Cartoon characters with beards, such as Master Roshi and Santa Claus, are some of the most famous and beloved figures among audiences. Beards have always been a symbol of wisdom, strength, mystery, and sometimes pure comedic charm in animation.
Whether it’s a mighty warrior with a thick beard or a goofy character with scruffy stubble, bearded cartoon figures always stand out. From legendary wizards and heroic fighters to quirky side characters, these animated icons have made their facial hair a memorable part of their design.
This guide highlights some of the most famous cartoon characters with beards across generations, styles, and studios.
Famous Cartoon Characters With Beards
There are many cartoon characters known for their unique, bold, or funny beards. Some have long flowing beards, some tiny pointed ones, and others rock a full bushy look. Below are the names of characters with facial hair:
- Master Roshi
- Santa Claus
- King Triton
- Hagrid
- Yosemite Sam
- Dumbledore
- The Ice King
- Papa Smurf
- Zeus
- Groundskeeper Willie
- Poseidon
- Uncle Iroh
- Jafar
- Captain Haddock
- Gandalf
- Old Man Jenkins
- The Sultan
- Merlin
- Raleigh St. Clair
- Stoick the Vast
Male Cartoon Characters With Beards (Men/Guy)
Master Roshi (Dragon Ball)
Master Roshi is an eccentric, wise martial arts master with a long white beard and sunglasses. He trains Goku, Krillin, and others, blending wisdom with comedic antics. His quirky personality and legendary skills make him a standout character in anime.
Voiced by: Kōhei Miyauchi / Mike McFarland
First Appearance: Dragon Ball (1986)
Creator: Akira Toriyama
Known for: Martial arts mastery, humor, wisdom, eccentricity
Master Roshi’s long white beard highlights his age, experience, and mystical persona. It complements his playful humor and iconic style. His combination of wisdom and comedy has made him an enduring animated icon. Learn more in our top 100 cartoon characters list.
Santa Claus (Various Animated Shows & Films)
Santa Claus is the jolly, magical figure known for delivering gifts worldwide. His long, fluffy white beard represents warmth, generosity, and festive cheer. Santa’s kindhearted personality has made him a beloved figure across generations.
Voiced by: Various actors across adaptations
First Appearance: Early animated Christmas specials
Creator: Based on St. Nicholas folklore
Known for: Gift-giving, laughter, magic, kindness
Santa’s iconic beard completes his cheerful and magical look. It symbolizes holiday spirit, joy, and timeless tradition. He is also included in our male characters list.
King Triton (The Little Mermaid)
King Triton is the powerful underwater king and father to Ariel. His flowing white beard emphasizes his royal authority, strength, and wisdom. Triton’s commanding yet caring nature makes him a memorable figure in animated films.
Voiced by: Kenneth Mars
First Appearance: The Little Mermaid (1989)
Creator: Disney Animation
Known for: Royal authority, power, fatherly guidance, ocean mastery
King Triton’s beard enhances his godlike presence and commanding aura. It symbolizes both protection and wisdom. His role as a strong, caring father has made him a classic animated ruler.
Hagrid (Harry Potter Animated Versions)
Hagrid is a gentle, kind-hearted giant with a massive, wild beard. He serves as Keeper of Magical Creatures and mentor to Harry and his friends. Hagrid’s warmth, humor, and loyalty make him an unforgettable animated character.
Voiced by: Robbie Coltrane / Various actors in animated adaptations
First Appearance: Harry Potter animated adaptations (various)
Creator: J.K. Rowling
Known for: Loyalty, care for creatures, strength, humor
Hagrid’s beard reflects his rugged charm and gentle personality. It makes him instantly recognizable and memorable. His blend of protection, humor, and warmth has made him beloved worldwide.
Yosemite Sam (Looney Tunes)
Yosemite Sam is a fiery, over-the-top cowboy with a massive red beard and mustache. He is known for his explosive temper, loud voice, and comedic antics. Sam’s bold personality and exaggerated expressions make him unforgettable.
Voiced by: Mel Blanc
First Appearance: Hare Trigger (1945)
Creator: Friz Freleng
Known for: Temper, humor, cowboy antics, rivalry with Bugs Bunny
Sam’s beard emphasizes his wild, bold character and Western identity. It enhances his comedic charm and dramatic expressions. He remains one of the most iconic Looney Tunes characters.
Dumbledore (Animated Harry Potter)
Dumbledore is the wise, silver-bearded headmaster of Hogwarts. He guides students with intelligence, magic, and calm authority. His combination of wisdom, humor, and mentorship makes him an unforgettable figure.
Voiced by: Richard Harris / Michael Gambon
First Appearance: Harry Potter animated adaptations
Creator: J.K. Rowling
Known for: Wisdom, mentorship, magical guidance, calm authority
Dumbledore’s beard reflects age, experience, and magical power. It enhances his distinguished presence. He remains the ultimate animated mentor archetype.
