From subtle to eccentric, from the walrus to the toothbrush, mustaches have graced the faces of many iconic figures in history. Check out some of the best below!
Ambrose Burnside
In his lifetime, Ambrose Burnside was a Union soldier, a railroad executive, an inventor, and a politician. He was a U.S. Senator for Rhode Island from 1875 until he died in 1881.
With so many achievements to his name, he’s a notable figure from history – made even more notable by his distinctive facial hair. In fact, we get the word “sideburns” from this man.
Emiliano Zapata
A leading figure in the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920, Zapata’s most famous quote is: “I would rather die standing than live on my knees.”
Historians describe him as “a skilled guerrilla warrior, an excellent horseman, and a very humble person.” And, of course, he grew a mean mustache.
Clark Gable
Often referred to as “The King of Hollywood,” Clark Gable was instantly recognizable not just because he had a 37-year-long career with many leading roles, but because that mustache really drew the eye.
Friedrich Nietzsche
This philologist, critic, and philosopher spent much time questioning the basis of good and evil.
He is on record as one of the youngest tenured Classics professors ever at the University of Basel, and you have to wonder how his students heard him lecturing through this giant of a mustache.
Mark Twain
Claimed by some to be “the greatest humorist the United States has produced,” Samuel Langhorne Clemens (known by his pen name of Mark Twain) certainly sported one of the greatest mustaches the United States has produced.
Groucho Marx
A master of quick wit, Groucho Marx has too many brilliant and amusing quotes to pick a favorite.
Originally, he had a greasepaint mustache, but he eventually grew a real one that was to stay with him for the rest of his life.
William Howard Taft
The successor to Theodore Roosevelt, Taft was the 27th president of the United States. He went on to become the tenth chief justice of the United States, the only person to hold both offices.
His well-groomed mustache no doubt added to his gravitas while he was in office.
Salvador Dali
Salvador Dali’s unique surrealist style is easy to spot in an art gallery – and his flamboyant mustache made the man himself easy to spot in any crowd.
Charlie Chaplin
This British star of Hollywood went on to receive a KBE, making him Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin Jr.
Having been told by filmmakers that he looked too young, Chaplin explained: “I added a small moustache, which, I reasoned, would add age without hiding my expression.”
Wyatt Earp
Perhaps the most famous lawman of the American West, there’d be no mistaking Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp with that monster of a mustache – and that’s saying something given the quality and quantity of facial hair at that time.
Ruggero Leoncavallo
This Italian composer is mainly remembered for his 1892 opera Pagliacci, but his finely-crafted mustache is pretty memorable too.
Rollie Fingers
As well as being noted for his pitching ability, Rollie Fingers is fondly remembered as sporting a terrific handlebar mustache. In fact, Baseball Reference ranked it as the best in history, and Fingers originally grew it to get a $300 bonus from Charles O. Finley, owner of Oakland Athletics at the time.
Burt Reynolds
Once considered a sex symbol in American popular culture, Burt Reynolds didn’t always have a mustache. However, its appearance in the 1977 movie Smokey and the Bandit ensured it a place in movie mustache history.
Theodore Roosevelt
Having mentioned William Taft, we couldn’t leave the 26th president of the United States off this list. “Teddy” Roosevelt created a masculine, warrior-style persona, which involved cultivating this impressive mustache.
Tom Selleck
More from us: These Tom Selleck Facts Are More Iconic Than His Mustache
Yes, we know Tom Selleck’s mustache isn’t strictly one “from history,” but no mustache list is complete without mentioning Magnum P.I. somewhere!