Top 10 Favorite Sitcom Characters

[TALLguyinKY]

Well, after much thought, consideration, and angushin' decision-making (probably too much of all of that), I have at last come up with my list of my my favorite 10 sitcom characters.

Now, much of this is based on how much they make me laugh (surprise, surprise), but there's also attraction, characteristics, "history" with the character, etc. So, anyway, here are my results, from the bottom to the top...


Byron's Top 10 Favorite Sitcom Characters of All-Time
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10. Mr. Belvedere --- The housekeeper for the Owenses, "Lynn" had great facial expressions, good delivery, and was such a great comic touch to the show (also, interestingly enough, he is the only male to have made my list---dang it, women are funny!!)

9. Heather Owens --- Heather is cute, charming, and so sympathetic of her brother Wesley's torments. Though not one of the funnier characters, she did have her moments. And did I mention she's soooooo cute?

8. Naomi Harper --- "Mama's Family" has a special place in my heart as "my show". I was 4 when it first aired on NBC, loved it, taped it with a passion all through junior high and high school, and I always loved Naomi. In the NBC episodes she's feisty, oversexed, and has some great comedic moments. She was a great foil/victim for Mama, lol.

7. Mrs. Garrett --- I always loved ol' Edna, especially in the first few years of FOL. She seemed funnier back then, particularly in the first season, when she was the main star. Her delivery is great, she's so warm and caring, and when she has an unpredictable hilarious moment, it's great.

6. Blair Warner --- I loved Cindy in the 1st season, but Blair snags me from season 2 on. I absolutely love her extreme vanity, the way she narcissistically adores her beautiful blonde self; great comedy. But she's also warm and sensitive deep down, which is of course good.

5. Suzanne Sugarbaker --- As Vanessa says about her at one point, "That girl is funnaayyyy! She should be on TV!" And I couldn't agree more. Suzanne, like Blair, is stuck on herself more than Elmer's Glue, but she's also so oblivious to others, and to world events and pop culture, plus fiercely inappropriate. This all makes for one hilarious combo. Plus, Delta gives superb delivery of her lines.

4. Mama --- Ahhh, Thelma Harper. We return to "my show". I've always professed Naomi was my favorite character from the show, but her biggest shining moments were largely in the NBC years. Mama rules the roost in syndication, so I give her a higher ranking here. She's crass, outspoken, has one hell of a temper, and such a range of reactions. Yet when it came down to it, Mama had a good soul, and Vicki was just brilliant in the role.

3. Dr. Lilith Sternin-Crane --- My favorite resident of Cheers. Thank God she walked into that bar in 1986, because, to me, she was the best thing that ever happened to that show (I'm not puttin' down the others, I enjoy 'em, it's just that I love her that much). Bebe's monotonous delivery coupled with Lilith's dead-pan manner and dry "humor" is a recipe for hilarity. Add to that her tight bun and business suit, and you have a character who can make me roll with one great line. Fortunately, the writers gave her many...many.

2. Rose Nylund --- To quote one of the producers on coachin' Betty about Rose, "She's not dumb. She's just totally naive." And thank God she is, cause Betty White's expressions and delivery of Rose's lines have caused me to double over in laughter many a time. She is perhaps the most sympathetic character of any sitcom out there. I've seen shows tons of times on Lifetime, but I can never get enough Rose. My stand-out character on one of my favorite shows.

1. Phoebe Buffay --- *sigh* My soulmate. I have watched "Friends" faithfully since it debuted in 1994, and it wasn't long before I knew Phoebe was my "breakout character". She's quirky, she's different, she has her own world and set of rules...and OMG, I can't even begin to explore how hilarious she is. Her screwed up songs always have me in stitches (I even made a half-hour tape made up solely of her musical moments), and what I consider to be the funniest moment in the show's history? The climax of the Pac-Man machine, all thanks to Pheebs. I was on the floor. On the freakin' floor. I love ya, Pheebs...keep me laughin', baby. She's also such a good person with a heart of gold. I--I just love her.


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Well, those are my picks for my personal Top 10 faves. I think it'd be neat to see some others' lists! BUT, you have to seriously think about this, ponder your choices, sweat and frustrate and put your heart into it.

Because, dang it, I did, and I know some o' y'all sitcom-obsessed freaks are as loyal and lovin' as I am!

