2013-05-03
"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle," said American comedian George Burns.

There are a few other famous faces that enjoy this pastime just as much as Burns once did. From politicians to popstars and royalty to Hollywood legends, here are some of the most famous cigar smokers in the world:

1)    George Burns: Best known for his partnership with Gracie Allen and solo performances he made late in to his 90s, Burns was often seen with a cigar on stage.  Burns smoked the cheaper El Producto cigars, a fact he never hid because he would have to stop his routines to keep lighting a Havana. Burns, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 100, credited his long life to his 15-a-day cigar habit.

 article about famous cigar smokers
2)    Winston Churchill: The notorious British Prime Minister was so fond of his cigars that he requested an oxygen mask be made especially to facilitate his habit. Churchill even once refused to bow to the Saudi Arabian King's wishes, who did not allow smoking in his presence. Churchill was famously fond of Cuban cigars, particularly Romeo y Julieta.

3)    Fidel Castro: During his 40-year reign of Cuba, this revolutionary ruler was rarely spotted without a cigar in his hand, until he kicked the habit in the 1980s. Castro gave up his love of cigars due to health risks and to set an example to the Cuban people. Before Castro forced himself to give up cigars, his favourite was a Cohiba Corona Especial.

4)    Jack Nicholson: Although he had always been fond of cigars, as a heavy cigarette smoker, Jack Nicholson only switched to cigars ‘full-time' in the 1990s. He found that they calmed his nerves when playing golf. In the 70s, he became a huge fan of Cuban cigars and even insisted that the character he played in The Last Detail was a cigar smoker.

5)    J.F.K: Former US President John F. Kennedy is the man responsible for the embargo prohibiting Cuban products from entering the USA. However, due to his love for cigars, JFK requested that his secretary get at least 1,000 Cuban cigars for him before he would sign the embargo. His favourite brand was thought to be Petit Upmann.

6)    Michael Jordan: Often referred to as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan is still seen as a legend. However, unlike many athletes, Jordan was a big fan of Cuban cigars, often lighting up on the tour bus before and after a game.

7)     Arnold Schwarzenegger:  A former bodybuilder and past Governor of California, the Austrian-born Hollywood star is well known for his love of cigars.  Much to the disapproval of his daughter Maria, Schwarzenegger introduced his son-in-law to cigars. Arnie has been in trouble with the law a couple of times after being spotted smoking in a public place.

This article was written by John Fuster a regular at Boisdale of Canary Wharf which houses one of Londons best collection of cigars.