Bearded Characters for Halloween Costumes

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Halloween is the perfect time to showcase your creativity through an array of costumes, and nothing adds character quite like a well-sculpted beard. Searching for inspiration for the bearded beauty in your own family? You’ll love this collection of bearded characters for Halloween costumes.

When we first got together, one of the things I made sure my husband knew was that I’m a complete nut about Halloween. He, however, is not, so some years it’s been like pulling teeth to get him excited about dressing up.

I quickly realized that one of the easiest things to do for my own fun level was to choose costumes that were not only easy for him, but easy for me to pull together a costume for. When he had a big beard, I made sure to take that into consideration as a simple way to play up some fun Halloween themes.

Whether you’re aiming to embody a rugged woodsman or a wise old wizard, the addition of facial hair can transform your look into something truly memorable. As you decide on your Halloween ensemble, consider the iconic bearded characters that continue to inspire costume enthusiasts year after year.

From the braided beard of a dwarf king to the sleek, dark goatee of a fictional pirate, selecting the right character can make all the difference, especially if you’re trying to convince your spouse or another bearded man to join you in an epic coordinated costume.

Ready to channel your inner Viking or step into the shoes of a legendary philosopher? With the right costume, a dash of attitude, and perhaps a touch of makeup or a faux beard, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the life of the party.

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Iconic Bearded Characters

If you’re aiming for a memorable Halloween costume, drawing inspiration from iconic bearded characters can be a great place to start. From film and TV characters, legendary figures throughout history and myth, as well as beloved personalities from pop culture, there’s sure to be a great option for you on this list of glorious beards.

Film and Television Characters

• Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings
  • Wise and powerful wizard with a signature grey or white beard.
• Hagrid from Harry Potter
  • Loyal half-giant with a shaggy beard and a heart of gold.
• Aquaman
  • The aquatic superhero sporting a rugged, king-like beard.
• Thor
  • Norse god of thunder known for his flowing facial hair.
• Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Infamous pirate with his distinctive braided beard.
• Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation
  • Mustachioed paragon of manliness and woodworking aficionado.
• Dumbledore from Harry Potter
  • The archetypal wise old wizard with beard long enough to tuck into his belt.
• Rick from Rick and Morty
  • A genius scientist with a distinctive blue, unkempt beard.
• Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars
  • The Jedi master with a memorable beard in his older years.
• Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones
  • Formidable warlord with a long, intimidating beard.
• Hodor from Game of Thrones
  • Loyal and lovable large man with a dense beard.
• The Dude from The Big Lebowski
  • Relaxed bowler with a casual, graying goatee.

Historical and Mythological Figures

• Zeus
  • King of the gods in Greek mythology, often portrayed with a majestic beard.
• Jesus
  • Central figure in Christianity, typically depicted with a beard in Western art.
• Abraham Lincoln
  • The historical figure and 16th President of the United States known for his iconic chin curtain beard.
• Viking
  • Norse explorers often represented with robust, practical beards.
• Santa Claus
  • The jolly symbol of Christmas with his full, white beard.

Notable Figures in Pop Culture

• Bob Ross
  • The soothing host of The Joy of Painting with his iconic full beard used to “beat the devil out of” his paintbrushes.
• ZZ Top
  • Rock band famous for their members’ lengthy beards. Who doesn’t love a sharp-dressed man?
• Macho Man
  • Flamboyant professional wrestler recognized for his showy facial hair.
• Joe Exotic
  • The eccentric tiger-breeder known from Tiger King with his bleached mullet and goatee.
• Ron Burgundy from Anchorman
  • The mustachioed, bravado-filled news anchor with a penchant for scotch.
• Wolverine
  • The fierce X-Men member with his iconic mutton chops.
• Lumberjack
  • Symbol of ruggedness often depicted with a thick, bushy beard.
• Freddie Mercury (later years)
  • Legendary Queen frontman celebrated for his powerful voice and signature facial hair.

Popular Culture and Trendy Beards

In recent years, you’ve likely noticed a surge in bearded characters from film and TV making a big splash in the world of Halloween costumes.

Beards on Screen

Jason Momoa and his iconic beard as Aquaman illuminated the silver screen and revitalized the classic superhero look, turning the Aquaman costume into a Halloween favorite. Similarly, Jon Snow from ‘Game of Thrones,’ with his brooding look and signature facial hair, has been a popular choice for those aiming for a heroic vibe.

Bearing a stark beard, Jim Hopper from ‘Stranger Things’ offers an appealing costume option for fans of the series. Don’t forget about the magical world of Harry Potter, where Hagrid’s shaggy facial hair becomes a defining feature of his beloved character.

Viral Beard Costumes

Moving on to the Halloween scene, the likes of Rick from ‘Rick and Morty’ with his stubble or blue beard and lab coat, Alan from ‘The Hangover’ with his disheveled look, and Royal Tenenbaum or Richie Tenenbaum from ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ with their distinctive styles offer you fantastic options for beard-centric costumes.

• Nick Fury from the Marvel universe, though not always displayed with a beard in the comics, is a strong choice for a more imposing presence, as portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson.
• James Harden and DJ Khaled are not fictional characters, but their well-known beards have turned them into popular figures when looking for real-life beard inspiration for costumes.

As you look for bearded characters to channel this Halloween, keep an eye out for characters like Black Panther‘s leaders with dignified beards that symbolize strength and wisdom, which can add a regal touch to your ensemble. Yukon Cornelius is a fun, easy costume from the popular movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer that just requires a little beard balm, beanie and a pick axe.

