Ex-’Most Interesting Man’ to help judge best beard contest

The man who once helped pitch Dos Equis beer as the “most interesting man in the world” is turning his attention from his favorite beer to his favorite beard by judging a Saturday competition called Vermont Beardies.

Actor Jonathan Goldsmith, who lives in Manchester and sports a closely cropped white beard that he maintains with a lice comb given to him by a veterinarian, is one of four judges who will choose the contest’s winner in Burlington.

The competition will be judged in three categories: urban beard, freestyle and backwoods. Each contestant will also have to tell an interesting story about his beard. The competitors have already posted photos of their beards online and they are asking for donations.

Out of the more than 100 original entrants, the top 30 have been invited to the in-person finals.

The event is to benefit Make-a-Wish Vermont, which helps grant wishes to children living with life-threatening conditions. As of Friday, the group had already exceeded its $20,000 fundraising goal.

Goldsmith, who spent nine years as the pitchman with the gravelly voice for Dos Equis, said there are a few things he’s looking for in a winning beard.

“The character of the beard, how it brings forth something indigenous to the individual, something personal,” Goldsmith said in an interview with The Associated Press.

While the premise of the contest is humorous, the reason for it can be heart-wrenching.