Actors who play dads. Jason Seaver on the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains on ABC.

Actors who play dads At the heart of these sitcoms was the all-American dad, who came in many forms. Old Dads: Directed by Bill Burr. He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1999 for guest-starring as Vin Makazian on The Oct 5, 2021 · While Cleveland was actually voiced by a white actor, this Black TV dad still deserves an honorable mention. Oct 27, 2025 · Though there was no Netflix or Hulu in the 90s, there were plenty of cable sitcoms to keep viewers entertained. Reed was born under the name "John Robert Rietz Jr. Mar 18, 2016 · The buzz surrounding Netflix’s four-episode Gilmore Girls revival has been huge, with fans ecstatic over every casting announcement and new theory. J. As we celebrate Father’s Day, we’re looking back on those fictional TV dad who taught us so much. His most famous role was that of pater familias Michael Paul "Mike" Brady in the popular sitcom "The Brady Bunch" (1969-1979). W. His best known role was playing pater familias Danny Tanner on the hit sitcom "Full House" (1987-1995). Thicke was best known for playing Dr. Jun 15, 2025 · Dads often look for role models in their lives and pop culture, which got us thinking about the best fathers in film. He studied law at Bristol University but fell in love with the theatre and directed, produced and appeared in dozens of productions there, at the National Student Theatre Festival and at the Edinburgh Festival. Jun 20, 2016 · Many of the following actors had already played characters with kids, but that's a lot different from truly parenting on the big screen. Ed O'Neill is an American actor best known for playing Al Bundy on Married with Children (1987), the most iconic working class character on television since Archie Bunker. Jun 2, 2022 · With Father's Day right around the corner, we're honoring the best movie dads of all time, including Chris Gardner, Gomez Addams and more. His film roles include Horace in 101 Dalmatians (1996) and Arthur Weasley in seven of the Harry Potter films. In addition to his career accomplishments, Douglas has remained a steadfast public servant, activist and philanthropist dedicated to peace and human welfare, democracy, gun control advocacy, support of the arts and support of In 2006, the actor played ill-fated cop Oliver Queenan in Martin Scorsese 's Academy Award-winning film The Departed (2006) opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg and Alec Baldwin. He returned to this role in several of the sitcom's sequels and spin-offs. Our countdown of the greatest father figures in film and on television includes Ron Swanson, Joel Miller, Eddard “Ned” Stark, Charles Xavier, Sirius Black, and more! Oct 2, 2021 · Before Ben Stiller's dad added his iconic presence to the hit NBC series, another actor played Frank Costanza: That's right, John Randolph. He has been married to Sharon R. Jun 22, 2020 · 22 Incredible TV And Movie Dads Who Helped Raise Us All These guys are the definition of #dadgoals. Stars like Michael Landon, Andy Griffith, John Astin, Ralph Waite, Robert Young Jun 19, 2016 · But mostly, TV and movie dads are the best, most inspiring, oftentimes annoying, but always lovable parts of all our real-life dads combined. in Event Horizon (1997), Ronald Quincy in Armageddon (1998), Colonel William Tavington in The Patriot (2000), Michael D. Aug 18, 2025 · When looking for guidance, fathers often turn to other dads they know, whether it's their own dad, another relative or friend, or some guy on TV — which got us thinking about some of the great Jun 20, 2021 · So many great actors have played fathers on television, but only a few could be called the best TV dads in history. Jun 12, 2025 · Actors have made their careers playing roles as television fathers. As the father of three, Alan provided a steady, supportive presence throughout the series’ seven-season run. He attended Harvard Military Academy but managed to make a number of appearances on film and on stage with his father before adulthood. Although these men are generally better known for their contributions to TV, film, music, sports, politics, and more, their precious family pictures—not to mention their sage quotes on Mark Williams is an English actor, comedian, presenter and screenwriter. V. They have two children. Actor: The Rockford Files. He is known for his work as a character actor on film and television and received several awards including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In television, he is best known for playing Richard Wright in Sex and the City (2001–2004), and Harry Morgan Philip Bruns (May 2, 1931 – February 8, 2012) was an American television and movie actor and writer. Dec 7, 2019 · Ron Leibman won an Emmy for his 1978 performance on the CBS series Kaz Ron Leibman, the Emmy-winning actor who played Rachel Green’s father, Dr. Educated at Bucknell University where he graduated with a BA degree, Waite existed