Whether you are a fan of beards or not it is impossible to deny that some of the greatest men in history have worn them proudly. From movie stars, political figures, to musicians, these are undeniably some of histories greatest beards, and beard wearers. Furthermore if you don’t think beards are awesome…you are wrong.
1. Abraham Lincoln
During Abe Lincoln’s Vampire hunting career Presidency he quickly realized that he would never be able to push such bold political strategies and ideologies without a symbol that would cause the American people to stand up, take notice, and take him seriously. He knew that the only way to accomplish his goals would be to grow a chinstrap beard. Whether or not this was the first Chinstrap beard in history is still yet to be determined, but what is clear is that this metaphorical hail mary that Honest Abe threw was caught for a touchdown. Now the only debate that is still raging is whether or not Lincoln unified America and freed the slaves, or his beard.
2. Charles Darwin
Lets face it, when you are busy making one of the most important scientific observations in history, you do not have time for shaving facial hair. If Darwin was busy primping like a frat boy he may have never had time to write The Origin of Species and we may have spent our lives knowing little to nothing about where we came from. However it is obvious that his beard was important to him, note how it seamlessly blends into his side hair like one cohesive unit. Whether you agree with Darwin or you do not, you have to agree that this beard is a thing of beauty.
3. “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott
With a style, appearance wise and musically, that has been imitated but never fully duplicated, Dimebag was a king amongst peasants. At a time when the music industry was full of “men” wearing makeup and Grunge artists crying about how hard life is and how much they love heroin, Pantera released the landmark album Cowboys From Hell. The spine chilling, razor-sharp riffing, pummeling assault of pure music represented a turning point in metal and brought the genre to the modern age. The music inspired musicians of many genres for generations to come, and Dimebag was responsible for more people picking up a guitar than almost any musician in history. All of the musicians of Pantera were incredibly successful and a powerful force in the industry, and before his tragic death in 2004, none were more revered than Dimebag’s beard.
4. George Lucas
Up until the point around 1999, when he decided to start showing his fans that he gave negative shits about his work, George Lucas was one of the most widely revered men in the film industries history. With such monumental films as THX 1138, American Graffiti, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Howard the Duck Willow; he must be regarded as one of the greatest film makers of all time. His beard is a clean cut business style beard that has stood the test of time, and has not changed in at least 70 years. There was only one time when Lucas has ever been without beard…sometime in 1999.
5. Hans Langseth
You may not have known him before, but after seeing the picture of the man with the longest beard in history, you will never forget him. Hans emigrated from Norway to the United States In 1870, he married Anna Benson and moved with her to Kensett Township , Worth County , Iowa. He worked as a farmer for most of his life until he found his true calling…traveling with a circus with his immaculate beard promoting general beardery. He moved to North Dakota in 1927 and in his old age, obviously senile, he cut off his beard which measured 5.33 meters. He died shortly thereafter.
6. Chuck Norris
Not often in history is a man so badass and rugged that he inspires millions and millions of people to devote hours coming up with scenarios conveying just how amazingly tough he actually is. Not much can be said about this man that hasn’t already been said, but I think there is one line that sums it up best. “Under Chuck Norris’ beard there is no chin, just another fist.” -Some random internet dweller.
7. Santa Claus
While Santa may technically be a mythological figure, clearly he has had just as big of an impact on our society as any politician in history. To every child that believes in him he is a hero, delivering presents and spreading holiday cheer. He may be the biggest symbol of any holiday that is celebrated world wide, and while in modern times he’s become more of a symbol for corporate greed and commercialism, it is undeniable that he should represent the spirit of giving people should strive for. As for the beard, if the only thing people have to do to dress up as you is pretend to be fat, and get a huge, beautiful, snow white, beard…then you have to be doing something right.
Conclusion
While I think that this is a pretty good list representing multiple facets of society, I know there are some obviously glorious beards left out of the list. Do not fret, there will be a part 2, and it will be equally, if not more, beardtacular.
Beard Times 