Brace yourself, Saul from Homeland has shaved off his beard

IT WAS the most famous beard on TV, but now millions of Homeland fans have had their hearts broken by the news that Saul has removed his bushy bristles.

The beard is no more.

IT WAS the most famous beard on TV, but now millions of Homeland fans have had their hearts broken by the news that Saul (played by Mandy Patinkin) has removed his bushy bristles.

The 61-year-old actor appeared on US TV show Live! With Kelly And Michael yesterday without his most famous asset, telling the hosts that he shaved it off "the minute I finished the last shot (of Homeland Season three)."

"I felt like I was taking off a mickey mouse mask," Patinkin joked.

News_Rich_Media: Saul from Homeland

Just saw a pic of Mandy Patinkin without a beard. NO LIKEY.

— Ryan McGee (@TVMcGee) December 5, 2013

Mandy Patinkin's beard is gone. If the #homeland writers kill him off, I swear to God... That I'll... Be really angry.

— N/Nate/Nathan (@nathaNJZolezzi) December 5, 2013

Aussie TV viewers were some of the first people in the world to witness the new look Patinkin, who appeared on The Projectlast month to promote his new stage show.

While many fans of the Channel 10s Homeland will understandably be devastated, one person who was elated with the facial switch up was Patinkin's wife.

"She was dying for me to shave it," he said.

RIP Saul's beard.

To ease the pain, here are some other bearded celebrities:

News_Image_File: Ben Affleck won an Oscar for 'best beard.'

News_Image_File: George Clooney looks even sexier with a beard News_Image_File: Jon Hamm in all his beardy goodness.