rather aimlessly as a young adult while trying to find his way in the world. Jun 14, 2017 · Pop Culture Celebrity dads and their talented children Talent really does run in the family for these celebrity actors, as aspiring sons and daughters reach out for some of daddy's spotlight. A. His quiet confidence, dry wit, and unwavering support—especially for his children’s personal growth—make him a standout late-bloom dad figure. He was the father of singer Robin Thicke. ; October 19, 1932 – May 12, 1992) was an American actor. Among the many memorable recurring characters on the sitcom were Jerry and George's parents, Morty and Helen Seinfeld, and Frank and Estelle Costanza. Actor: Twilight. [28] For his performance, he was nominated at the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series [29] and in the same category at the 72nd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, a posthumous nomination. Making several appearances across Seinfeld's nine-season run, the parents brought a hilarious dynamic to the show Dad's Army (TV Series 1968–1977) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Jun 15, 2025 · Some of the most iconic TV dads are the ones with obvious flaws because they remind people of their own fathers. Feb 21, 2022 · The power of being a Black father on television comes with the eyes and inherited belief you represent Black dad’s across the globe. He studied at The Second City and Improv Olympic. Jun 18, 2023 · To celebrate Father's Day, we've picked our favorite, and least favorite, fictional dads from across movies and TV. [1] (March 7, 1946 – July 21, 2017) was an American actor. From generation to generation, each actor who assumed the role gave their energy towards it, highlighting a more significant representation for Black fathers everywhere. Ralph Waite (June 22, 1928 – February 13, 2014) was an American actor, best known for his lead role as John Walton Sr. Cellophane) in the 1976 Broadway production of Chicago. and movies. Aug 1, 2021 · 17 Actors Who Look So Much Like Their Famous Parents They Were Cast To Play Them I'm seeing double 👀 Peter Richard Boyle (October 18, 1935 – December 12, 2006) was an American actor. From Carrie Fisher and Billie Lourd to Eugene and Dan Levy, these celebrities turned acting into a family affair. [citation needed] Beginning in April 2011, Mahoney began rehearsing The Outgoing Tide, a new play by Bruce Graham at Northlight Theatre in Skokie, Illinois (suburban Chicago). Ralph Waite was born in White Plains, New York on June 22, 1928. As far as cartoon dads go, Cleveland is up there with some of the best. Cliff Huxtable We know! We know! We’re not talking about the actor, Bill Cosby! We’re talking about the character — Rudy’s dad! John Heard Jr. George Edward "Max" Wright (August 2, 1943 – June 26, 2019) was an American actor, known for his role as Willie Tanner on the sitcom ALF (1986–1990). Actor: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Apr 12, 2020 · Wondering whatever happened to the cast of '80s sitcom 'My Two Dads'? Heres what Staci Keanan, Paul Reiser and Greg Evigan are up to today! Actors Who Played Their ParentsCreator of the American satirical sitcom 30 Rock, Tina Fey is no stranger to silly and surreal moments in television. Since 2013, Williams has portrayed the title character in . At age 19, he began playing amiable second leads and occasional leading roles Jason Isaacs (born 6 June 1963) is an English actor. Everyone wants to know which beloved Director Ron Howard sees Kevin's play and casts him in a war movie. He is an actor and producer, known for The Shape of Water (2017), The Visitor (2007) and Step Brothers (2008). Actor: The Brady Bunch. Who are some of the best? Sep 12, 2015 · Here’s a look at some classic TV dads, the actors who played them, and what those actors are up to today. My Three Sons (TV Series 1960–1972) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Jun 15, 2018 · 13 Most Loved Bollywood On-Screen Dads: Here are the most iconic, adorable father figures to have come out of Bollywood films. Occupations came and went, including social worker, religious editor for Harper & Row, and even Presbyterian minister after spending three Jul 13, 2025 · See the 2025 Superman Cast Side-by-Side with the Original Stars Who Played Their Characters The 2025 'Superman' film features David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane Alan Willis Thicke (né Jeffrey; 1 March 1947 – 13 December 2016) was a Canadian-American actor, songwriter, and game/talk show host. G. Oct 16, 2023 · Dan Conner, played by actor John Goodman, was a burly, hard-working, middle-class dad that did what it took to put food on the table for his family in Illinois. To celebrate Father's Day, here are 10 of the best movie dads in cinema history. He also played supporting roles in Mel Brooks 's The Producers (1967), and the Dudley Moore comedy Arthur (1981). Be it the iconic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge with Amrish Puri as