Happy Birthday, Mads Mikkelsen!

By Less Lee Moore

I brought you some cheese. And a sparkler. And my moustache.

Did you know that today is Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen’s 50th birthday? Clearly, 50 is the new 30!

His most recent film, Men & Chicken, screened at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival and is set to hit theaters next year thanks to Drafthouse Films.

In the film, Mads plays a character named Elias who sports a very jaunty moustache. But it’s not the first time in his cinematic career he’s done so. So today, in honor of Mads Mikkelsen’s birthday and the most recent entry into his Moustache Hall of Fame, we take a look back at the most memorable Mads Mikkelsen moustaches (“Madstaches”).

Flickering Lights, 2000: You talkin’ to me? Or you talkin’ to my moustache?

King Arthur, 2004: Bonus Beard & Falcon! Which is the falcon & which is Mads? Only his hairdresser knows for sure.

Adam’s Apples, 2005: It’s OK. My moustache will protect you. Failing that, you have a gun.

Flame & Citroen, 2008: It still counts as a moustache, Sam Elliott. IT STILL COUNTS.

Coco & Igor, 2009: Why yes, this is a dapper moustache. Did you know I composed The Rites of Spring?

Valhalla Rising, 2009: I may only have one functioning eye and no dialogue, but my moustache game is strong.

Clash of the Titans, 2010: Release the Kraken? My moustache, beard & bonus braid are aghast at the thought.

The Three Musketeers, 2011: I am a proud Spanish peacock. What is haggis?

Age of Uprising: The Legend of Michael Kohlhaas, 2013: That’s a mouthful. Just look at the moustache, OK?

The Salvation, 2014: Whatevs. At least I didn’t lose an eye this time.

This article was originally published on the Toronto International Film Festival Vanguard programme blog.