10 Modern Icons of Smoking: The Most Memorable Smokers in 2025

Public figures and fictional characters continue to hold a reputation for their association with cigarettes, either in their roles or as part of their personal brands.

Here are ten of the most iconic cigarette smokers of recent times, blending reality and pop culture.

1. Pedro Pascal

• Signature: Known for his roles in The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and Narcos, Pedro Pascal has been spotted smoking in real life and has played gritty, smoking characters on screen. His rugged, charismatic appeal has made his image synonymous with a certain old-school coolness.
• Iconic Moment: Photos of Pascal on set with a cigarette in hand have circulated widely, especially on social media, adding to his “Internet’s daddy” persona.

2. Zendaya (Euphoria)

• Signature: Zendaya’s character Rue in Euphoria portrays smoking as part of her chaotic, rebellious persona. The portrayal doesn’t glamorize smoking but shows its presence in modern youth culture.
• Iconic Moment: Many scenes of Euphoria depict Rue’s struggles with addiction, including cigarettes, bringing attention to the complex lives of Gen Z characters.

3. Emma Mackey (Sex Education)

• Signature: Emma Mackey’s character, Maeve Wiley, in Sex Education is a rebellious intellectual who is often seen smoking, embodying a punk, anti-establishment vibe that appeals to a young audience.
• Iconic Moment: Maeve’s cigarette often appears when she’s deep in thought or during introspective moments, capturing the essence of a misunderstood young adult.

4. Brad Pitt

• Signature: Despite the decline of smoking in Hollywood, Brad Pitt continues to maintain an association with cigarettes both on and off screen. Known for his roles in films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Fight Club, Pitt’s laid-back, rebellious image includes occasional smoking.
• Iconic Moment: Behind-the-scenes photos of Pitt during shoots or downtime often show him smoking, contributing to his iconic, effortlessly cool vibe.

5. Adam Driver

• Signature: Adam Driver, known for his intense characters in films like Marriage Story and House of Gucci, has been seen smoking both on and off screen, adding a gritty aspect to his already complex roles.
• Iconic Moment: Driver’s character Maurizio Gucci in House of Gucci was often seen smoking, fitting the high-fashion yet dark aesthetic of the film.

6. Lady Gaga (House of Gucci)

• Signature: Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci featured her character smoking frequently, adding to her persona as a glamorous, dangerous figure. The role highlighted Gaga’s ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters.
• Iconic Moment: The promotional material for House of Gucci heavily featured Gaga with a cigarette, evoking an old-school, Italian glamour and adding to the character’s iconic look.

7. Timothée Chalamet

• Signature: Known for his roles in films like Dune and Call Me by Your Name, Timothée Chalamet has become a generational icon, often spotted smoking off-screen. His image blends indie, artsy, and rebellious styles, making smoking a subtle part of his persona.
• Iconic Moment: Photos from film festivals and casual events have captured Chalamet with a cigarette, adding to his appeal as an unconventional Hollywood star.

8. Joaquin Phoenix

• Signature: Joaquin Phoenix has portrayed smokers in several iconic roles, from Joker to Her, using the act as a reflection of his characters’ inner turmoil. Off-screen, Phoenix is known for his dedication to character immersion, often captured smoking in real life as well.
• Iconic Moment: His portrayal of Arthur Fleck in Joker, where his character often smoked as a coping mechanism, left a lasting impression on audiences, symbolizing a dark, tortured character.

9. Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit)

• Signature: Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit includes her character smoking frequently, a reflection of her stress and eccentricity. The show’s popularity made the character’s smoking habit instantly recognizable.
• Iconic Moment: Beth Harmon’s late-night smoking and chess-playing sessions became iconic, adding to her enigmatic, unconventional personality.

10. Robert Pattinson

• Signature: Known for his roles in The Batman, Good Time, and The Lighthouse, Robert Pattinson often plays edgy, complex characters who smoke. His off-screen image, with a bit of an anti-celebrity attitude, occasionally includes smoking, which reinforces his nonchalant, rebellious style.
• Iconic Moment: Pattinson’s characters, especially in darker indie films, often reflect his willingness to embrace complex, flawed roles, with smoking serving as a part of his characters’ brooding nature.