Skip to main content
Celebrity Beards

Most Famous Soul Patch Beards

By January 2, 2023No Comments
Famous Soul Patch beards: Frank Zappa

Soul Patch beards came to prominence with the Jazz Era of the 1940’s. They have seen a rise and fall in popularity over the years. The 40’s, 70’s and 1990’s seem to be the most popular decades for this beard style. We have listed out some of the the most famous Soul Patch beards ever. This includes musicians, athletes, and actors in Hollywood.

First, you need to understand what this beard style is. A Soul Patch beard is a patch of hair under the bottom lip.

After the rise of jazz musicians and this beard styles, Tom Waits and Frank Zappa were probably the most famous men to make this beard style popular again. This was also done outside of the Jazz circle.

From there the Blue Brothers became a mega hit, and they wore the Soul Patch. It came back to prominence in the 1990’s with grunge rock bands.

Here are some examples of Famous people with Soul Patch beards.

Musicians With A Soul Patch Beard

Musicians have been the most consistent with the Soul Patch beard style. It has been popular since the early 1940’s, and it is still popular today. It was probably the most popular during the 40’s, 70’s, and 90’s.

Dizzy Gillespie

The King of the Soul Patch beard is Dizzy Gillespie. He started the trend in the jazz scene of the 1940’s.

Dizzy_Gillespie

Tom Waits

Tom Waits reignited the Soul Patch in the 70’s with hipsters and beatniks.

Tom Waits

Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa is widely recognized with his thick mustache and soul patch beard. Along with Waits, Zappa kept this beard style alive throughout the 1970’s.

Frank Zappa with a Soul Patch beard

Ray Charles

One of the most beloved singers ever, Ray Charles was an icon. He also knew how to have a stylish beard.

Ray_Charles with sunlgasses on by piano

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is famous for his mustache. He is also seen wearing his Soul Patch from the 70’s to current day. He does not always wear it though. Sometimes he has been seen clean shaven.

Stevie_Wonder

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan was one of the greatest guitarist ever. He also did it with a tiny soul patch under his lip. RIP Stevie.

Embed from Getty Images

Billie Ray Cyrus

The Achy Breaky Heart singer has always had some sort of facial hair during his singing and acting career.

Billy Ray Cyrus with Soul Patch beard

Pearl Jam

The 1990’s grunge culture was loaded with bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Nirvana. They also adopted a beatnik and grunge style including the popular Soul Patch.

Embed from Getty Images

Steve Harwell From Smashmouth

The world heard the song “Allstar” millions of times every day. Who can forget the lead singer, Steve Harwell with his famous Soul Patch.

Embed from Getty Images

Fred Durst

Keeping with the 90’s again, Fred Durst was loud and obnoxious, just like his beard. He did it all for the Nooky.

Embed from Getty Images

Actors With A Soul Patch

There are a lot of different Hollywood actors that wear a soul patch. Some of these men wear one in everyday life, and others only wear it for characters they play in movies and shows.

Howie Mandel

The comedic genius Howie Mandel has been seen for years with his patch of facial hair. He still wears it today on America’s Got Talent.

Howie Mandel with Soul Patch
Matt Ottosen, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bob Denver

Bob Denver played a character called Maynard Krebs on the sitcom “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.” His character was voted as one of the best TV characters ever by TV Guide. Denver played a beatnik on the show with his trademarked soul patch and goatee. Definitely an influence in beard culture.

Bob Denver as Dobie Gillis

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp has played some great characters. His most famous is the pirate Captain Jack Sparrow. While his character wore an extravagant Soul Patch, he also wears one when not playing any character.

Johnny Depp with a Soul Patch
nicogenin, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt has constantly evolved his style. That also includes his facial hair. Brad Pitt has worn a Soul Patch beard many times over the years in both his personal life and for acting roles. This includes his roles in Moneyball and Killing Them Softly as seen below.

Embed from Getty Images

Idris Elba

Idris Elba, an English actor, is seen from time to time with a tiny patch of facial hair with a circle beard.

Idris_Elba with soul patch beard
lukeford.net, CC BY-SA 2.5 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner wore a Soul Patch on the movies “Mr. Brooks,” “Waterworld” and “The Guardian.” These are the ones off the top of my head. I am sure there are more, but it is a beard style that suits him and the characters that he plays.

Embed from Getty Images

Athletes

When it comes to famous men with a Soul Patch beard, there are several athletes that have worn this beard style.

David Villa

David Villa with a soul patch beard

David Villa was a Spanish soccer player. He also wears a triangular soul patch along with no other facial hair.

Apolo Ohno

Apolo Ono with a soul patch
Seattle Municipal Archives, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Olympic athlete Apolo Ohno became famous in the 2002 Winter Olympics. His unique beard style caught the attention of fans worldwide. While he was fantastic as a speed skater, we know his Soul Patch as epic.

James Woods

James Woods

Hi, I am James Woods, the founder of Beardedblade. I have extensive experience working in the men's grooming industry. I have worked in the beard care and shaving industries, so I have first hand experience working with products in those areas. I also enjoy all things outdoors and topics related to men's lifestyle. I am an avid camper, hiker, biker, and all around outdoor enthusiast.