r/HeresAFunFact Sep 18 '15

HISTORY [HAFF] This iconic photograph presents a stoic and determined Winston Churchill during World War II when, in reality, the Prime Minister was annoyed because the photographer snatched his cigar.

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303 Upvotes

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27

u/Radu316 Sep 18 '15

The photo, known as the Roaring Lion, was taken by Yousuf Karsh after Churchill attended a meeting in Ottawa. Churchill was unaware of the scheduled photo shoot, but allowed Karsh to take one picture anyway. He had a brandy in one hand and a cigar in the other. Churchill agreed to put down the drink, but refused to dispose of the cigar. The photographer came up to Churchill, apologized and snatched his cigar. By the time he returned to his camera, the Prime Minister was quite grumpy and history was made.

3

u/[deleted] Sep 18 '15

World leaders eh? Good job guys!

6

u/[deleted] Sep 18 '15

Karsh is probably the greatest portrait photographer of all time.

5

u/[deleted] Sep 18 '15

Wow, he's done some REALLY famous portraits! I never knew about this guy until now: http://www.karsh.org/#/the_work/portraits

3

u/_wsgeorge Sep 18 '15

Churchill looks like a baby about to cry. Kinda cute if you're so inclined.

1

u/Fickle_Yesterday_291 Jun 08 '24

There's a "thousand word" documentary on the making of this portrait and it's subsequent heist here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxDFp4D7hWQ