12 Iconic Characters with Handlebar Mustaches
When considering a famous mustache style, the handlebar immediately springs to mind. Over the years, the world has seen many iconic characters with handlebar mustaches.
With its distinctive curls and twists, the handlebar mustache style has become a true icon of facial hair fashion. There are unforgettable personalities both fictional and real-life who have made the handlebar mustache famous.
Join us as we explore the legacy of these famous characters and their iconic handlebar mustaches!
Significance of Iconic Handlebar Mustache Characters
In simple terms, a handlebar mustache refers to various styles of mustaches that feature a distinct upward curl at the ends, with thicker, bolder growth in the middle. The curved ends resemble the handlebars of a bike or motorcycle.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the handlebar mustache became increasingly popular, with numerous appearances in magical shows, literature, movies, and TV shows. It has been used to create memorable and iconic characters, often associated with villainy and cunning.
In recent years, people often share pictures of celebrities, animals, and even inanimate objects with handlebar mustaches added digitally, showcasing the style’s enduring appeal and cultural relevance.
Famous Characters with Handlebar Mustaches
The handlebar mustache has graced the faces of many famous characters, both real and fictional. Here are our picks for the most iconic characters with handlebar mustaches:
1. William Cutting- The Buffalo Bill Handlebar
William Cutting AKA Bill the Butcher portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis in “Gangs of New York”. His handlebar mustache is as fierce as his personality. With a thick and twisted mustache that extends beyond the edges of his face, Cutting’s handlebar mustache is a symbol of his dominance and power in the gritty streets of 19th-century New York City.
2. Captain Hook- Thin End Handlebar
The iconic villain of “Peter Pan,” Captain Hook’s handlebar mustache is a testament to his refined taste and elegant demeanor. His thick mustache has very thin ends that curve upward. Hook’s handlebar mustache is a symbol of his sophistication and cunning, making him a formidable foe for the mischievous Peter Pan.
3. Charlie Mortdecai- The Parted Handlebar
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of the debonair art dealer Charlie Mortdecai is accompanied by a mustache that matches his personality. Mortdecai’s handlebar mustache is parted symmetrically and groomed to perfection, with waxed ends that curl upward in an exaggerated fashion. The mustache serves as a symbol of his adventurous spirit.
4. Dick Dastardly- Pencil Thin Handlebar
The cartoon character mustache of the infamous villain Dick Dastardly is a perfect reflection of his scheming personality. With a thin and twisted handlebar mustache that seems to curl into a perpetual sneer, Dastardly’s mustache adds to his menacing appearance, making him the ultimate adversary in the Wacky Races and Dastardly and Muttley cartoons.
5. Snidely Whiplash- The Villainous Handlebar
The handlebar mustache of Dudley Do-Right’s arch-nemesis Snidely Whiplash is a perfect fit for his devious personality. With a thin and long pointed mustache that curves upward at the ends, Whiplash’s handlebar mustache is a symbol of his wickedness and villainy, adding to his already menacing presence.
6. Salvador Dali- The Dali Handlebar
Salvador Dali’s unique handlebar mustache is often referred as the Dali mustache. This handlebar mustache was not just a style statement, but a piece of art in itself. The mustache was long, slender, and waxed to sharp points that curved upwards dramatically, adding a theatrical touch to Dali’s persona. Dali further intensified the look by twisting his mustache to a thin point. Moreover, he allowed it to grow to the maximum possible length.
7. Hercule Poirot- Petite Handlebar Mustache
David Suchet’s portrayal of the famous detective Hercule Poirot is accompanied by a short handlebar mustache that is both iconic and recognizable. The mustache is thick, covering the edges of his upper lip, and curled up in a dramatic fashion.
8. Spring Mustachio- Heroic Handlebar
In the anime series “One Punch Man,” Spring Mustachio’s handlebar mustache is as distinctive as his swordsmanship skills. The style is long and flowing at a slightly downward angle and curled up at the end.
9. Major Alex Louis Armstrong- Military Handlebar
Major Armstrong’s handlebar mustache in “Fullmetal Alchemist” is as powerful and imposing as he is. The style is thick and well-defined, with ends that curl outwards and add to his already commanding presence as a high-ranking officer in the military.
10. Rollie Fingers- Neatly Curled Handlebar
As a Hall of Fame pitcher, Rollie Fingers’ handlebar mustache is a symbol of his impressive career and unique personality. The style is thin and pointed, with ends that extend beyond the edges of his face and add to his quirky and unorthodox approach to the game of baseball.
11. Robin Olds- Thicker Handlebar Mustache
Retired United States Air Force Brigadier General Robin Olds’ handlebar mustache is a symbol of his rebellious spirit and individualism during the Vietnam War. With slightly curled ends it resembles a Hungarian mustache. It adds to his heroic and daring persona as a decorated pilot and military leader.
12. Robert Johansson- The Flying Handlebar
The Norwegian ski jumper is another famous figure known for his impressive handlebar mustache and beard. He has even sported specially designed skis with his mustache etched onto the design. His handlebar mustache has earned him a dedicated fanbase, who affectionately refer to him as “The Flying Moustache.”
So, these are our top picks for famous handlebar mustache characters. Let us know your favorite picks.