[Penny Lane]

Whew! Only 10? Ok I'll try..............

1. Dick Loudon; "Newhart", always the long-suffering ,unsung voice of reason in sitcomland's most stupid community.
2. Jackie Harris;" Roseanne", I loved her character! She reminds me of my younger sister .
3. Mama Harper;"Mama's Family", What Tallkyguy said .
4. Naomi Harper; "Mama's Family" I love her wardrobe!
5. Archie Bunker; "All In The Family" He reminds me of my dad in that he is loud and needs to always be right.
6. Ethel Mertz; Everybody could use a best friend and neighbor like her.
7. Shirley Feeney; So sweet, so proper!
8. The Sweathogs;"Welcome Back Kotter", Each of them had their own funny personality.
9. Iola Boyland;"Mama's Family", So domestic!
10. Stephanie Vanderkellen;"Newhart", Such a snob, but very funny, especially when with Michael.

[TALLguyinKY]

Hey, I love Ethel and Iola, too---just that there wasn't room for 'em in my Top 10, lol.

[Brian Damage]

1. Frasier Crane-(Frasier, Cheers)
2. Latka Gravas-(Taxi)
3. Andy Andy-(Cheers)
4. Ralph Kramden-(Honeymooners)
5. Cliff Clavin-(Cheers)
6. Felix Unger-(Odd Couple)
7. Oscar Madison-(Odd Couple)
8. Rodger Thomas-(What's Happening)
9. Arnold Jackson-(Diff'rent Strokes)
10. Natalie Green-(Facts of Life)

[Titania]

10. Johnny Fever (WKRP in Cincinatti)
9. Harold (The Red Green Show)
8. Wilson Wilson Jr. (Home Improvement)
7. Lenny Kowsnowski (Laverne & Shirley)
6. ALF (ALF, duh)
5. Michael Harris (Newhart)
4. Potsie Webber (Happy Days)
3. Shirley Feeny (Laverne & Shirley)
2. Mr. Feeny (Boy Meets World)
1. Vera Gorman (Alice)

[Dr. Lilith Sternin]

3. Dr. Lilith Sternin-Crane --- My favorite resident of Cheers. Thank God she walked into that bar in 1986, because, to me, she was the best thing that ever happened to that show (I'm not puttin' down the others, I enjoy 'em, it's just that I love her that much). Bebe's monotonous delivery coupled with Lilith's dead-pan manner and dry "humor" is a recipe for hilarity. Add to that her tight bun and business suit, and you have a character who can make me roll with one great line. Fortunately, the writers gave her many.

WOOHOO!!!!!!!

Let's see if I can do this...

I'll fill in 5-10 as I think them up. I'm too tired... but I know my top four. LOL


10. Undecided.

9. Undecided.

8. Undecided.

7. Undecided.

6. Undecided.

5. Undecided.

4. Sophia Patrillo ~ (Golden Girls) ~ I just love these sarcastic characters who can make you role over with their one liners. Estelle Getty is one funny, funny lady. God bless her for making me laugh so often throughout my life.

3. Frasier Crane ~ (Cheers/Frasier) ~ His egotistical manner alone makes him endearing to me. He shows that an intellect who thinks highly of himself and who values the finer things in life can also have heart. So often this stereotypical character would be conveyed as a cold hearted jack-ass, but he proves otherwise. I love the man. Highly enjoyable to watch!

2. Karen Walker ~ (Will and Grace) ~ The woman is a walking drunk in high heels who's obsessed with sex and money. What more could you ask for? I want to be her next halloween! (Honey, I got the boobs for it!)

1. Dr. Lilith Sternin-Crane, M.D., Ph.D., Ed.D., APA ~ (Cheers/Frasier) ~ Do I even have to explain? I think it's well stated above. Bebe is just pure genius. She is to situation comedy what Sondheim is to musical theatre. (That had to be the greatest compliment I have ever given a single human being. )

[James]

My ten favorite characters are the following:

10. Carol Brady ("The Brady Bunch") - was good keeping the Bradys together

9. Marcia Brady ("The Brady Bunch") - very important part of a very good show

8. Mary Ellen Walton ("The Waltons") - perhaps the second-most important of all the Walton children (next to John Boy--see below). Was someone her sisters looked up to.

7. John Boy Walton ("The Waltons") - the principal character on "The Waltons" IMHO. Very good leader to his younger siblings.

