Many Black sitcoms over the years had significant male figures and, in the spirit of Father’s Day, EBONY is celebrating some notable fictional characters. While watching many of the shows listed, you may have secretly wished some of the dads were your own; others may have reminded you of a man who is already in your family. The TV papas below are just a few of the characters who have impacted us with their lovable humor and sometimes outrageous antics.

James Evans Sr., Good Times

John Amos played a character who lived with his wife and three kids in a Chicago housing project. As a dad, he was tough, caring and loyal to his family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT7NdnCszZ4

John “Pops” Williams, The Wayans Bros.

Dressed in dizzying patterns and pastels, Pops was always the over-the-top dad. Actor John Witherspoon hysterically portrayed this character, a diner owner with questionable food philosophies such as, “It doesn’t hurt if you use yesterday’s leftover meatloaf as tomorrow’s chili!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV_5LceaWbo

Michael Kyle, My Wife and Kids

Speaking of Wayans brothers, Damon Wayans has played a funny father on television. Kyle is the humorous, lovable father of three and no match for his wife, Jay, played by the equally clever Tisha Campbell-Martin.

Philip Banks, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The late James Avery portrayed the strict yet endearing family man. He was a responsible parent to his own three children, as well as an influential male figure to Will Smith’s title character, a nephew who came to live with the Bankses.

Carl Winslow, Family Matters 

Reginald VelJohnson played a police officer and nemesis to Jaleel White’s character, the pesky neighbor, Steve Urkel. Winslow was erratic and would have manic outbursts, but he was ultimately a provider who wanted the best for his family.

George Jefferson, The Jeffersons 

Notable performer Sherman Hemsley is best known for his leading role in The Jeffersons. He was a loud and boisterous entrepreneur, and his character was always the center of attention. But beneath his melodramatic personality, he just wanted to see his family thrive.

Ray Campbell, Sister, Sister 

Tim Reid was the reserved, intellectual adoptive father of one twin who made corny dad jokes. He was often romantically pursued by the hilarious Lisa Landry, played by Jackée Harry, adoptive mother of the other twin. He also ran a limousine company and put together quite the commercial for it, which can be seen below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4At1xbD8mE

Bernie Mac, The Bernie Mac Show 

The late comedian played a role that was loosely based on his own life after he and his wife took in his sister’s three children. Viewers got to see Mac adjust to parenting his nieces and nephew, which provided much of the comedy, and he often spoke to viewers by looking directly into the camera.

Julius Rock, Everybody Hates Chris

Terry Crews was the devoted and even-tempered father figure based on series co-creator Chris Rock’s real dad. Despite his easygoing personality, he was worried about money. His character was a penny-pincher who seemed to know the value of everything, which can be seen in the clip below.

Andre “Dre” Johnson Sr., black-ish 

Anthony Anderson plays an advertising executive who attempts to pass on parental guidance to his four indifferent children. His quirky behavior is kept in check by his witty wife, Rainbow Johnson, portrayed by Tracee Ellis Ross.