On Everyone's Lips
I'm curious about all the young male actors out there wearing mustaches these days. And when I say mustache, I mean mustache ONLY. Not a goatee, not a mustache as part of a beard -- I'm talking about the stand-alone variety. Are these mustaches a way of subverting pretty-boy looks, or are they a display of personal style in an increasingly homogenized world? I also wonder why this look hasn't infiltrated the mainstream -- I had no problem filling this blog with photos of today's hottest actors sporting a 'stache, but I very rarely see anyone actually wearing one in "real life." In fact the only guy I know who has a mustache is my friend Douglas Friedman, who has had one forever -- it's his defining characteristic, just like Tom Selleck. In fact, he looks pretty much like Tom Selleck all around, which is how he pulls it off. The issue for me is that, while I do like all the cute young actors in their mustaches, I actually prefer them worn in a more earnest, sincere way -- a lifetime commitment, as opposed to a fleeting trend. Where are the Sean Connerys of today? Come out, come out, wherever you are.
Actor James Franco's mustache adds intrigue to his otherwise boyish look. 2008. (Photo: Getty)
Over time, Sean Connery's mustache became crucial to his iconic presence. Deauville, France, 1967. (Photo: Getty)
As far as dudes with mustaches go, Jason Lee seems most at home with his. 2007. (Photo: WireImage)
British race car driver Graham Hill had a look that doesn't really exist today -- its kind of Inspector Clouseau meets Errol Flynn. 1960s. (Photo: Getty)
Orlando Bloom in a short-lived mustache. I like it better than his previous long-hair look. 2007. (Photo: FilmMagic)
Michael Caine in 1977. (Photo: Getty)
It seems that Ryan Gosling is going more old school than hipster here. He kind of looks like a bank teller in an old Western -- in a good way. 2007. (Photo: WireImage)
Civil Rights activist H. Rap Brown looks undeniably cool in his classic suit, sixties shades, and straight-forward mustache. Atlanta, Georgia, 1967. (Photo: Getty)
Looking back at photos from the last decade, it seems that Sean Penn, here in 2003, was the instigator of the recent mustache phase among actors. (Photo: Getty)
English rugby player Martin Cooper. 1975. (Photo: Getty)
My friend Douglas, who by now must be bored with comparisons to Tom Selleck. Cartagena, Colombia, 2008.
Tom Selleck in his finest form. 1981. (Photo: Getty)
Hi Amanda,
Love the blog. As for the mustache, while I don't appreciate it on my boyfriend (I prefer either five o'clock shadow or clean-shaven), I do think some guys can pull it off without looking skanky.
Men that come to mind that didn't make your cut are Gael Garía Bernal and Diego Luna.
Congratulations on your blog. It’s definitely a must-read. I wish you could post more often.
On the subject of this post, I have to say that I would never (ever) consider sporting a moustache. I’m 29 and I see moustaches as a very anaesthetic look. Even full beards are not for everyone. Plus, in my home country, Portugal, the moustache is seen, mostly, in the lowest social status and is criticized as part of a comedic stereotype.
As for all the celebrities you refer, I think most of the moustache looks are due to movie/tv projects (e.g. Jason Lee, Michael Caine) or the need to stand out (e.g. James Franco). In fact, they are just a temporary trend, an experience. Ryan Gosling used it in his chubbier phase and lost it as soon as he regained his usual weight. I’m sure that even Tom Selleck would look better without the moustache. We just accept it because we never seen him without it. It’s his trademark.
Would you encourage your husband to go for the moustache look? I know my wife would kill me if I tried it.
I agree...I wish you would post these more often! I think most guys would have a difficult time pulling off this look. Most of them would come off looking like a 70's porn star. Your friend is certainly the exception, however. Give me clean-shaven or better yet, the 5 o'clock shadow anyday...prrr...
Facial hair on men can be tricky.
I recently sported a full beard on a long trip to South America. It became quite blonde in the sun.
I don't like the way actor David Spade rocks his tash.