Link's design in Ocarina of Time is based off a famous Hollywood actor

The following info comes from Zelda: Arts and Artifacts, which includes commentary from Nintendo artists Yusuke Nakano, Satoru Takizawa, and Yoshiki Haruhana.

Q: So, what did you end up drawing?

NAKANO: It was this picture [top of page 157]. I created it as a design proposal for Link’s facial features, as an attempt to realize Koizumi’s desire for a “handsome, cool Link.” When it got a thumbs-up, I raised my hand and said, “OK then, I’ll do all the art just like this!”

Q: Not just Link, you said you would do all the artwork, right?

NAKANO: That’s right.


Q: So when you were illustrating Link, was there an inspiration for the character?

NAKANO: Yes. A rather world- famous Hollywood actor . . .

TAKIZAWA: Huh? You mean that actor?

HARUHANA: He is one good- looking guy.

NAKANO: Yeah. At that time, if you were to talk about a really good- looking actor, people immediately thought of this guy. So I recall keeping in mind the point of his nose and that strong-willed look in his eyes when I was drawing.

TAKIZAWA: Actually, I remember Koizumi saying something similar as well. When the watercolor version was being worked on, that actor’s name also came up.

NAKANO: Is that so? When I was presenting this piece, I did mention how I incorporated a little bit of that actor, but that tidbit didn’t seem to win or lose me any points. In actuality, maybe it was just an unspoken approval of how I “got it” back then. [laughs]

Of course, Nintendo stops short of saying what Hollywood actor was the inspiration. Who wants to start making some guesses?!