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Charlie Chaplin (1889–1977) -

Legendary silent movie star Charlie Chaplin wearing a suit and bow tie around 1910, four years before the British-born actor introduced his famous alto ego, "The Tramp," to cinema audiences around the world.

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Orson Welles (1915–1985) -

A self-confident 23-year-old Orson Welles pictured in 1938, the same year he and his Mercury Theatre on the Air performed a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds,' which subsequently provoked widespread panic across the nation after listeners really believed Martians were invading New Jersey.

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Humphrey Bogart (1899–1957) -

Bogie looks good in a bow tie in this publicity photo taken around the time 'Tokyo Joe' (1949) was released, in which the actor portrays an ex-US Air Force pilot who becomes involved in Japanese intrigue in post-Second World War Tokyo.

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Bob Hope (1903–2003) -

Comedian Bob Hope, pictured here in 1937 looking very suave, gained fame through his films but was also widely popular for his entertaining troops overseas during the Second World War and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

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Bing Crosby (1903–1977) -

Always debonair in appearance, Bing Crosby cuts an extra dash in this 1934 portrait, his patterned silk bow tie providing contrast against a sober-looking suit.

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Stan Laurel (1890–1965) -

British-born comedic actor Stan Laurel, one half of the hugely successful comedy double act Laurel and Hardy, dressed in his trademark suit, bow tie, and bowler hat in the 1930s.

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Fred Astaire (1899–1987) -

A dapper-looking Fred Astaire is all smiles in a promotional portrait for the film 'Second Chorus' (1940). Astaire is wearing a herringbone jacket and a polka dot bow tie.

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James Cagney (1899–1986) -

James Cagney portrays well-dressed cab driver Matt Nolan in the 1932 picture 'Taxi!' It's in this movie that the actor uttered the line "You dirty yellow-bellied rat." However, it's often misquoted as "You dirty rat!"

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Cab Calloway (1907–1994) -

Jazz singer and bandleader Cab Calloway, known for his exuberant performing style and sharp dress sense, pictured in 1944 wearing a light-colored jacket and bow tie.

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Clark Gable (1901–1960) -

Clark Gable was another one of Hollywood's snazziest dressers. He would often sport a bow tie whether dressed casually or more formally.

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Vincent Price (1911–1993) -

The prince of fear, Vincent Price was best known for his performances in horror films. A cultured and educated man, Price dressed carefully and elegantly.

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Ray Charles (1930–2004) -

Singer-songwriter Ray Charles in full throttle at the piano in the late 1960s. Charles was rarely seen on stage without a bow tie, which became a trademark fashion accessory.

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Tony Curtis (1925–2010) -

Tony Curtis packs plenty of style in this 1953 publicity still for the film 'Houdini,' a biopic of escapologist Harry Houdini. His co-star was wife Janet Leigh, with whom he'd go on to make four more feature films with.

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Frank Sinatra (1915–1998) -

In this 1950 portrait, Frank Sinatra cuts a fashionable figure of contrast with his polka dot bow tie and striped jacket. It's all topped off by a velvet fedora.

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Spencer Tracy (1900–1967) -

Legendary actor Spencer Tracy seen here in 1965 in one of his characteristic world-weary poses. The bow tie lends him a rather academic air.

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Kirk Douglas (1916–2020) -

The refined features and famous dimpled chin of actor Kirk Douglas are complemented by a rather fetching bow tie in this 1950 publicity still.

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Elvis Presley (1935–1977) -

Elvis Presley pictured here in 1954 on the cusp of phenomenal worldwide fame wearing a bow tie as an accessory. Just 19 years old and still suffering from acne, Presley was already turning heads for his sense of fashion as he would very soon his music.

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Montgomery Clift (1920–1966) -

A study in serious concentration, Montgomery Clift's bow tie is just visible tucked under his solid jawline in this promotional portrait for the film 'The Heiress' (1949).

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Louis Armstrong (1901–1971) -

Jazz legend Louis Armstrong, smiling and clutching a cornet against his chest, is pictured in 1945 wearing a jacket and a bow tie.

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Laurence Olivier (1907–1989) -

Laurence Olivier puts on an act as failing third-rate song and dance man Archie Rice in this publicity image for the 1960 film 'The Entertainer.'

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Harry Belafonte -

Harry Belafonte, suited, booted, and bow tied, in a publicity still from the 1957 move 'Island in the Sun.' The film was controversial at the time of its release for its portrayal of interracial romance.

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Groucho Marx (1890–1977) -

Groucho Marx dunking a donut at NBC TV studios while taking a break from taping the quiz show 'You Bet Your Life' in 1950. Marx and his brothers, Chico and Harpo, had effectively disbanded in 1950, with Groucho finding a successful second career in television.

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Jimmy Stewart (1908–1997) -

Almost unrecognizable in costume for the Cecil B. DeMille film 'The Greatest Show on Earth' (1951), Jimmy Stewart publicizes his supporting role as a mysterious clown who never removes his makeup, even between shows, in this studio portrait. Note the oversize polka dot bow tie.

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James Brown (1933–2006) -

The "Godfather of Soul" knew how to work up an audience, and dressed accordingly. James Brown, seen here in 1970, poses for a portrait wearing a bow tie.

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John Lennon (1940–1980) -

John Lennon looking slightly self-conscious suited and bow tied attends the American Film Institute's tribute to James Cagney at the Century Plaza Hotel in Hollywood in 1974. Behind the former Beatle is May Pang, the woman he had an affair with after briefly splitting up from his second wife, Yoko Ono. Lennon later described his estrangement with Ono as his "lost weekend."

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Mick Jagger -

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is the top-hatted, bow-tied ringmaster in the 'Rock 'n' Roll Circus' TV special, which was filmed in December 1968 but not released commercially until 1996.

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Keith Moon (1947–1978) -

Keith Moon of The Who air drumming while clowning around in April 1973. Moon is regarded as one of the best drummers of all time.

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Jason Robards (1922–2000) -

Jason Robards blends polka dots with a check pattern in this 1965 studio portrait. The photograph was taken around the same time 'A Thousand Clowns' was released: Robards starred in both the original Broadway version and in the film.

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Leonard Nimoy (1931– 2015) -

Spock would no doubt have found the wearing of a bow tie "illogical," but after 'Star Trek' (1966–1969) ended actor Leonard Nimoy, who portrayed the half-human, half-Vulcan character, occasionally donned a jacket and bow tie in later episodes of the television series 'Mission: Impossible' (1966–1973). Both shows eventually became the inspiration for two long-running film franchises. 

Sources: (The Bow Tie)

See also: Long-running film franchises we love

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