TV Dads We Know and Love
Protectors, nurturers, teachers, and role models — TV dads have long mirrored the joys and challenges of fatherhood over the decades. From the traditional patriarchs of families in the 1950s to the non- conventional fathers of the ’60s and ’70s, up through the return to conservative values in the 1980s and through modern depictions in the 1990s to today, these dads did more than entertain us. Especially in the often underrepresented roles of Black fatherhood, the sitcom dads who made the biggest difference in our lives reflected the times and redefined them forever. This Father’s Day, I’m sharing the TV dads who truly resonate with my experiences and represent the often invisible middle-class Black families I was a part of. CLIFF HUXTABLE FROM ‘THE COSBY SHOW’ (1984–1992) With his iconic sense of humor and caring wisdom for his children, Cliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby) was the dad everyone wanted as their own. “The Cosby Show” was revolutionary for its time. Cliff Huxtable gave America its first consistent view of an upper-class Black father who was nurturing, professionally successful as a doctor, and deeply invested in his children — a portrayal that helped counter decades of media misrepresentation. He wasn’t just a sitcom figure; he was a cultural touchstone who reshaped public perception and opened the door for more nuanced portrayals of Black fatherhood on television. Instead of leaning into harmful stereotypes of the era, “The Cosby Show” gave viewers an educated and affectionate family led by a dad who could deliver life lessons and laughs. The Huxtables changed television, and Cliff helped shift American culture. CARL WINSLOW FROM ‘FAMILY MATTERS’ (1989–1998) Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson), the patient father in the long-running “Family Matters,” was a trailblazer of diversity on screen. Not only was he a loving father to three biological children, a nephew, an adopted child, and, to some extent, pesky neighbor Urkle, he was a cop, which added a unique layer of subtly addressed social issues. Carl didn’t fit into the box of common CELEBRATING BLACK SITCOM DADS WHO CHANGED THE GAME
Black stereotypes, a pillar of his neighborhood who wasn’t afraid to express his pride for his family and guide them through the ups and downs of life. “Family Matters” displayed Black fatherhood in a positive light in Carl, who fought for justice and instilled strong
values in his family. His role normalized a loving, working- class father who modeled conflict resolution and healthy masculinity. It remains one of the longest-running sitcoms to feature a primarily Black ensemble cast. BERNIE MCCULLOUGH FROM ‘THE BERNIE MAC SHOW’ (2001–2006) Bernie McCullough (Bernie Mac) didn’t just make audiences laugh at the humorous side of fatherhood; he was groundbreaking. He portrayed a type of African American father rarely represented on television, a loving parent to children who were not biologically his own. He and his wife stepped up to adopt their nieces and nephew when his sister’s drug addiction made her incapable of raising them. Bernie was a relatable father who allowed his adopted children to thrive while instilling the importance of accountability and respect. He was a real human who made mistakes and was earnestly learning to be the best father he could be. Bernie’s authenticity and tell-it-like-it-is attitude not only gave voice to thousands of African Americans raising kids outside traditional norms but also permitted them to admit parenting isn’t perfect. PHILLIP BANKS FROM ‘FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR’ (1990–1996) The “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” truly explored the full spectrum of Black identities, masterfully showing viewers there is no one right way to be Black. Uncle Phil (James Avery) was a successful, affluent lawyer raising a child who was not his own with love, discipline, and humor. He was a provider to his family, which included his nephew Will, and was there for all their big moments of growth. “The Fresh Prince” built upon the foundation of Black fatherhood, as represented in “The Cosby Show.” He loved fiercely, corrected with compassion, and protected when he was unasked. Will never realized a father figure could embrace him after his biological dad abandoned him, but in Uncle Phil, he was held, respected, and loved despite his pushback caused by the trauma of his past. Uncle Phil helped bridge class divides within the Black community, and his relationship with Will tackled intra-racial differences with a powerful nuance.
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