Everyone can think of one iconic cigar smoker, whether they’ve been on the big screen or as a larger than life personality in the public eye. Think of cigar smoking and you’ll no doubt conjure up images of at least one recognisable smoker chomping on their cigar.

Here are some of the famous examples of big names enjoying the most respectable of all smoking traditions. One or two might surprise you!

6. Whoopi Goldberg

Known for her appearances in the Sister Act films as well as her Academy Award-winning turn in Ghost, Whoopi is one star who can seldom be found without a cigar pursed between her lips. Reports suggest that she prefers smaller cigars but has been known to light up a big Cohiba on occasion.

"Whoopi" by www.flickr.com/photos/dlanger, License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0

5. Jack Nicholson

The King of Cool has done a lot to keep the allure of cigars in the public eye and before his acting career slowed down, you could often see him on a red carpet or at a glamorous event with a cigar in his hand. If you had to suggest one cigar that Nicholson would choose above all else, it would have to be a Montecristo.

"Jack Nicholson" by www.flickr.com/photos/scottchene, License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

4. Fidel Castro

There’s no denying that when many people think of cigars, images of Castro at the podium with a cigar clenched between his teeth spring to mind. However, he hasn’t actually smoked since 1985 but according to an interview with Cigar Aficionado magazine back in 1994, there doesn’t often pass a day when he doesn’t think about lighting up his favourite Cohiba Corona Especial.

"Fidel Castro meets schoolchildren" by www.flickr.com/photos/elcromaticom, License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

3. Al Capone

His legacy has been cemented by Hollywood and with it, the allure of cigars as a style statement. Not many other figures are quite as synonymous with cigar smoking as the legendary gangster is and after being carted away for tax evasion (which would be his last sentence before his death), Capone was seen lighting up even then.

"Fotografías policiales de Al Capone (Miami, 1930)" by www.flickr.com/photos/recuerdosdepandora, License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

2. Arnold Schwarzenegger

You’d struggle to think of any other celebrity who has kept cigars in the mainstream over the last decade more so than the ex-Governor of California. Even during his time in office, you’d rarely see him without a cigar on the golf course and often attended special conventions and clubs which celebrated the pastime.

"Sylvester Stallone & Arnold Schwarzenegger" by www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore, License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0

1. Winston Churchill

Picture the great man right now in your mind and you’ll no doubt see him fingers aloft and a cigar in his mouth. He was in fact so passionate about cigar smoking that he would reportedly get through between 8 and 10 per day and even brought the King of Saudi Arabia down to size when he requested that he not smoke during meals.

"Rt. Hons. Winston Churchill and William Lyon Mackenzie King with Canadian cabinet ministers" by www.flickr.com/photos/lac-bac, License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0

Are they any that we’ve missed out? Feel free to let us know!