The Ice King (Adventure Time)
The Ice King is an eccentric, magical ruler with a long white beard. His quirky personality blends humor, loneliness, and magical mischief. He is both a comic relief and a mysterious figure in the series.
Voiced by: Tom Kenny
First Appearance: Adventure Time (2010)
Creator: Pendleton Ward
Known for: Magic, humor, eccentricity, ice powers
The Ice King’s beard emphasizes his age and mystical powers. It adds to his quirky, comedic charm. He remains one of Adventure Time’s most memorable characters.
Papa Smurf (The Smurfs)
Papa Smurf is the small, wise leader of the Smurfs with a short white beard. He guides the village with knowledge, kindness, and patience. His calm, fatherly demeanor makes him a beloved animated character.
Voiced by: Don Messick
First Appearance: The Smurfs (1981)
Creator: Peyo
Known for: Wisdom, leadership, magic, care for the Smurfs
Papa Smurf’s beard reflects wisdom and authority. It completes his caring persona. He is one of the most recognizable small-sized animated characters.
Zeus (Various Animations)
Zeus is the king of the gods with a thick, flowing white beard and a thunderbolt. He commands the heavens, representing power, authority, and divine rule. His presence adds grandeur and drama to animated myths.
Voiced by: Various actors depending on the adaptation
First Appearance: Disney’s Hercules (1997)
Creator: Greek mythology / Disney adaptation
Known for: Power, authority, wisdom, godlike presence
Zeus’ beard emphasizes his godlike status and wisdom. It adds to his majestic and commanding aura. He is a timeless figure in animated mythology.
Groundskeeper Willie (The Simpsons)
Groundskeeper Willie is a rugged Scottish janitor with a thick red beard. Known for his temper, physical strength, and comic antics, he provides humor in Springfield Elementary. His exaggerated expressions make him a fan favorite.
Voiced by: Dan Castellaneta
First Appearance: The Simpsons (1989)
Creator: Matt Groening
Known for: Comedy, anger, rugged personality, Scottish accent
Willie’s beard highlights his fiery personality and distinctive look. It enhances his comedic charm. He is one of The Simpsons’ most iconic side characters.
Poseidon (Various Animations)
Poseidon is the Greek god of the sea with a flowing white beard and a trident. He commands oceans, storms, and marine life with authority. Animated adaptations often portray him as powerful, regal, and dramatic.
Voiced by: Various actors depending on the adaptation
First Appearance: Hercules (Disney, 1997)
Creator: Greek mythology / Disney adaptation
Known for: Power, authority, ocean mastery, dramatic presence
Poseidon’s beard enhances his majestic and godlike appearance. It symbolizes power, wisdom, and command over the seas. He is a recognizable animated deity.
Uncle Iroh (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Uncle Iroh is a kind-hearted mentor with a neatly groomed gray beard. He guides Zuko with wisdom, tea, and humor. His calm, philosophical personality makes him one of the series’ most beloved characters.
Voiced by: Mako / Greg Baldwin
First Appearance: Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
Creator: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
Known for: Wisdom, mentorship, humor, guidance
Iroh’s beard reflects his calm, wise, and warm personality. It adds charm and gravitas to his mentor role. He is a timeless animated father figure and guide.
Jafar
Jafar is a cunning sorcerer who disguises himself as an old man with a scraggly beard. His appearance hides his villainous plans to gain power. Animated adaptations emphasize his sinister, manipulative nature.
Voiced by: Jonathan Freeman
First Appearance: Aladdin (1992)
Creator: Disney Animation
Known for: Villainy, magic, cunning, manipulation
The beard completes Jafar’s disguise and enhances his mysterious, menacing aura. It adds depth to his villainous persona. He is a classic tall animated antagonist.
Captain Haddock (The Adventures of Tintin)
Captain Haddock is a gruff sailor with a thick, blue-black beard. Loyal to Tintin, he brings humor, bravery, and rugged charm to adventures. His temper and dramatic expressions make him unforgettable.
Voiced by: Various actors depending on the adaptation
First Appearance: The Crab with the Golden Claws (1941 comic)
Creator: Hergé
Known for: Loyalty, humor, adventure, rugged personality
Haddock’s beard complements his rough, adventurous sailor identity. It adds charm, humor, and strength. He remains a classic sidekick in animation.
Gandalf
Gandalf is a wise wizard with a long gray beard and a pointed hat. He guides heroes with magic, wisdom, and calm authority. His presence blends strength, intelligence, and mentor-like guidance.
Voiced by: Various actors depending on the adaptation
First Appearance: Animated Lord of the Rings (1978)
Creator: J.R.R. Tolkien
Known for: Magic, wisdom, mentorship, guidance
Gandalf’s beard reflects age, wisdom, and magical power. It completes his iconic wizard look. He is an enduring legendary character in animation.
Old Man Jenkins (SpongeBob)
Old Man Jenkins is an elderly, quirky character with a small gray beard. He provides comic relief in Bikini Bottom through eccentric antics. His forgetful and quirky personality makes him memorable.
