him one of the easiest identifiable men in history.
Frank Zappa
Zappa was born in 1940 and is of Greek/Arab/Italian decent. He started composing music when he was still at high school.
Zappa was everything and anything. His artistic career over thirty years, saw him as a record producer, guitar player, film director, song writer and solo artist. He had a keen interest in politics and became very active in world affairs during the latter part of his life. He spent all of his music career wearing his trademark bushy moustache with a little goatee under his bottom lip.
All these men made an impact creatively, politically, or socially. I am tempted to think that if it wasn’t for the moustaches, they would be ordinary looking men who would not be so readily identifiable. What do you think?
Part two is now available here
You may also be interested in this Only Real Men Can Grow Facial Hair
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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?