The 8 Greatest Mustaches of the '80s

In honor of Movember, we look at Tom Selleck, Lionel Richie, Hulk Hogan and more of the most memorable celebrity mustaches of the 1980s

Photo: Everett

As you know, it’s Movember, and we’re looking back at the most outstanding pop culture mustaches of all time.

The 1970s may have ignited the fuzzy upper lip trend, but the 1980s solidified its A-list status. Meet eight ’80s ‘staches whose iconic status have stood the test of time (and shaving cream).

8. Geraldo Rivera

According to Geraldo, “70 is the new 50”, but that ‘stache is forever ’80s. From naked selfies to investigating Al Capone’s vault to battling white supremacists, his facial hair has weathered many a media storm.

7. Hulk Hogan

The only feature more prominent than this iconic pro wrestler’s physique is his superior blond “Fu Manchu” mustache. Hulkamania depended on it.

6. Lionel Richie

Alternately labled the chevron, the batwing or the caterpillar, this former Commodores frontman and father of Nicole Richie had us at “Hello” with his mesmerizing mustache. We could look at it all night long (all night).

5. Wilford Brimley

From commercials to TV shows ( Our House) to Academy Award winning movies (Cocoon), Brimley’s senior ‘stache was a fixture of 1980s big and small screens. We wonder which Quaker Oates spokesman’s facial hair came first, Brimley or Cap’n Crunch?

4. Alex Trebek

What is Movember? When the iconic Jeopardy host finally shaved his trademark mustache – after 30 years – in 2001, it was truly the end of a furry era.

3. John Oates

John Oates, the other half of power duo Hall and Oates, may have had the best supporting ‘stache of the 1980s. While the music videos concentrated on Daryl Hall’s big hair and soulful voice, co-writer and guitarist Oates often played second fiddle – but his iconic facial hair was impossible to ignore. In fact, it made our dreams come true.

2. Freddie Mercury

Ah, the ultimate rock star ‘stache. The legendary Queen frontman’s facial hair brought him fame and fortune and everything that goes with it. No time for losers, Mercury’s mustache is the champion — well, almost.

1. Tom Selleck

Who are we to deny the power of Magnum P.I.‘s dominating, manly mustache? Paired with a Hawaiian t-shirt and Detroit Tigers cap (or not), there’s just no escaping Selleck as the ultimate ’80s facial hair sex symbol – nor as a go-to Halloween costume for many decades to come.

Check out more iconic ’70s mustaches here.