1. Ron Glass – Barney Miller
Ron Glass captivated audiences as the suave and philosophical Detective Harris on Barney Miller. He had a natural charm that made him a standout in the ensemble cast, with his intellectual approach to solving cases and his smooth delivery of comedic lines. Despite his strong presence, Glass never quite got the spotlight in a solo role. Given his sharp wit and likable personality, it’s easy to imagine him carrying his own show, perhaps as a detective or a therapist helping people with his unique perspective on life. His talent for blending humor with depth would have made for a compelling and thought-provoking series.
Imagine a show where Glass’s character is a professor, offering advice to troubled students, or even a quirky crime investigator, working to solve mysteries with a calm demeanor. He could have been the intellectual heart of a sitcom, providing both laughs and wisdom, much like his portrayal on Barney Miller.
2. Linda Lavin – Alice
Linda Lavin’s portrayal of Alice Hyatt, the strong-willed waitress on Alice, made her a household name. While the show was centered around her character, it’s clear that Lavin had the potential to take the lead in a broader range of roles. Her comedic timing and ability to balance drama with humor were exceptional, and it would have been exciting to see her headline her own series outside of the diner setting. A show about a single woman navigating life and love, possibly in a new city, would have been a great fit for Lavin’s talents.
Lavin’s natural warmth and authenticity would have worked perfectly in a sitcom that explored relationships, career challenges, and the ups and downs of everyday life. She could have easily headlined a show focused on women’s empowerment, while also giving viewers plenty of laughs along the way.
3. Ted Knight – The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Ted Knight was the bumbling, egotistical, and hilariously out-of-touch news anchor, Ted Baxter, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His performance made him one of the most memorable supporting characters of the era, with his absurd antics and over-the-top confidence. However, it’s easy to see how Knight could have been the star of his own sitcom, with his comedic timing and flair for playing larger-than-life characters. A show based on Ted Baxter’s journey to become a network news anchor could have led to endless comedic possibilities.
Knight’s ability to play a lovable fool would have worked perfectly in a series where his character’s ego clashed with the world around him, leading to a never-ending stream of awkward yet endearing moments. Whether as a public figure in an outrageous career or navigating relationships, Knight would have brought humor and heart to any role.
4. Marla Gibbs – The Jeffersons
Marla Gibbs stole every scene she was in as Florence the sassy maid on The Jeffersons. Known for her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude, Gibbs had the perfect comedic sensibility for a starring role. Florence could easily have been the headliner of her own show, perhaps as a wisecracking woman running her own cleaning business, navigating family drama, and dealing with all sorts of hilarious clients. Her character was often the voice of reason, yet never afraid to speak her mind, which could translate well into a series where she is the central force.
Gibbs’s impeccable comedic timing and ability to balance humor with heart would have made for a series that was both funny and emotionally grounded. Whether dealing with eccentric clients or navigating her own personal life, a show with Gibbs at the helm would have been a true gem.
5. Richard Mulligan – Soap
Richard Mulligan’s portrayal of the slightly daft but lovable Burt Campbell on Soap proved he had a natural flair for comedy. His quirky personality and ability to be both absurd and endearing at the same time would have made him perfect for a solo show. Imagine Mulligan starring in a sitcom about a man navigating the challenges of being a father, a friend, and a somewhat inept romantic partner. His down-to-earth demeanor would have been perfect for a show filled with humorous missteps and life lessons.
His character on Soap was full of heart, making him a perfect candidate for a role where he could be the everyman trying to navigate the ups and downs of family life. Mulligan’s natural charm would have made this show both hilarious and heartwarming, with his comedic mishaps and lovable nature winning over viewers.
6. Susan Clark – Webster
As the calm and nurturing wife on Webster, Susan Clark’s character was a steady presence amidst the chaos. While the show was focused on the young Webster, Clark’s performance suggested she could have taken center stage in her own series. A sitcom centered on Clark’s character navigating motherhood, career, and the challenges of balancing it all would have made for a relatable and humorous show. She had a natural warmth that would have made her perfect for a show exploring family life with humor and sincerity.
Clark’s character could have easily been the star of a series that emphasized the complexities of family, career, and personal growth. Whether juggling the demands of work or dealing with her family’s antics, she had the kind of grounded, relatable energy that would have made a solo show a hit.
7. Alfre Woodard – Hill Street Blues
Alfre Woodard made her mark on Hill Street Blues as the tough but caring officer, but her depth and versatility were apparent long before she became a household name. Her performance showed that she had the range to take on a leading role in a sitcom. Picture Woodard starring in a series about a woman balancing the complexities of her job and her personal life, navigating challenges with grace, humor, and determination. The possibilities for her as the lead were endless.