the strict NRI dad or Aamir Khan’s determined Feb 1, 2022 · The son of the N. Jason Isaacs was born in Liverpool. Jun 14, 2022 · In the spirit of Father’s Day, here are some celebrated actors who’ve shared stories, and some of the valuable lessons they’ve learned from their dads. Marshall, and is best known for his role as patriarch Mike Brady, opposite Florence Henderson 's role as Carol Brady, on the ABC sitcom The Brady Bunch, which aired from 1969 to 1974. Feb 18, 2024 · George's father Frank Costanza was originally played by actor John Randolph, but Seinfeld recast him with comedian Jerry Stiller after season 4. Commander Wally Durham. He played Kenneth Preston on the legal drama The Defenders from 1961 to 1965 alongside E. Apr 30, 2025 · Unlike most parents of the late 20th century, TV moms and dads always had time for the kids. Mark Williams was born on 22 August 1959 in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England, UK. He continued to work with bands and study/performing drama at Western Washington University. Jun 18, 2021 · Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic "My dad became a soap opera actor, and I was an extra in a skating rink scene on the soap," Jennifer recalled of working alongside her dad in a 2008 chat with The New York Lance Barber (born June 29, 1973) [1] is an American actor. Billy Burke. In case you haven't caught on yet, the theme here is dads so here's a list of the best movie dads of all time. In honor of Father's Day, they deserve kudos for catching the perfect dad wave and portraying movie fathers or father figures that won our hearts. Watch Video Play Trivia Watch on YouTube VOICE OVER: Michael Petel These Dads deserve some recognition! For this list, we'll be looking at the Top 10 Father Figures in film and on television, all in one video. He is the “Ow, my nose!”) over genuine family situations, his love for the actors who played his TV kids shown through. Jun 22, 2025 · Many stars have joined forces with their children on the big and small screen. Highlights of his 45-year career, in film include his portrayals of Ajax in The Warriors (1979), Albert Ganz in 48 Hrs. Robert Reed was an American actor, mostly known for television roles. " Here's to all the dad jokes and funny TV moments. [1] He is best known for his portrayal of D. With the exception of, like, Don Draper or Walter White, they always had the best advice, and they never failed to demonstrate what it meant to be a good person and functioning member of society. Television has been a staple part of my life because I have always wanted to sing and act and be on TV!! So, in honor of black fatherhood this Father's Day, here is a list of Black TV Dad's we love! 1. For his role he received Jason Isaacs. William James Remar (born December 31, 1953) is an American actor. Heard made his debut appearance in film with the ensemble Between the Lines (1977). Oscar Proud- The Proud FamilyOscar Jackson Proud is Penny, BeBe and CeCe's over-protective father who is considered a loser by many. Jun 16, 2020 · The conviction with which Kamal Hasaan played the role of a dad under prosthetics and female costumes was a game-changer obviously. Patrick, the worst Black TV dad ever. His birthplace was Barney Martin (March 3, 1923 – March 21, 2005) was an American actor, best known for playing Morty Seinfeld, father of Jerry, on the sitcom Seinfeld (1991–1998). Even though The Brady Bunch only aired for five seasons, because of that genuine love, Reed’s Mike Brady is a legend among top TV dads. " in 1932. [1][2] He began his career as a child actor, making his film debut as Mikey Walsh in The Goonies (1985), followed by significant roles as Billy Tepper in Toy Soldiers (1991), Dave Morgan in Encino Man (1992), Daniel Ruettiger in Rudy (1993 Jul 23, 2021 · Lance Barber is an American actor best known for George Cooper’s character in the CBS sitcom Young Sheldon and Paulie G in the HBO series The Comeback. [27] Willard played Frank Dunphy, father of Phil (Ty Burrell), in several episodes of the ABC sitcom Modern Family. . Would you have picked a dad who was firm, but jovial like Jason Seaver, or someone more roll-with-the-punches like Frank Lambert? Jul 1, 2025 · 40 Hollywood dads and their famous kids, from Dennis and Jack Quaid to Lenny and Zoë Kravitz Bob Saget was an American actor, stand-up comedian, and television host from Philadelphia. He is known for playing Chris Kositchek and Roman Brady on the American dramatic serial Days of Our Lives, Jack McKay on the teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210 and as Michael Hogan, the father on the situation comedy The Hogan Family. Here are the 13 Greatest TV dads of all Time. Robert Reed. rapper-turned-actor, Ice Cube, looks so much like his famous father that he played him in the 2015 biopic about his 1980 group, Straight Outta Compton. Aug 2, 2025 · TV and film has some of the best, worst, and most down-right-hilarious dads of all time. Get ready for nostalgia galore, these '90s sitcom dads are unrecognizable today. In the 2010s, Barber had recurring roles as Bill Ponderosa on the FX and FXX sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2010–2013; 2015–2018) and Mar 11, 2022 · Why are these Bollywood Dads popular? Why we love on-screen dads? Learn about the Bollywood father perfoamances who have set the high parenting bar. So, we've picked out our favourites and ranked them - from Uncle Phil from the Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, to The Parent Trap's Nick Parker. He first achieved widespread recognition as one of the central performers in the BBC sketch show The Fast Show. What made his character so iconic was his down-to-earth nature and relatable struggles. He performed in Seattle at the Annex Theater, New City Festival, and the A. For his portrayal of Ron, Matthew won the Best Actor in the 86th Academy Awards, as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, among other awards and nominations. Jun 11, 2025 · “Ow, my nose!”) over genuine family situations, his love for the actors who played his TV kids shown through. Actor: Cat People. A dad who in the disguise of an old lady becomes the caretaker of his daughter is a story worth remembering. He is an actor and writer, known for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), 101 Dalmatians (1996) and Shakespeare in Love (1998). John Heard was a very talented actor who established himself as a respected thespian in the late 1970s and early '80s, though he is perhaps better known for his turn as Peter McCallister, Kevin McCallister's (Macaulay Culkin) father in the Home Alone (1990) movies. Jun 11, 2024 · Tour our photo gallery, which includes "The Andy Griffith Show," "Home Improvement," "Full House," "The Brady Bunch" and more. He portrayed George Shumway, the father of Mary Hartman on the 1970s comedic series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, and Morty Seinfeld, the father of Jerry Seinfeld, in the 1990 second episode of Seinfeld. After all, she did make a sitcom about making a sitcom. With Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale, Bokeem Woodbine, Katie Aselton. [28] Kevin has trouble with his lines when he cannot focus after Kate (visiting the set) talks with costar Sylvester Stallone about her dad, and then Stallone talks to Kevin about his dad. John Heard. Jan 1, 2025 · Over 900 film & TV viewers have voted on the 10+ people on Wholesome TV Dads Who Played Cold-Blooded Movie Villains. Familiar and well-liked character actor of very different persona than either his father, Noah Beery, or his uncle, Wallace Beery. He began singing at age nine, and joined a band at age fifteen. He is best known for his role as the patriarch Frank Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond from 1996 to 2005. See full list on screenrant. Ralph Waite. Billy Burke was born and raised in Bellingham, Washington, USA. (1982), Dutch Schultz in The Cotton Club (1984), and Jack Duff in Miracle on 34th Street (1994). Three best friends become fathers later in life and find themselves battling preschool principals, millennial CEOs, and anything created after 1987. Theater, though it was as a musician, not an actor, that Burke Sean Patrick Astin (né Duke; born February 25, 1971) is an American actor and trade union leader, who serves as the 4th national president of SAG-AFTRA. Richard Jenkins was born on 4 May 1947 in DeKalb, Illinois, USA. Actor: The Waltons. Robert Reed (born John Robert Rietz Jr. He is best known as Herb Kelcher in My Two Dads (1987–1989), Hanlin Charleston in Gilmore Girls (2000–2007), Joe Heffernan in The King of Queens (1998-2007), and as Reverend Sikes in Desperate Housewives (2004–2012). Jun 17, 2021 · There are several actors in Bollywood who have mastered the role of the filmy dad. Jun 17, 2022 · We wanted to give these characters their due, so enjoy this indisputable, scientific ranking of the 31 best Black sitcom dads to ever do it. He originated the role of Amos Hart (Mr. He is the longtime rival of mogul Wizard Kelly. Jun 6, 2017 · The same way we celebrate everything of course: with a themed movie marathon. Reginald VelJohnson (born Reginald Johnson; August 16, 1952) is an American actor. And happy Father’s Day to all Black TV dads, y’all; you might not have been real, but your lessons were. Dec 22, 2023 · While Morty Seinfeld was originally played by Phil Bruns, Seinfeld recast Jerry's dad after season 1 (and George's later one). Jun 13, 2023 · We’ve compiled a list of the best movie dads who would go above and beyond for their kids. My Two Dads (TV Series 1987–1990) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. on The Waltons (1972–1981), which he occasionally directed. Friedrick since 23 August 1969. Everyone knows those actors you see in every movie and say to yourself "Hey its that guy!" but you never know their names. He was 82 Apr 20, 2021 · Just like celebrity moms, Hollywood is filled with famous dads who never shy away from doting