There aren’t many certainties in life, less so now after all of the turmoil this Earth has suffered over the past 100 years with war and famine a part of daily life. But somethings in life are certain, death, taxes and people with moustaches are funnier than those without. Period.
I myself wear a moustache and I am one of the funniest people I know. But I’d like to take a moment to honour those that came before me, that blazed a path that I now stride along like a comedy colossus. I give you the top 5 funniest moustaches in comedy, ever!
5. John Cleese
People always knew that John Cleese was funny from his appearances on Monty Python but it wasn’t until he grew a moustache for his role in the British sit-com ‘Fawlty Towers’ that people really began to appreciate his genius. Cleese’s moustache oozed character and often carried the show with its clichéd scripts and uninspired acting and helped him win a BAFTA for best comedy performance in 1980.
4. Groucho Marx
‘Henry this Marx bloke is an imposter!’, is probably what you’re screaming at the screen right at this very minute but hold on there, hear me out. Have a sniff of some nasal inhaler and calm down. Yes, Groucho Marx did not really have a moustache. It was in fact boot polish, believe it or not?! But he did so much for moustached comedians and their reputation that he deserves a mention. For years rumours abounded about the authenticity of Marx’s moustache as it’s performance in ‘A Night at the Opera’ was so convincing! Finally, in 1976, three months before his death, Groucho revealed that his moustache was in fact a fake, finally bringing an end to one of the biggest mysteries in the entertainment industry.
3. Leigh Francis
Ever since Leigh appeared on our screens in ‘Bo’ Selecta!’ people have known that we are witnessing a special talent but it wasn’t until his appearances on ‘Celebrity Juice’ with its banter about the size of ladies boobs and his penis, that we really got to see the genius within. Without the moustache Leigh’s comedy would be crass and tacky but thanks to a moustache that says ‘I’m in control’ his performances are on another plain to all other comedians around today.
2. Cannon and Ball
Most people think that Cannon and Ball was a double act but it wasn’t – it was a triple act! Bobby Ball’s moustache was the funniest moustache of the 1980’s helping the duo reach the pinnacle of light entertainment. His moustache was cocky, childlike and edgy and helped them replace Morecambe and Wise, neither of whom had a moustache, as the best comedy double act Britain has ever produced. The three of them rarely perform together now but who will forget the moustache’s catchphrase of ‘Rock on, Tommy’? I know I will never forget almost wetting myself whenever I hear those three words.
1. Clive Dunn in Dad’s Army
‘Don’t panic! Don’t panic!’ Hahaha, I’m absolutely laughing my head off as I write this! Yes, the funniest moustache ever is of course Clive Dunn’s in Dad’s Army, the British TV sit-com that ran from 1968 to 1977. Is there anything more I can add to what has already been said about Clive and his little but hilarious moustache. Men wanted to be him and women wanted to be with him. A little known fact is that Clive Dunn was playing a character in his 60’s but was in fact only in his 30’s which is just mental! But this illusion of age would only have been possible through the power of his moustache, not because of Clive’s acting skills.
So, there you have it. Proof, if proof was needed to show you that people with moustaches are indeed the funniest people in the world.
My Life As A Genius: Henry Theroux 