Woodard’s ability to deliver both comedic and dramatic moments with ease would have made for a series that was both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Her strong presence would have been perfect for a show that blended humor with real-life issues.
8. Harvey Korman – The Carol Burnett Show
Harvey Korman was known for his hysterical sketches on The Carol Burnett Show, often playing the straight man to the outrageous antics of the other cast members. His deadpan delivery and impeccable timing made him a standout, but Korman could have easily carried his own show as the lead. A sitcom centered around his character’s absurd misadventures could have been a perfect fit, with Korman’s talent for physical comedy and dry humor at the forefront.
Korman’s ability to be both the straight-laced character and the comedic force would have lent itself well to a show that explored everyday life through a humorous lens. Whether playing a hapless husband or a quirky boss, Korman’s presence would have been a comedic delight for viewers.
9. Ted Danson – Cheers
Ted Danson is best known for playing the charming bartender Sam Malone on Cheers, but his talents extend far beyond that role. Danson had the charisma and comedic chops to lead a sitcom of his own, and it’s easy to imagine him in a role that blends his charm with his knack for physical comedy. Picture him as a lovable but clueless businessman navigating the challenges of running a small company. His effortless charm would have made him a perfect fit for a role that mixed humor and heart.
Danson’s natural ease with both drama and comedy would have made for a series with broad appeal, whether he was playing an over-the-top character or a more grounded everyman. His versatility would have allowed him to explore a range of comedic situations, keeping the audience engaged for years.
10. John Ritter – Three’s Company
John Ritter’s portrayal of Jack Tripper on Three’s Company made him one of the funniest actors of the ’70s. His slapstick humor and ability to navigate awkward situations with a mixture of charm and clumsiness made him a standout. Given Ritter’s immense talent for physical comedy, a sitcom where he was the central character would have been a hit. Picture him as a quirky roommate navigating the ups and downs of modern life, with plenty of hilarious situations and pratfalls.
Ritter’s chemistry with his co-stars was undeniable, but a solo series would have given him the opportunity to show off his comedic talents even further. Whether playing a misguided romantic or a bumbling but lovable friend, Ritter would have been the perfect lead for a series that relied on humor and heart.
11. Tom Poston – Newhart
Tom Poston’s role as the lovable but slightly off-kilter handyman on Newhart made him a fan favorite. With his quirky charm and knack for deadpan humor, Poston could have easily carried his own show. A sitcom where Poston plays a quirky, good-natured man trying to navigate the strange world around him would have been a perfect fit for his unique comedic style. Imagine him as a bumbling small-town sheriff or a quirky neighbor in an unusual community.
Poston’s ability to bring warmth to even the oddest characters would have made him a perfect lead for a sitcom that combined heart and humor. His down-to-earth nature and comic timing would have made for a show that kept viewers laughing while also tugging at their heartstrings.
12. Lorna Luft – The Streets of San Francisco
Lorna Luft had a smaller role in The Streets of San Francisco, but she showed enough promise to warrant her own show. Known for her singing chops and natural charisma, Luft could have excelled in a role that allowed her to showcase both her acting and musical talents. A series featuring her as a woman navigating life and love, while balancing a career in the entertainment industry, could have made for a light-hearted yet compelling watch.
Luft’s charm and versatility would have made her an ideal lead in a sitcom where her character was both glamorous and relatable. The combination of humor and heart, along with her musical talents, would have made her show an instant favorite.
13. Tim Conway – The Carol Burnett Show
Tim Conway was a comedic genius whose role as a regular on The Carol Burnett Show made him a legend. His ability to perform both physical comedy and clever wordplay made him a standout performer, and his unique sense of humor would have been perfect for a sitcom of his own. A show starring Conway could have centered on him as an awkward yet lovable character navigating everyday situations.
Conway’s ability to bring laughter with every movement would have made for a sitcom where his physical comedy was on full display. Whether playing a hapless father or an eccentric neighbor, Conway would have had audiences in stitches with every episode.
14. Betty White – The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Betty White was a standout as the lovably naive Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Her character’s sweetness, paired with her ability to deliver biting one-liners, made her one of the most memorable characters on the show. White’s talents would have been perfect for a solo series where she could have explored her character’s more eccentric side. A show about Sue Ann trying to navigate her personal and professional life could have been a hit, with White’s unique charm at the center.
White’s portrayal of Sue Ann showed her ability to mix sweet, lovable qualities with a razor-sharp wit, making her an ideal candidate for a starring role. A sitcom where she was the lead would have been both endearing and hilarious, with White’s perfect blend of humor and sincerity driving the show.
