Father’s Day is just around the corner, so get ready for the barrage of cards, contests and commercials – all portraying the ideal epitome of “World’s Best Dad."
Most of these images of the perfect parent are painted by the media, and especially television. So, like most kids my age, I always assumed that the “greatest dad" (besides my Dad, of course) was a guy like Mike Brady from “The Brady Bunch" or Ward Cleaver from “Leave It to Beaver." (Yes, I’m that old!)
But growing up with these TV images skewed our view of dads. I don’t remember ever strolling down a country road to the ol’ fishing hole with Dad like Opie and Andy Griffith. And I’m pretty sure I didn’t get out of trouble quite as easy as Bobby Brady “as long as you learned a lesson from this, son." (Then again, our dads didn’t have only 22 TV minutes to resolve this week’s conflict!)
Way back in the day, Father knew best and Ozzie was a strait-laced guy with a wife named Harriet. Like it or not, the other Ozzie (of The Osborne’s fame) is probably closer to real life! So, in an effort to find the ideal dad, I present my unofficial and slightly skewed picks for the World’s Greatest TV Dads:
Tony Soprano (The Sopranos) – Talk about a killer dad! I had to start out with Tony because, if nothing else, he’s certainly the most powerful dad on the block. Besides, if you’re a kid, nobody’s going to mess with you if your dad is mobbed up! I also love Tony’s view of the family. In one episode, he told his kids, “It may be the year 2000 out there, but in this house it’s 1956!"
Mike Brady (The Brady Bunch) – “Here’s the story, of a man named Brady, who was groovy and he never raised his voice!" I love the way Mike Brady’s hair style changed with the times. He was an architect, which was very cool – and he obviously made enough dough to afford a full-time, live-in maid.
Andy Taylor (The Andy Griffith Show) – This down home dad always had time for his kid, and he was a fine sheriff, to boot! Andy was the anchor in a sea of crazy characters.
Al Bundy (Married, With Children) – Al may not win any parenting awards, but this long-suffering father gets points just for hanging in there with this hilariously dysfunctional family. Al once quipped that his life was one long month, Helluary!
Cliff Huxtable (The Cosby Show) – Doc Huxtable was a modern day superdad and an excellent role model. But, for a doctor, don’t you think he was home an awful lot? Cliff’s best dad line, to his son Theo, was, “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out!" (Or was that Tony Soprano?)
Howard Cunningham (Happy Days) – Another dad for the ages. Mr. Cunningham was wise, patient and an all-around good guy. How cool was Howie? He let “The Fonz" live over his garage. Heeeey! (I guess this means that Ron Howard landed two of the best dads on TV!)
Jack Arnold (The Wonder Years) – Kevin’s dad from The Wonder Years is probably my personal favorite from the list. Sure, Jack was gruff, grouchy and a bit intimidating. But it was the turbulent sixties, so I’m sure he had a lot on his mind. Despite all that, he was always there for his family.
Frank Costanza (Seinfeld) – George’s dad may be the most unique father of all time. Here’s the man who made up his own holiday, Festivus; and went into business with Kramer to sell a man-bra, or “bro." Serenity Now!
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