6. Olivia Walton ("The Waltons") - Very much like my mother. She took her maternal duties seriously.

5. John Walton ("The Waltons") - Very much like my father. He took his paternal duties seriously.

4. Jack Arnold ("The Wonder Years") - Like John Walton, he took his paternal duties seriously.

3. Norma Arnold ("The Wonder Years") - Like Olivia Walton, she took her maternal duties seriously.

2. Wayne Arnold ("The Wonder Years") - Even though he was more of an antagonist on the series to the average viewer, he always provided something funny on what was otherwise a drama.

1. Kevin Arnold ("The Wonder Years") - The main character on TWY. The 1980s and 1990s version of John Boy Walton.

[ZeldaGilroy]

This is a really good topic, and it makes me think long and hard about the characters I watch on TV. Hmmm...this is tough, but here it goes.

10. Tony Micelli (Tony Danza; Who's the Boss)-I laugh at all of his lines and he's pretty good looking too.

9. Joey Russo (Joey Lawrence; Blossom)-Whoa! Need I say more?

8. Mike Seaver(Kirk Cameron; Growing Pains)-He was my teenage crush for years.

7. Mallory Keaton( Justine Bateman; Family Ties)-Fashionable and Funny!

6. Natalie Green (Mindy Cohn; The Facts of Life)-She was always ready with a good joke, and had a positive attitude! Go Nat!

5. Jo Polniaczek (Nancy McKeon; The Facts of Life)-I just loved her attitude.

4. Tootie Ramsey (Kim Fields; The Facts of life)-How can you NOT like someone named Tootie?

3. Steve Urkel (Jaleel White; Family Matters)-I don't know why, but when I'm down, a good snorty laugh and a cheese joke always brings me up again!

2. Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox; Family Ties)-He is just plain funny!

1. Vanessa Huxtable (Tempestt Bledsoe; The Cosby Show)-Let's just say as the fourth child in a family of five kids, I can relate to Vanessa. We are so much alike personality wise...it's not even funny!

[TALLguyinKY]

Originally posted by FactsFan
7. Mallory Keaton( Justine Bateman; Family Ties)-Fashionable and Funny!

1. Vanessa Huxtable (Tempestt Bledsoe; The Cosby Show)-Let's just say as the fourth child in a family of five kids, I can relate to Vanessa. We are so much alike personality wise...it's not even funny!

Yep, 2 more great characters!

I also love Mallory and find her quite funny---the episode where she's in danger of not graduating high school, she has some really funny moments!

And yep, Vanessa is my favorite Cosby kid! She and Clair are my faves on their, and I always love it when it's a "Vanessa show".

[Nanny Fine]

Wow great thread! I dont know if I can limit myself to just 10!!

In no particular order (10 could actually be 1 and 1 could actually be 5, etc)...

10. Fran Fine (Sheffield) ~ I hilariously love Fran Drescher as Fran Fine in the Nanny. Her nasally voice, her ridiculous tight small outfits, the obvious sexual overtones and tension between her and Maxwell. I seriously look forward to that show coming on every single day and can't wait until I have the entire series on tape. I also loves Niles and CC as well from The Nanny but they don't make my list. Maybe in the 11-20 list but anyhow...

9. Rachel Green (Gellar Green) ~ She's gone from a snotty spoiled little child to a young mother with with a career and sharp wit. She's my favorite FRIEND along with Ross and I've completely loved watching the transformation of Rachel from leaving Barry at the altar to being a career woman with a new baby. Season 2 was my favorite Rachel but I also enjoyed Season 6 Rachel a lot

8. Ross Gellar ~ This man is so self depricating and geekily adorable I can't help but love him. He puts his friends to sleep with his stories of dinosaurs, he keeps getting married (and divorced) and oh my GAWD he belongs with Rachel! Get together already! Come on!!!!

7. Blair Warner ~ Blair is my favorite FOL'er. She's vain, she's self centered, she's hilarious. Watching her make goo goo faces at herself in the mirror is rolling on the floor funny and I loved the Blair in Eastland (after they moved to Edna's Edibles I thought she toned down some). I watched an epsidoe yesterday where she talked about how she is daily asked for marriage proposals and it cracked me up.

6. Punky Brewster ~ Soleil Moon Frye was so cute and that show is just a part of my childhood. I loved her in all of her sappy cuteness.