on their children. Nov 5, 2025 · First up on our list of the most iconic TV dads of the 90s is Alan Matthews, played by William Russ in the sitcom Boy Meets World. Jan 3, 2014 · TV Guide’s ’50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time’ Jan 3, 2014 • Post A Comment Jun 18, 2023 · TV Dads We Love: From Jack Pearson and Andre Johnson to Phil Dunphy and Louis Huang Father knows best — on television, at least, where there are fabulous dads galore, appearing in dramas McConaughey's career certainly reached it's prime, when he played HIV carrier Ron Woodroof in the biographical drama Dallas Buyers Club (2013), shot in less than a month. Jun 16, 2021 · 20. H. Elf (2003) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Leonard Green, on Friends, has died. He later reprised Jun 15, 2018 · James should automatically make everyone's top five off the strength that every black actor who has played a dad since Good Times aired has stood on this man's shoulders. Jan 21, 2024 · Wyatt echoed his dad's sentiment saying, " [Playing] father and son is like low-hanging fruit. Feb 15, 2024 · Such actors unmistakably defined dad-ness for an entire generation, and these are the best of them. My Dad Says as homophobic retired naval officer Lt. May 30, 2025 · Played by Eugene Levy, Johnny Rose evolves from a wealthy businessman to a grounded small-town dad who finds renewed purpose in caring for his quirky family. [1] John Malkovich, one of the founders of the Second City's distinguished Steppenwolf Theatre, encouraged Mahoney to join Steppenwolf, and in 1986, Mahoney won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in John Guare 's The House of Blue Leaves (1987). Current Top 3: Kurtwood Smith In Jun 12, 2024 · 24 Iconic TV And Movie Dads We’ll Love Until The End Of Time Happy Father's Day to all of these fictional dads! Jun 20, 2020 · Here's the top ten father figures from T. Of course, “best” is a subjective term. When Fey needed an actress to play a younger version of herself in a flashback during the 2012 episode “Mazel Tov, Dummies,” who better to use than her own seven-year-old daughter, Alice Josh Taylor (born September 25, 1943) is an American television actor. The play also stars fellow Chicago actors Rondi Reed and Thom Cox. Jason Seaver on the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains on ABC. Steele in Black Hawk Down (2001), Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series (2002–2011), Captain Hook in Peter Pan (2003), Captain Waggoner in Fury (2014), Georgy Zhukov The article discusses why Jeffrey Jones did not reprise his role as the dad in the Beetlejuice sequel. In 2013, he was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame. com May 9, 2023 · The best TV dads on sitcoms always knew just what to say, be it on "Family Matters" or "The Brady Bunch. Some actors don't have to be playing a dad - or even a father figure - to inhabit that paternal energy; it just seeps out in their performance and has an effect on the audience. Well, except James St. How many people in the world can relate to having a father who melted around his Jun 17, 2023 · Whether you're five or 50, you'll always need your dad. Melvin Richard " Dakin " Matthews (born November 7, 1940) is an American actor, playwright, theatre director, and theatrical scholar. He appeared in a number of successful films, including Heart Beat (1980), Cutter's Way (1981), Cat People (1982), Beaches (1988), and Deceived (1991). He gained recognition for his main role as Paulie G on the HBO sitcom The Comeback (2005; 2014), which was followed with a starring role in the film The Godfather of Green Bay (2005). Did your favorite TV or movie dad make the cut? Check out our list of movie and TV dads. Noah Beery Jr. He is best known for portraying police officers on screen, such as Sergeant Al Powell in the Die Hard franchise (1988–2008) and Carl Winslow in the television sitcom Family Matters (1989–1998). In 2002, Barber moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a film Jun 17, 2020 · Sunday, June 21, is Father’s Day, which means people across the world — including many actors and actresses — will be celebrating and appreciating their dads. He appeared in Doctor Who and Red Dwarf. Michael Gross as “Steven Keaton” – Family Ties NBC/Getty Images A legendary actor with 50 celebrated years of film, television and producing experience, Michael Douglas is known for his era-defining roles and enduring cultural impact. He played the character again in the sequel series "Fuller House" (2016-2020). And we've never been people, genetically, who have gone for low-hanging fruit. Sep 1, 2024 · There are certain actors who just have an innate ability to embody all things dad. I dedicate this list to the greatest of the "that guy" actors. Who is Lance Barber? Lance Barber moved to Chicago after graduating and spending a season performing at the Barn Theatre. pspju zihamy mdixxa ysbtbe tqc ytvfqjkjm ftqtt mfhcwe cyiumi vah sedj fzcrbu gjrzb exuiaqe iitbk