Voiced by: Various actors
First Appearance: SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)
Creator: Stephen Hillenburg
Known for: Humor, eccentricity, age, comic relief
Jenkins’s beard highlights his elderly, quirky personality. It adds charm to his eccentric presence. He is a fun, recurring animated character.
The Sultan (Aladdin)
The Sultan is Jasmine’s father, with a gentle white beard and royal attire. He is kindhearted, playful, and sometimes comically naive. His fatherly nature brings warmth and humor to the story.
Voiced by: Douglas Seale
First Appearance: Aladdin (1992)
Creator: Disney Animation
Known for: Fatherly guidance, humor, kindness, royal presence
The Sultan’s beard emphasizes wisdom, authority, and warmth. It enhances his playful and caring persona. He is a beloved animated father figure.
Merlin (The Sword in the Stone)
Merlin is a legendary wizard with a long gray beard and mystical presence. He mentors young Arthur with magic, knowledge, and eccentric humor. His quirky personality balances wisdom with comedy.
Voiced by: Karl Swenson
First Appearance: The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Creator: Disney Animation
Known for: Magic, mentorship, wisdom, eccentricity
Merlin’s beard emphasizes his age, magical power, and scholarly presence. It completes his iconic wizard look. He is one of the most memorable animated mentor characters.
Raleigh St. Clair
Raleigh St. Clair is an elderly, eccentric character with a subtle beard and a distinct personality. He provides both comedic and dramatic elements in storytelling. His quirky intelligence and humor stand out in animated adaptations.
Voiced by: Bill Murray (original live-action, animated adaptations vary)
First Appearance: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001, animated style)
Creator: Wes Anderson
Known for: Humor, eccentricity, intellect, quirky personality
Raleigh’s beard adds subtle charm and uniqueness. It complements his eccentric traits. He is a memorable supporting animated character.
Stoick the Vast (How to Train Your Dragon)
Stoick is a large Viking leader with a thick red beard and commanding presence. He is strong, protective, and deeply caring toward Hiccup and his tribe. His rugged, authoritative personality balances warmth and leadership.
Voiced by: Gerard Butler
First Appearance: How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Creator: Cressida Cowell / DreamWorks Animation
Known for: Strength, leadership, fatherly care, courage
Stoick’s beard emphasizes his Viking identity and commanding presence. It reflects strength, experience, and protective instincts. He is an iconic animated father and leader.
Channel-Wise Categorization of Bearded Cartoon Characters
Disney Channel / Pixar:
- Genie
- King Triton
- Carl Fredricksen
Nickelodeon:
- Mermaid Man
- King Bumi
- Grandpa Phil
Cartoon Network:
- Ice King
- Samurai Jack
- Mayor
Anime:
- Whitebeard
- Jiraiya
- Master Roshi
Classic / Comics:
- Obelix
- Popeye
- Santa Claus
Final Words
Cartoon characters with beards have become iconic thanks to their personality, style, and standout designs. From wizards to kings to comedic wildcards, their beards add depth, charm, and unforgettable visual appeal.
If you’re creating your own character, a unique beard style can instantly add personality and flair. You just have to use this cartoon generator tool to get the idea, and all done. Animated worlds show that a great beard can turn a simple character into a legendary figure.
FAQs
What cartoon characters have beards?
Popular ones include Master Roshi, Papa Smurf, Santa Claus, King Triton, Yosemite Sam, and Dumbledore.
Who is the most famous cartoon character with a beard?
Santa Claus is the most iconic due to his universal recognition and classic design.
Which animated heroes have beards?
King Triton, Hagrid (animated), Dumbledore, and Zeus often appear as bearded mentors or protectors.
What cartoon characters have white beards?
Classic white-bearded characters include Santa Claus, Papa Smurf, Dumbledore, King Triton, and Master Roshi.
Are there funny characters with beards?
Yes, Yosemite Sam, Groundskeeper Willie, and The Ice King all add humor through their expressive bearded designs.
Which cartoon characters have both a beard and a mustache?
Ned Flanders, Jafar, and Yosemite Sam all feature a beard–mustache combo.
Who are old cartoon characters with beards?
Papa Smurf, Master Roshi, Merlin, and Splinter are classic elderly characters with long beards.
What bearded characters are good for Halloween costumes?
Hagrid, Gandalf, Aquaman, and King Triton make easy and popular beard-based costumes.
What cartoon characters have iconic beard faces?
Yosemite Sam, Papa Smurf, and Haggis McMutton are known for their standout beard looks.
Which cartoon characters have beards and glasses?
Carl Fredricksen, Ned Flanders, and Muriel’s husband, Eustace, often appear with both.
Are there Disney characters with beards?
Yes, King Triton, Zeus, the Sultan, Merlin, and the Beast (human form) all have beards.
Who are bald cartoon characters with beards?
Uncle Iroh (shaved head period), Kingpin, and Lex Luthor (in some animations) fit the bald-with-beard style.