Featured Article

Iconic 70s Actor with Signature Mustache: A Nostalgic Journey

Megan Aug 11, 2026

The 1970s, a decade synonymous with disco, bell-bottoms, and görev, also left an indelible mark on cinema with its mustached actors - a style that was as iconic as the prevailing fashion trends. These gentlemen, with their uniquely groomed facial hair, helped shape that era's cinematic landscape, making it distinctly recognizable even today.

a close up of a man with a mustache and no shirt looking at the camera
a close up of a man with a mustache and no shirt looking at the camera

Mustached actors of the 70s weren't just following a fleeting trend; they were embodying an era. The mustache signified a certain charisma, maturity, and confidence, qualities that resonated deeply with the audience of the time.

a man in a tuxedo with a moustache on his face and mustache
a man in a tuxedo with a moustache on his face and mustache

Iconic Mustached Actors of the 70s

The 70s saw a proliferation of mustached actors, but some stood out as true icons.

a man with sunglasses and a moustache looks at the camera while standing in front of other people
a man with sunglasses and a moustache looks at the camera while standing in front of other people

Tom Selleck, with his lush, curl-tipped mustache, became an overnight sensation as private investigator Thomas Magnum in "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988). His rugged, yet humorous persona was closely tied to his mustache, making it a symbol of his character's charm and magnetism.

Meanwhile, in Cinema

That 70’s porn stache
That 70’s porn stache

Selleck wasn't the only one sporting the look on the big screen. The 1970s film industry was teeming with mustached actors, often seen in action, drama, and comedy films.

In "Maltese Falcon" (1975), directed by John Huston, Bogart's character, Sam Spade, sported the signature mustache. It was a subtle nod to the original 1941 film starring Humphrey Bogart, signaling cinematic continuity and homage.

Television's Mustache Craze

Best Hairstyle With Mustache, 70s Style Haircut Men, 70s Mens Long Hairstyles, Russell Hammond Hair, 70s Mustache And Mullet, John Travolta 70s Hair, Mens Feathered Hair 70s, 60s Long Hair Men, Men Haircut 70s
Best Hairstyle With Mustache, 70s Style Haircut Men, 70s Mens Long Hairstyles, Russell Hammond Hair, 70s Mustache And Mullet, John Travolta 70s Hair, Mens Feathered Hair 70s, 60s Long Hair Men, Men Haircut 70s

Television too, played its part in popularizing the mustached actor trend.

Successes like "M*A*S*H" (1972-1983) and "CHiPs" (1977-1983) owe part of their appeal to their mustached leading men - Alan Alda and Erik Estrada, respectively. Their mustaches were integral to their charismatic portrayals, contributing significantly to the shows' popularity.

The Influence of the 70s Mustached Actor Today

a black and white photo of a man with a moustache on his face
a black and white photo of a man with a moustache on his face

Over four decades later, the 70s mustached actor still influences popular culture.

Television shows like "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (2013-2021) and "The Office" (2005-2013) paid homage to the past, with their leading men Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) and Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) donning the mustache, infusing their characters with a distinct blend of humor and authority.

1980s Tom Selleck Jesse Stone, Sam Elliott, Magnum Pi, Moustaches, Tom Selleck, Esquire Magazine, James Dean, Kamikaze, Blue Bloods
1980s Tom Selleck Jesse Stone, Sam Elliott, Magnum Pi, Moustaches, Tom Selleck, Esquire Magazine, James Dean, Kamikaze, Blue Bloods
Almost Famous
Almost Famous
a man with long hair and a moustache on his face in a dark room
a man with long hair and a moustache on his face in a dark room
50s Beard, 70s Mustache And Sideburns, 1970s Mustaches, 1970 Beard, 1980s Beard, 70s Mustache, 1970 Mustache, 70s Stache, 40s Moustache
50s Beard, 70s Mustache And Sideburns, 1970s Mustaches, 1970 Beard, 1980s Beard, 70s Mustache, 1970 Mustache, 70s Stache, 40s Moustache
a man with a moustache on his face
a man with a moustache on his face
a man with long hair and a mustache sitting in front of a painting on the wall
a man with long hair and a mustache sitting in front of a painting on the wall
70s Facial Hair, 70s Goatee, 70s Facial Hair Men, 70s Stache, 1970 Beard, 80s Mustache, Indiana Jones Beard, 70s Mustache, 1970s Mustache
70s Facial Hair, 70s Goatee, 70s Facial Hair Men, 70s Stache, 1970 Beard, 80s Mustache, Indiana Jones Beard, 70s Mustache, 1970s Mustache
Russell Hammond Outfit, Almost Famous Hair, Almost Famous Billy Crudup Almost Famous, Almost Famous Guy, Billy Crudup In Almost Famous, Russell Almost Famous Outfits, Billy Crudup Almost Famous Hair, Who Plays Russell In Almost Famous, Kid From Almost Famous
Russell Hammond Outfit, Almost Famous Hair, Almost Famous Billy Crudup Almost Famous, Almost Famous Guy, Billy Crudup In Almost Famous, Russell Almost Famous Outfits, Billy Crudup Almost Famous Hair, Who Plays Russell In Almost Famous, Kid From Almost Famous

Revival in the 21st Century

Today's actors like Michael Fassbender and Kit Harington have also adopted the look, epitomizing its timeless appeal. Movies like "Inglourious Basterds" (2009) and "Game of Thrones" (2011-2019) further reinvigorate the 70s mustached actor archetype, proving that this style is anything but outdated.

Pondering this history, it's evident that the 70s mustached actor isn't merely a fashion statement. It's a symbol of charisma, an identifier of swagger, and a testament to the power of a simple facial hair choice to define an era in cinema and beyond.