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March 16, 2018

A visual, four-decade history of Jim Gardner's mustache

Television Humor
Jim Gardner 1983 Randall G/YouTube

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 1983.

Journalists spend their working hours many ways. On any occasion, one might be delving into history, visiting a prison, trying to find hope in a tragic situation or following a playoff-bound basketball team.

On other occasions, however, he might find himself watching old news footage on YouTube for hours – more specifically tracking the evolution of legendary news anchor Jim Gardner's mustache.


WATCH: 5 hilarious moments in Philly TV news history


Gardner, 69, has been with 6ABC since 1976. Over the past four decades, his furry upper lip companion has taken many forms. If at this point you're thinking, "this piece of online content is a waste of my time," then click somewhere else. Jim and I certainly don't need you.

Anyway, an abridged history:

1981

retrodan5/YouTube

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 1981.

GM stands for Great Mustache. 

1983

Randall G/YouTube

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 1983.

Possibly the thickest the Jim stache has ever been. 

1985

EG Premium/YouTube

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 1985.

Looks like somebody needs a trim. 

1987

1966122s/YouTube

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 1987.

The greying has begun. 

1991

TomFoolerys/YouTube

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 1991.

Next at 5: I have chosen a new barber. 

1995

PhillyTV/YouTube

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 1995

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

2000

NewsActive3/YouTube

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 2000.

It's Y2K everybo— wait, what happened to the stache? What changes the new millennium has wrought! 

2006

HKD2/YouTube

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 2006

Almost back... 

2012

Carol Ann Gardler/YouTube

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 2012

There it is. Side note: This screenshot came from a fun little news blooper

2017

6ABC.com/Screenshot

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 2017

Feel free to send me tips on Jim Gardner's facial hair: daniel@phillyvoice.com

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