Great Dads on Film and TV
Posted on June 15, 2010 at 3:58 pm
My gallery of great movie dads and list of daddy-daughter movies include wonderful films for families to watch together and talk about the great fathers in their own families.
Some of the best dads on film appear on television, which allows us to see families in a variety of circumstances over many years. Some of them even start to feel like members of our own families. These dads are not perfect but they always seem to know the right thing to say, whether comforting, guiding, or providing support. And they inspire even more through their own examples of trustworthiness and wisdom. My favorites include:
1. Tom Bosley on “Happy Days
2. John Goodman on “Roseanne.”
3. Andy Griffith on “The Andy Griffith Show
4. Danny Thomas on “Make Room for Daddy”
5. Bil Cosby on “The Cosby Show
6. Bill Bixby on “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father”
7. John Amos on “Good Times”
8. Michael Landon on “Little House on the Prairie”
9. Robert Young on “Father Knows Best”
10. Peter Gallagher in “The OC”
You forgot Herman Munster. Sure he was an assemblage of other people’s parts. But he was a caring dad whose first concern was always his family. They even took in his “ugly” niece! What a great guy – and he drove an awesome hearse too – the envy of all 11 year olds.
For that matter Gomez Addams was an ideal dad too. And his model train set was second only to Captain Kangaroo’s! And look how he doted on his wife, cared for his kids and was always trying to help Uncle Fester and the rest of the family.
I loved Herman Munster! Fred Gwyne was a favorite of mine going back to “Car 54 Where Are You?” and continuing through to “My Cousin Vinny.” Herman was a very loving father with a tender heart and a hearty laugh. Excellent addition!
Nell
I have fond memories of Toody & Muldoon (the namesake for our first pet rabbit). “Oo Oo Oo!”
I hoped you’d remember that classic, jestrfyl! One of our family favorites. P.S. Our cat was named after Maynard G. Krebs (Bob Denver) on “Gilligan’s Island.”
Maynard has been a lifelong hero! My first “girlfriend” (6th grade) reminded my mom of Zelda Gilroy (the actress is now a grand fromage in CA gov.) – to my Dobie Gillis. That was an awesome show.
Now, can you sing the “Car 54” Themesong?
There’s a hold-up in the Bronx, Brooklyn’s broken out in fights, there’s a traffic jam in Harlem, that’s backed up in Brooklyn Heights, That’s backed up to Jackson Heights, there’s a scout troup short a child, Kruschev’s due at Idlewild, Car 54, Where Are You?
I am indeed impressed (once again)!!
My favorite dad currently on TV is Burt Hummel on Glee.
He is terrific, Anne. I love the way he stands up for Kurt — and defies the audience’s expectations.
I love this conversation 😀
I used to have 2 rats named Tuesday and Thalia (from the actress and character on Dobie Gillis)
Monkie, that is GREAT! Our family cat was named after Maynard G. Krebs!