Group and Pet Costume Ideas with Beards

Bearded characters offer a wealth of inspiration for Halloween costumes, perfect for both group themes and including your pet in the fun.

Pair and Group Themes

Game of Thrones: Don your furry cloaks and embody the iconic bearded characters like Jon Snow and Tormund Giantsbane. For a dynamic duo, one of you can go as Tyrion Lannister with a smartly trimmed beard.

• The Legend of Zelda:
  • Link: Though traditionally clean-shaven, many fans give Link a bearded makeover.
  • Ganondorf: A perfect bearded antagonist to pair with.

Stranger Things: The fearless bearded duo of Hopper and Murray Bauman are great options. Get your group involved with different characters for a complete representation of the series.

• Famous Duos:
  • Thor & Loki: Embrace the Norse gods theme with Thor’s impressive beard and Loki’s usually shorter, well-groomed one.
  • Ron Burgundy & Brian Fantana: Perfect for a humorous, retro news team vibe.
  • Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan: These famous wrestlers are two very different, iconic characters that also lend themselves to very fun costume opportunities.
  • Tom Hanks in Castaway with Wilson the ball: Don’t forget the long beard and long hair!
  • Each of these duos are great for a costume party, and kids can also dress up as them for a unique kids Halloween costume, too!

Bob Ross: Ideal for a relaxed and creative group. Mix in some happy little trees and a friend dressed as a canvas for a painterly approach.

Circus: Just grab a top hat and black tie to become the greatest showman! Pair this great costume with a family dressed as a lion, tightrope walker and circus animal.

Including Your Pet in Costume

Aquaman: Transform your dog into Aquaman, complete with a flowing beard and trident, while you accompany them as Mera or a sea creature.

Bearded Lady Circus Act: Dress your pet in a colorful tutu and a mock beard, paying homage to the vintage circus bearded lady.

Strongman and Bearded Lady: A classic circus pair that would look even more adorable with your pet as the bearded star.

Remember, when including pets in your Halloween festivities, comfort and safety are paramount, ensuring their costume is not restrictive or distressing.

More of our Favorite Halloween Costumes:

Easy Baby Costumes for Halloween

Fun Matching Family Halloween Costumes

Creative Halloween Costumes for Brothers

The Best Halloween Costumes for Pregnancy

Creating a Bearded Costume on a Budget

When you’re aiming for a perfect Halloween costume with a beard, you don’t have to spend a lot. With a little creativity and some bargain hunting, you can mimic iconic bearded characters from shows like “Game of Thrones” or “Parks and Recreation”.

DIY Beard Costume Ideas

Crafting a beard for your costume can be both simple and enjoyable. Here’s how to create a bearded look with materials you might already have at home:

• Materials: Gather essentials like yarn, felt, or cotton balls.
• Homemade Beards: Shape your beard using scissors to cut the material to your desired length and style. For a “Game of Thrones” character, a long, rugged beard might be ideal, while a more manicured look fits a “Parks and Recreation” character.
• Attaching the beard: Use skin-safe glue or double-sided tape to attach the beard to your face. Make sure it’s comfortable and not irritating to your skin.
• Pet-Friendly Options: If you’d like your pet to join in, you can make a soft strap to gently fit around their head using elastic and your chosen beard material.

Here’s a simple table to guide you through the DIY process:

Thrift Store Finds and Upcycling

Thrift stores can be treasure troves for budget-friendly costume components. Look for these items to help you create the best Halloween costumes on a budget:

• Base Apparel: Search for clothing items that can serve as the base of your character’s outfit. Characters from “Game of Thrones” will require more medieval-looking garb, whereas “Parks and Recreation” characters often wear more contemporary clothing.
• Accessories: Keep an eye out for accessories to complement your beard and outfit. Simple items like a fake sword, button-up shirt, cowboy hat or a name tag can effectively convey the character you’re dressing as.
• Beard Enhancements: If you find a pre-made beard, you can personalize it by adding extra material or shaping it to fit the style of your chosen character. You can also use face paint to create a beard in a pinch!

Remember to check out the kids’ section too! Sometimes smaller accessories that are perfect for a pet costume or for smaller-sized party-goers can be found there. Keep it simple, focus on the essentials, and your costume will come together in no time.

Conclusion

When you’re ready to make a final decision on your bearded character costume for Halloween, remember these tips to achieve an authentic look:

• Choose Your Character Wisely: Whether you’re opting for Dumbledore’s wise wizard beard or Thor’s godly whiskers, match your outfit and accessories to your character’s style.
• Quality Counts: Invest in a high-quality faux beard or take the time to grow and groom your own for a more realistic touch.
• Comfort Is Key: Make sure your beard is comfortable to wear all evening. Adjustable straps and soft materials can prevent itching and irritation.
• Accessorize Appropriately: Enhance your costume with themed accessories. If you’re a pirate, add a hat and an eye patch; for a lumberjack, don’t forget your flannel shirt and a pretend axe.
• Practice Your Persona: Get into character and practice your mannerisms to bring your bearded persona to life. Your effort will make your character more convincing and your Halloween experience more enjoyable.

By keeping these points in mind, you’ll not only look the part but also feel comfortable and enjoy your Halloween festivities to the fullest. Did we miss one of your own favorite bearded men on this list? Let us know in the comments! Happy haunting!

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