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

Jim Gardner's mustache, circa 1983.
Randall G/YouTube

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/YouTubeJim Gardner's mustache, circa 1981.
GM stands for Great Mustache. 

1983

Randall G/YouTubeJim Gardner's mustache, circa 1983.
Possibly the thickest the Jim stache has ever been. 

1985

EG Premium/YouTubeJim Gardner's mustache, circa 1985.
Looks like somebody needs a trim. 

1987

1966122s/YouTubeJim Gardner's mustache, circa 1987.
The greying has begun. 

1991

TomFoolerys/YouTubeJim Gardner's mustache, circa 1991.
Next at 5: I have chosen a new barber. 

1995

PhillyTV/YouTubeJim Gardner's mustache, circa 1995
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

2000

NewsActive3/YouTubeJim Gardner's mustache, circa 2000.
It's Y2K everybo— wait, what happened to the stache? What changes the new millennium has wrought! 

2006

HKD2/YouTubeJim Gardner's mustache, circa 2006
Almost back... 

2012

Carol Ann Gardler/YouTubeJim Gardner's mustache, circa 2012
There it is. Side note: This screenshot came from a fun little news blooper

2017

6ABC.com/ScreenshotJim Gardner's mustache, circa 2017
Feel free to send me tips on Jim Gardner's facial hair: daniel@phillyvoice.com