Movie characters who smoke

[LannyGram]

I’ve been thinking about movie characters who smoke—it’s such a distinctive element in their portrayal, especially in older films. For example, Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca—that cigarette was practically part of his personality, right? It added to his charm and mystery. Nowadays, smoking isn’t shown as often in movies, but back then, it seemed to symbolize something deeper. Who are some smoking characters that really stood out to you, and do you think it added something special to their roles?

 

[LannyGram]

2. Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Audrey Hepburn with that long cigarette holder—it just oozed elegance and a carefree vibe. It wasn’t just about smoking;

it was part of her whole personality and style, just like Bogart in Casablanca. It’s kind of wild how something so small could add so much to a character. Do you think movies have lost a bit of that depth since smoking has almost disappeared on screen, or is it just a natural shift with the times?

 

[smudgersmissingleg]

Clint in the Dollars trilogy





Hannibal from The A-Team always had a cigar in his mouth. That was a kids show, as well. Wouldn't get away with that today.

 

[JackOrion]

 

[dd57chevy]

Not only did Basil Rathbone smoke , he appeared in tobacco advertisements :

He was also in Chesterfield ads .

 

[LannyGram]

Brando (Don Vito Corleone)

 

[LannyGram]

John Constantine

 

[sablebrush52]

What about the Wicked Witch of the West? Or did she just get steamed?

 

[dd57chevy]

What about the Wicked Witch of the West? Or did she just get steamed?

Technically , I think she Vaped .

 

[DesertDan]

 

[LongIslandPiper]

 

[LannyGram]

In The Hobbit, Gandalf

 

[LannyGram]

Gandalf is very much loved by my kids, always watch lord of the rings before christmas.But yeah, it’s rare to see these days because of changing social norms and regulations. Still, some characters, like Don Draper in Mad Men, keep the legacy alive in TV. If you’re interested in revisiting classics like this, platforms like Soap2 day can be a great way to explore them. Honestly, it’s fascinating how something as simple as a cigarette can add so much depth to a character. What about you? Who else comes to mind?

 

[brian64]

Clint in the Dollars trilogy

Usually the first one that comes to mind (that pic is actually from High Plains Drifter btw).

 

[Hillcrest]

Usually the first one that comes to mind (that pic is actually from High Plains Drifter btw).

Trivia question: Do you know the brand of cigars (still available today) that he brought to Italy with him for those scenes ?

 

[Briarcutter]

Trivia question: Do you know the brand of cigars (still available today) that he brought to Italy with him for those scenes ?

Backwoods?

 

[PaulRVA]

 

[brian64]

Trivia question: Do you know the brand of cigars (still available today) that he brought to Italy with him for those scenes ?

No, I've seen reference to it before but I forget what the brand is. I do remember reading they were long, and he split them in two for use in the movies.

Backwoods?

I know it wasn't Backwoods...it was some Italian brand. Also I don't think Backwoods existed at that time.

 

[Hillcrest]

No, I've seen reference to it before but I forget what the brand is. I do remember reading they were long, and he split them in two for use in the movies.



I know it wasn't Backwoods...it was some Italian brand. Also I don't think Backwoods existed at that time.

Marsh Wheeling Stogies the oldest cigar company in America (1840) from Wheeling West Virginia; so, period correct.

Marsh Wheeling Deluxe II | JRCigars

www.jrcigars.com

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

I’ve been thinking about movie characters who smoke—it’s such a distinctive element in their portrayal, especially in older films. For example, Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca—that cigarette was practically part of his personality, right? It added to his charm and mystery. Nowadays, smoking isn’t shown as often in movies, but back then, it seemed to symbolize something deeper. Who are some smoking characters that really stood out to you, and do you think it added something special to their roles?

View attachment 357799

There's an extensive thread about pipe smoking in the movies.

Cigarettes and something "deeper"? Charm? Mystery?

Nah. Smoking was common in the populations of the U.S./GB&I and the movies reflected it - you see a movie where Bogart didn't smoke? Men and women light up as often as they don't in older films.

Guessing if you think a cigarette in someone's mouth adds depth to the character you're relatively young and maybe it seems a little more unusual or stands out a bit. No doubt thought was given to how the smoke was hanging for a publicity shot and yes, because folks smoked there were scenes where smoking was also used for dramatic effect but mostly smoking was no different than people just eating or drinking or doing all three.