Sitcom Dads
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2 min readSitcom dads: They trip, they stumble and they're often the butt of jokes. But they also work hard, dispense wisdom and make plenty of jokes of their own. From Ward Cleaver and Andy Taylor to Bernie Mac and Paul Hennessy, their roles and personalities changed with the decades, but most were hard-working role models who loved their children and, in nearly every episode, sat them down and tried to give them their best advice. Take a look back at photos of our favorite sitcom dads.
Max Wright (1943–2019)
Everett Collection / Alien Productions
A Tony-nominated actor, Max Wright (1943–2019) was best known for his role as patriarch WILLIE TANNER on NBC sitcom "ALF." From 1986 to 1990, Wright played straight man to the "alien life form" title character, a puppet operated by Paul Fusco.
Alan Thicke (1947–2016)
Getty Images / ABC
Canadian actor Alan Thicke (1947–2016) played DR. JASON SEAVER for seven seasons (1985-1992) on the sitcom "Growing Pains." Dr. Seaver was a psychiatrist who works from home since his wife Maggie went back to work as a reporter. Being at home gives him more involvement with the lives of their three children which include budding ladies man Mike (Kirk Cameron), honor student Carol (Tracey Gold) and rambunctious Ben (Jeremy Miller). Though the kids go through many growing pains, Dr. Seaver manages to keep the family together.
Dick Van Patten (1928–2015)
Getty Images / ABC / Jim Britt
TOM BRADFORD, the patriarch of the extra-large Bradford clan in "Eight is Enough," was named one of TV Guide's "50 Greatest Dads of All Time" in 2004. Dick Van Patten (1928–2015) was proud to play the role, saying that "On 'Eight Is Enough,' we dealt with real problems."
View Dick Van Patten's obituary
Andy Griffith (1926–2012)
Getty Images / Silver Screen Collection
ANDY TAYLOR was the iconic kindly small-town sheriff played by Andy Griffith (1926–2012) on "The Andy Griffith Show" for 249 episodes. As are many sitcom dads, Taylor was a widower; he raised his son, Opie, with the help of Aunt Bee. Whether he was whistling a tune, giving advice, going fishing or strumming his guitar, Taylor was an iconic TV father in his role as Opie's "Pa."
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