November 07, 2022
As Movember spreads awareness of men's health issues, these TV and movie actors proudly sport iconic mustaches.
You've likely heard the name, but what is the point of Movember? The movement has modest origins — friends in Australia wondered why mustaches had fallen out of fashion. They gathered 30 “Mo Bros" for a mustache-growing challenge. After stellar results, the Movember founders aimed higher.
To help celebrate Movember, here are our favorite TV and movie mustaches for you to enjoy in your living room or dad den.
Nick Offerman — Parks and Recreation
Watch on: Peacock
Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) provides a steady presence in the park department that seems even wiser behind his glorious mustache. When he shaves it to impress ex-wife Tammy, it just looks…wrong.
Samuel L. Jackson — Pulp Fiction
Watch on: HBO Max
Laurence Fishburne turned down the role of Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction. That's a probably a good thing, since it's hard to imagine anyone besides Samuel L. Jackson threatening a hapless victim and stealing his cheeseburger. Jackson's facial hair is so impressive that the look — a horseshoe mustache with long sideburns — has become known as the Winnfield.
Burt Reynolds — Smokey and the Bandit
Watch on: Amazon Prime
It's impossible to talk about mustaches and not mention Burt Reynolds, who sported facial hair for most of his long career. In 1977's Smokey and the Bandit, Reynolds flashed his hearty mustache and cowboy hats from behind the wheel of a car — and the entire world was smitten.
Bob Belcher — Bob's Burgers
Watch on: Fox
Some say working with your family is a bad idea, but the title character in this animated series makes it work. Running the business with his wife and three children, Bob sports a black mustache as wide as his face. He's known for his Burger of the Day puns, with specials like the "Little Swiss Bunshine Burger" and the "Onion-tended Consequences Burger."
Sam Elliott — The Big Lebowski
Watch on: Amazon Prime
Playing “The Stranger," Sam Elliott only makes a brief on-screen appearance in The Big Lebowski, though his iconic mustache and cowboy hat leave a lasting impact. He speaks with unparalleled knowledge to try to instill some calm into The Dude (Jeff Bridges). Plus, it's charmingly disorienting to hear Elliott say “dude" multiple times.
Will Ferrell — Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Watch on: Paramount+
“You stay classy, San Diego" would sound less genuine coming from an anchorman without facial hair. Whether delivering the nightly news or announcing a backyard pool cannonball, Ron Burgundy (played by Ferrell) commands attention. Yes, the mustache is real (although the hair is a wig). Ron could make a big No Shave November contribution by donating his monthly hair maintenance costs.
Tom Selleck — Magnum, P.I.
Watch on: Amazon Prime
You know you've got a memorable 'stache when someone merely mentions your name and everyone knows what you're talking about. The “Selleck" was a major part of Magnum, P.I., which ran for almost a decade. We bet Magnum wouldn't have solved as many cases if he were clean-shaven.
Reginald VelJohnson — Family Matters
Watch on: HBO Max
As patriarch Carl Winslow, the mustachioed VelJohnson provides stability for a large family and revolving door of guests—including his pesky next-door neighbor Steve Urkel. Carl's profession as a police officer comes in handy, too. He rescues Urkel from gang trouble and saves his son Eddie during a pool game hustle with savvy play.
How to Participate in Movember
Movember encourages growing and grooming a mustache, while No Shave November promotes “wild and free" growth of all hair. In both cases, shave on Nov. 1 to start with a clean slate.
At Cox, we value family. Now more than ever, we need to make sure our fathers, brothers, grandfathers and friends are in good health.
If you feel moved to give to the cause, feel free to donate to the Cox Lipholstery Squad's fundraising page. This is our 10th year supporting Movember — we have become one of the top fundraising teams in the nation, raising nearly $800,000 in the past four years alone.
