1. Skippy Handleman from Family Ties
Every family sitcom had that one quirky neighbor, and for Family Ties it was Skippy Handleman. Played by Marc Price, Skippy was the lovable, socially awkward kid who had a hopeless crush on Mallory. His nerdy charm and eagerness made him the perfect foil to Alex P. Keaton’s confidence and wit. Even though he was technically a side character, his presence often stole laughs and softened the mood in heavier storylines.
Skippy worked so well because he reminded viewers of that one friend who never quite fit in but was always around. His over-the-top enthusiasm, constant attempts to impress Mallory, and genuine heart made him endearing. Fans still talk about his funniest moments, especially when he stumbled into scenes uninvited. Skippy may not have been the lead, but he became unforgettable in his own right.
2. Howard Borden from The Bob Newhart Show
Even though The Bob Newhart Show started in the ’70s, it carried strong into the early ’80s, and Howard Borden continued to be a highlight. As the friendly neighbor who popped in unannounced, Howard’s timing always left audiences chuckling. His bumbling nature paired with Bob’s dry reactions created a comedy duo that never failed.
Howard was a divorced airline navigator, and his casual, sometimes clueless attitude made him oddly charming. He was the type of neighbor who showed up without knocking and stayed too long, but you couldn’t stay mad at him. Even when the focus was on Bob and Emily, Howard had a way of turning small moments into scene-stealers. He remains a classic example of a sitcom supporting character done right.
3. Boner Stabone from Growing Pains
With a name like Richard “Boner” Stabone, this character was destined to be memorable. Andrew Koenig played Mike Seaver’s best friend, who was mischievous, goofy, and never failed to make trouble. While the Seaver family handled heartfelt lessons, Boner brought in comic relief with his antics. His catchphrases and youthful energy made him stand out.
Even though he wasn’t in every episode, Boner felt like an essential part of Mike’s world. Fans loved him because he wasn’t polished or perfect—he was just a teenage kid figuring things out. His awkward humor and lighthearted presence balanced the show’s more serious topics. For many viewers, Boner was the kind of character you couldn’t wait to see pop up again.
4. Bull Shannon from Night Court
Richard Moll’s towering presence as Bull Shannon on Night Court could never go unnoticed. As the gentle but goofy bailiff, Bull had a way of commanding the room with just one line. His deep voice and childlike innocence gave the character an unexpected sweetness that contrasted perfectly with his intimidating size.
Bull wasn’t just a background enforcer—he often delivered the funniest lines of the show. His wide-eyed expressions and quirky outlook on life made him a fan favorite. While Harry and Dan handled the legal drama and sarcasm, Bull was the heart of the courtroom. Anytime he appeared, you knew something hilarious was about to happen.
5. Urkel from Family Matters (Pre-Breakout)
Before Steve Urkel became the face of Family Matters, he was just a one-off guest star. Originally intended as a minor character, Jaleel White’s nerdy portrayal struck such a chord that he ended up stealing scenes right from the start. His high-pitched voice, suspenders, and clumsy entrances became instant classics.
What made those early appearances so memorable was the sheer contrast between Urkel and the rest of the cast. His over-the-top personality clashed with the Winslows’ grounded family life, which made every scene pop. Even though he eventually became the star, in the beginning, Urkel was the perfect example of a forgotten character who outshone expectations.
6. Booger from Silver Spoons
While Silver Spoons was mostly about Ricky Stratton adjusting to his new wealthy lifestyle, some of the side characters added unexpected humor. One of them was Ricky’s school friend, nicknamed Booger. He had the kind of awkward, goofy presence that fit right in with a show about kids navigating both everyday life and over-the-top luxury.
Booger’s oddball comments and awkward timing made him a small but mighty scene-stealer. He was one of those friends you never quite knew what would come out of his mouth, which made every interaction a little unpredictable. Even if his appearances were short, fans of the show still remember him. His offbeat personality added a unique layer of charm to the mix.
7. Larry Dallas from Three’s Company
John Ritter might have been the star of Three’s Company, but Richard Kline’s Larry Dallas gave him a run for his money in the laughs department. Larry was Jack Tripper’s sleazy best friend, always scheming to meet women or get into questionable business ventures. His wild energy and shameless attitude stood out every time he showed up.
Larry wasn’t in every episode, but when he did appear, he often changed the entire direction of a storyline. His goofy charm paired with Jack’s exasperation was a formula that never failed. While the roommates dealt with mix-ups and misunderstandings, Larry usually added fuel to the fire. He may not get the same recognition as the leads, but fans haven’t forgotten him.
8. Florence Johnston from 227
Marla Gibbs brought sass and spark to every scene as Florence Johnston on 227. Though her roots were from The Jeffersons, Florence popped up on 227 and carried over her sharp wit and quick comebacks. She was the kind of character who could cut through the tension with one perfectly timed remark.
Florence was often underestimated by those around her, but her wit made her unforgettable. She represented the sharp-tongued housekeeper trope, but Gibbs made her so much more than that. Anytime she stepped into a room, you knew she was going to get the last word. Fans loved her for always speaking her mind and stealing scenes from even the main stars.
9. Dwayne Nelson from What’s Happening!!
Though What’s Happening!! started in the late ’70s, it carried into the ’80s with Dwayne Nelson as one of the standout characters. Played by Haywood Nelson, Dwayne had that iconic “Hey, hey, hey” catchphrase that instantly won over audiences. His easygoing nature made him relatable to viewers of all ages.
Dwayne wasn’t the loudest or flashiest, but his natural charisma carried scenes. He often balanced out Rerun’s energy and Raj’s seriousness, making him the glue of the trio. His boy-next-door charm made him a fan favorite, and even in a crowded cast, he left his mark. When you think of supporting characters who quietly stole the spotlight, Dwayne is right there.
10. Rhonda Blair from Laverne & Shirley
While Laverne & Shirley had already made waves in the ’70s, the early ’80s still featured Rhonda Blair as one of its most delightful supporting characters. Played by Leslie Easterbrook, Rhonda was glamorous, outgoing, and completely over-the-top compared to the down-to-earth leads. She was the kind of character who brought sparkle and chaos into every scene.
Rhonda’s overconfidence and flashy lifestyle often clashed with Laverne and Shirley’s working-class sensibilities. This contrast made her appearances not just funny, but scene-stealing. She was the neighbor who always thought she was destined for stardom, and audiences loved watching her antics. Even if she wasn’t central to the story, she was hard to forget.
11. Benny from Taxi
Taxi was full of eccentric characters, but Benny, the slow-witted but sweet cab passenger, always grabbed attention. Portrayed by Jeff Conaway in a special appearance, Benny’s interactions were so hilariously odd that they stuck with fans. He wasn’t polished or sharp, but his quirkiness made him shine in an ensemble full of strong personalities.
Benny was one of those rare side characters who only needed a few minutes of screen time to make an impression. His comedic timing and clueless delivery often overshadowed the main storyline. Viewers couldn’t help but laugh whenever he appeared. For a minor role, Benny managed to leave a lasting stamp on ’80s TV history.
12. Murray the Cop from Benson
In a show filled with political humor and sharp dialogue, Murray the Cop added an entirely different flavor to Benson. Played by James Noble, Murray had a laid-back, good-natured style that contrasted with the sharper wit of Benson and the rest of the Governor’s staff. His down-to-earth approach often made him the everyman of the show.
Murray didn’t appear in every episode, but when he did, he brought heart and humor in equal measure. He could turn a quick exchange into one of the funniest moments of the night. His lighthearted perspective often helped balance out the show’s heavier themes. For fans who remember him, Murray was a hidden gem of Benson.
