Page 20 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2021

COAST NOTE
Jonathan Brannan:
the Most
Talented
Beard in
America
story by Lynn Lofton
photos courtesy of
the Most Talented Beard in America
W and Jonathan Brannan
hat do a beard and the adoption of a baby have
in common? Usually nothing, but for Jonathan Brannan there’s a happy connection. The Ocean Springs resident is the rst-place winner in the Most
Talented Beard in America contest, hosted by men’s grooming leader Wahl. Brannan and his wife, Alyssa, plan to use the $20,000 prize money to adopt a baby.
A contest spokeswoman said, “Brannan can carry a tune, drop a dad joke, and sport a sweet beard. It’s his range of talents, along with a knack for balancing family and fun, that has made him the winner in the rst-ever beard contest.”
“It’s kind of every man’s dream to be recognized for his beard, and the story behind this recognition is wild,” said Brannan.
“It blows my mind, to be honest. Just the fact that I found out about the contest literally the day before the entry deadline
is crazy enough, but then the rest of the story, including our adoption needs, makes winning this even sweeter.”
A former TV reporter who wasn’t allowed to have facial hair, Brannan grew a beard after leaving television work. “After experiencing a strenuous birth of our rst child, we decided this round to consider adoption,” he says. “But we didn’t quite have all the money needed for the adoption fee. My wife said
Jonathan with daughter, Eden, and wife, Alyssa.
somehow we would gure it out.”
The night before the entry deadline, Brannan read about the
Most Talented Beard in America contest and saw the rst-place prize was $20,000 – the exact dollar amount needed to cover the remaining adoption costs. He knew it was a sign that it was meant to be.
Wahl put out the call for guys with beards to submit videos
of themselves performing a talent. Hundreds of hairy hopefuls from across the country entered. Wahl chose the top 10 nalists, the public voted and chose the top three nalists, and Brannan won rst place and the coveted title of Man of the Year along with $20,000. In a year full of heavy news, Wahl launched the contest as a way to spread positivity and celebrate bearded guys.
Brannan, development director for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, his wife and 6-year-old daughter are excitedly anticipating the addition of a baby boy they will adopt in April 2021.
20 | January 2021
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