A Trip Down Memory Lane for Your Juneteenth Entertainment, Famous Black TV Fathers
by Sharon Jenkins
Fatherhood is the best thing that could happen to me, and I’m just glad I can share my voice. — Dwayne Wade
Several years ago Dwayne Wade shared the above sentiment of so many of the television fathers that we have enjoyed over the years. They not only spoke similar words but lived lives on the screen that authentically shared this passion in volumes. So for those of you who love TV fathers, and love TV, this is for you. Here are a few favorites:
James Evans — Good Times — James, Florida’s husband, was a great champion for the cause of fatherhood. We got to witness his battle with “the system” to provide for his family and the sacrifices he made to give them the best quality of life possible. J.J., Thelma, and Michael were like our own siblings. We wept, laughed, celebrated, and grieved with them. Especially when James died way too soon. The show never was the same after that. His absence left a hollow place in the hearts of its viewing audience. We still miss you, James.
Carl Winslow — Family Matters — This hearty superhero with a badge, loved his family and his job. His eminent nemesis was the precarious nerd Urkel. Carl was a “father” to many latch-key kids who were missing their dads. He made everyone in his household feel safe, loved, and valued, even during misfortunate mishaps with the “Did I do that?” Urkel who was always not far behind him.
George Jefferson — All in the Family, The Jeffersons — George was hard-working, unyielding, opinionated, and patriarchal in nature. His bold charismatic demeanor brought him enormous success as an entrepreneur. He loved those around him sparingly. He especially had a low tolerance for anyone that didn’t quite fit his mold. He was thrifty, but a great provider and a dutiful husband to Weezie, and a loving father to Lionel.
Heathcliff Huxtable — The Cosby’s — Heathcliff was a professional comedic physician of a dad, who navigated the journey of fatherhood like a true champion of the cause. He was a loving and respectful husband, actively engaged in fatherhood, and a downright all-around good guy. Heathcliff was effortlessly loved by his neighbors and patients. This show changed the thinking of all of America about Black fathers and their role as the head of an upper-middle-class families.
Uncle Phil — The Prince of Bel-Air — Phil was a surrogate father to his sister’s wayward son Will. The show takes us back to a time in the 1970s and 1980s when families remained close no matter what socioeconomic status they may find themselves in. If you had a drop of the same blood and crisis knocked at your door, then family became a part of the solution. Uncle Phil was the stabilizing force in his household and helped to nurture and mentor his young “ghetto” influenced nephew into a responsible young man.
Dre Johnson — Black-ish — Dre is an excellent depiction of the modern-day quintessential open-minded father. Dre wrestles with boomer parents and a set of multifaceted children with a kaleidoscope of opinions that keep him coming up with creative ways to father. His attempts to keep the peace on the battlefield of the homefront and maneuvering the dictates of a corporate career keep us coming back for more each week. It doesn’t hurt that he is married to a modern woman with feminine tendencies that keep him on top of his game. Or should I say she keeps him on top of his game?
Who is your favorite TV father?
Sharon C. Jenkins is a serial “authorpreneur” and a consummate entrepreneur. Her main mission in life is to help authors and small businesses increase their “brandwidth” and to successfully pursue their passion for writing excellence. She is the Inspirational Principal for The Master Communicator’s Writing Services. Her writing services and books are tools that assist others in realizing their literary dreams and achieving excellence in their business. She is also a contributing columnist at Afrovibes Entertainment.
