Facial hair history was made last week during a rousing International Mustache Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Pittsburgh City Hall, as the hallowed hall's second class was introduced by the leadership of the American Mustache Institute (AMI).
Canonizing the superior attractiveness of people of facial hair, the Mustache Hall of Fame's newly elected class features mustache luminaries ranging from U.S. President Chester A. Arthur to legendary actor Carl Weathers, best known for his work as Apollo Creed in the Rocky films, and now clean-shaven "Weird" Al Yankovic.
"With our newly elected class, we commemorate the passing of our last American president of Mustached American heritage - William Howard Taft," noted Dr. Adam Paul Causgrove, AMI chief executive. "We also offer a hearty 'you're welcome' to the global facial hair community, reminding all that enshrinement into this hall of fame is perhaps the most arduous yet ruggedly attractive achievement among its peer organizations, and we hope it sets the tone for handsomeness moving forward."
The Hall celebrates the rugged attractiveness of the global people of facial hair and works to combat the long-standing discrimination against those who embrace the lifestyle.
The second class of inductees -- which can be seen at MustacheHall.com -- features facial hair luminaries from the following categories:
- Politics & Leadership - Chester A. Arthur
- Historical Figures - Wyatt Earp
- Film & Television - Carl Weathers
- Sports - Steve Prefontaine
- Music & Arts - "Weird" Al Yankovic
- Animation - Mario & Luigi
While the International Mustache Hall of Fame remains virtual, a search for a physical location is underway in Pittsburgh in partnership with city officials and local dignitaries.
Enshrinement into the Hall follows a deeply scientific process overseen through a partnership among the Dept. of Nuclear Mustacheology at the American Mustache Institute, the German-based Bertelsmann Foundation, the British-based Science and Technology Policy Research Institute, and Wahl Trimmers, the Official Sponsor of Facial Hair and inventor of arguably the most significant invention to mankind, the consumer electric trimmer.
Dr. Causgrove said the physical location should be finalized and complete by 2020 at the latest.
"We'll get this done," he said. "It's too important for the American people and, good lord or Donald Trump willing, it will be huge."