5. Suzanne Sugarbaker ~ "You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you". She cracks me up!!!!!!!

4. Karen Walker ~ I can't decide who makes me love Will and Grace more ~ Will, Grace, Karen or Jack but Karen just ices the cake. She's a HOOT. Her bizarre hilarious relationship with Jack is the best part and her oneliners just sting sometimes!!!!! I LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!

3. Charley Dietz ~ David Leisure was great on Empty Nest as Charley. I'd love to get ahold of some tapes of this great show again because to me he MADE the show. Mulligan, Manoff, etc were good too but Leisure was hilarious.

2. Florence Johnston ~ anyone who can work with George Jefferson and come back with the biting funny remarks Florence did deserves to be nominated! Marla Gibbs is just plain funny and she made me LOVE The Jeffersons!

1. Dennis Finch ~ HAHAHAH I love David Spade! He plays this annoying overly hormoned character to a T and I find myself laughing outloud at a LOT of what he says and does. He's a hoot!!!

Wow there are more! I also love Nina Van Horn, Archie Bunker, Mike Stivic, Jo Polnizhek and more!

[Adamantium]

1. Bill McNeal (NewsRadio)
2. Lowell Mather (Wings)
3. Byron Togler (Andy Richter Controls the Universe)
4. Larry Appleton (Perfect Strangers)
5. Dave Nelson (NewsRadio)
6. Chico Rodriguez (Chico and the Man)
7. Mike Nesmith (The Monkees)
8. Jack Tripper (Three's Company)
9. Eric Matthews (Boy Meets World)
10. Lisa Miller (NewsRadio)

[LucyFan]

My Top 10 Favorite Characters:
10. Marion Cunningham (Happy Days)
9. Lucy Carmichael (The Lucy Show)
8. Richie Cunningham (Happy Days)
7. Ricky Ricardo (I Love Lucy)
6. Shirley Feeney (Laverne & Shirley)
5. Chrissy Snow (Three's Company)
4. The Fonz (Happy Days)
3. Jack Tripper (Three's Company)
2. Ethel Mertz (I Love Lucy)
1. Lucy Ricardo (I Love Lucy)

[Chocoholic]

male:
1. Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)
2. Dr. Cox (Scrubs)
3. Bill (NewsRadio)
4. Antonio (Wings)
5. Louie (Taxi)
6. Reverend Jim (Taxi)
7. Norm (Cheers)
8. Mr. James (NewsRadio)
9. Brian (Wings)
10. Frasier (Cheers)

female:
1. Helen (Wings)
2. Rebecca (Cheers)
3. Lilith (Cheers)
4. Lisa (NewsRadio)
5, Carla (Scrubs)
6. Simka (Taxi)
7. Marge (The Simpsons)
8. Beth NewsRadio)
9. Fay (Wings)
10. Carla (Cheers)

[Chad22]

10. Cliff Clavin
9. Eric Matthews (Boy Meets World)
8. Fred Sanford
7. Lenny and Sguiggy (Ill count em as one lol)
6. Alex P Keaton
5. Potsie Webber
4. George Jefferson
3. Archie Bunker
2. The Fonz
1. Richie Cunningham

[AnaheimPMWitch]

10 thats hard for me I HAVE alot narrowing down to JUST 10 is hard for me but lets see
1.Reggie Kostas (formely on Becker) she reminds me ALOT of me personality wise and I guess a little looks wise to
2..Grace Adler (Will and Grace) her wit Just TOTALLY cracks me up
3.Karen Walker (Will and Grace) oka SHE Just cracks me up in every way imaginable, the way she talks, the way she makes fun of Grace, the way she is around Jack etc
4.Jack Mcfarland (Will and Grace) also a funny one
5.Will Truman (Will and Grace) hes funny and CUTE
6.Linda (Becker) her dumbness Just makes me LAUGH everytime
7.Kelso (that 70s show) same as Linda from becker only I think hes funnier
8. Eric (that 70s show) funny and cute
9. Donna (that 70s show) I think its mainly because she reminds me of my Niece Lauren and well shes funny
and
10: Jackie (that 70s show) she reminds me ALOT of my sister shes Selfish but she makes it look funny
Honorable Mentions
Eric Matthews (boy meets world) he was funny, sarcastic and he changed ALOT through the years
and
Shawn Hunter (boy meets world) cause well HE was cute