Making a name for yourself in Hollywood takes more than just good acting chops — it also
requires a trademark look.
Growing some impressive facial hair can help set an actor apart from the rest of the pack.
But once they become known for their whiskers, it can be difficult for audiences to recognize
them when they sport a clean shave.
Just take a look at these famous men who look nearly unrecognizable without their iconic
scruff.
Russell Brand
This controversial actor and comedian is often seen rocking a surprisingly well-groomed beard
and mustache combo.
Paired with his messy, long dak locks, Russell Brand's facial hair makes the actor seem more
disheveled, giving off a definite "bad boy" vibe.
Without his scruff, Brand seems like an entirely different person.
But no matter what look Brand sports, he still maintains those same arched brows.
We'd recognize those caterpillars anywhere.
Charlie Hunnam
This British actor may not have the biggest beard in Hollywood, but it's all his own.
His scraggly blonde-white scruff gained fame on the hit FX drama Sons of Anarchy, helping
Charlie Hunnam really nail his portrayal of the tough Jackson "Jax" Teller.
Hunnam's been known to sport a clean-shaven look from time to time — and, boy, does
he look different.
Who knew he had such a baby face underneath all that?
Joe Manganiello
Here's a perfect example of how a beard can completely transform not only an actor but
also an entire career.
While Sofia Vergara's husband Joe Manganiello is certainly attractive without a single hair
on his cheeks, he became a total heartthrob after he grew a beard for his role as a werewolf
on True Blood.
Manganiello's since kept the beard, and he and his facial hair have gone on to star in
the Magic Mike series — making audiences all over the world very happy.
Drake
Before Drake broke out on the rap scene, he started out as a clean-shaven young actor
on the iconic teen soap Degrassi.
It wasn't until he started dropping singles that Drake grew out his facial hair and reaped
the rewards of sporting some sexy scruff.
But when Drake shaved it all off for a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, his fans freaked
out.
Hopefully, the actor-slash-rapper will think twice before shaving off that glorious beard
again.
T.J. Miller
Funnyman T.J. Miller has a very laid-back, casual appearance — and his ginger beard
definitely contributes to that.
The Deadpool actor told GQ, "It's possible the only reason I'm in show business is that
I have such a strange, particular head of hair.
That and I can grow a red beard.
That's perfect for a marijuana-smoking clown, which is the archetype that I bring to Hollywood."
Can't argue with that.
Without his scruff, Miller looks like an entirely different person.
Burt Reynolds
Now here's a man known for his mustache.
After initially growing it as a way to differentiate himself from fellow actor Marlon Brando, Burt
Reynolds soon learned that his hairy upper lip would help him in both his career and
his personal life.
As he explained to People in November 2015, "After I grew it, I got better parts and better
ladies."
Reynolds has grown attached to his facial hair, admitting that he has no plans to ever
shave it again.
Tom Selleck
Everyone knows Tom Selleck and his trademark mustache, but not many have seen the famed
actor without it.
While Selleck is handsome with or without the scruff, his 'stache just adds something
special to the Blue Bloods star's entire look.
While he's shaved it off for a few roles, Selleck's entire image is essentially based
around his mustache, which he says has sort of taken on a life of its own ...
"He's a pain in the ass.
He's got his own agent now.
He's full of himself."
"That's how we booked you.
We talked to the 'stache first, and then we got you."
"Well, you have to find out if he's available."
Zach Galifianakis
Ever since his breakthrough role in The Hangover, Zach Galifianakis' scraggly beard and mustache
combo have become his trademark look.
He's even used it as a prop in magazine photo shoots, decorating it with Fruit Loops cereal
and small plastic figurines for a GQ spread.
When he shaved it all off in January 2015, he surprised everyone.
His five o'clock shadow paired with his thinner frame made him look incredibly different — it
was almost a throwback to his VH1 talk show days.
Jeff Bridges
He hasn't always sported facial hair, but Jeff Bridges has rocked a beard nearly non-stop
since 1998 with his performance as The Dude in The Big Lebowski.
While the length and style of his scruff has changed with the years, he's best known pairing
a full, gray beard with his long, wavy hair.
When he shaved it off in May 2016 people were shocked to see just what Bridges was hiding
under his whiskers for nearly two decades.
Nick Offerman
We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the legendary Mr. Ron Swanson.
After starring in Parks and Recreation, Nick Offerman gained international fame for his
massive mustache.
Offerman even offered tips on how to grow a masculine mustache like his with a special
video released for Movember.
When Offerman said goodbye to his 'stache for a role on Fargo, his loyal followers were
thrown off by his naked upper lip.
Luckily, Offerman's none too bothered by his fans' intense admiration for his facial hair,
telling Entertainment Weekly, "That means Parks and Rec was so effective that people
can't imagine me without my mustache."
Sounds like Offerman followed the fictional Swanson's advice ...
"Never half-ass two things.
Whole-ass one thing."
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