ming the merciless

A character from the classic Flash Gordon science fiction franchise that first appeared in the original comic strip from 1934.

Ming the Merciless is the main villain of the series. He is the supreme ruler of an alien planet called Mongo. Ming is tall, bald and has a peculiar goatie. He likes to wear opulent ceremonial outfits and military uniforms.

Ming was played by actor Charles Middleton in the three old live action film serials (made between 1936 and 1940) and by Max von Sydow in the 1980 Flash Gordon live action film adaptation.