1. Henry Rush from Too Close for Comfort
Ted Knight’s Henry Rush was the grumpy cartoonist who always seemed a little baffled by his two daughters and their antics. Fans loved his old-school humor mixed with Knight’s perfect timing, but over time, Henry’s place in the pantheon of sitcom dads faded. Compared to contemporaries like Archie Bunker or George Jefferson, Henry didn’t stay in the public consciousness as strongly. Still, anyone who watched in the late ’70s and early ’80s remembers his plaid sweaters and dry wit.
Henry often found himself caught between his role as a father and his stubborn personality. He was protective, sometimes overly so, but his heart was always in the right place. His job as a cartoonist gave the show a quirky edge, making him a unique dad character compared to others. Yet despite being relatable and funny, Henry Rush is one of those forgotten gems of ’70s television.
2. Tony Banta from Taxi
Tony Danza played Tony Banta, a kind-hearted but perpetually struggling boxer, in Taxi. Tony was the lovable underdog of the Sunshine Cab Company, always one punch away from losing another fight but never losing his optimism. His character gave the show a sense of heart, balancing out the more cynical figures like Louie De Palma. Fans rooted for him, even when they knew he didn’t stand a chance in the ring.
What makes Tony memorable is how much heart he brought to every storyline. Whether it was supporting his friends or taking another ill-fated shot at boxing glory, he was relatable to anyone who had ever chased a dream. Despite Tony Danza’s later fame, the character of Tony Banta often gets overshadowed by bigger sitcom stars of the time. He’s a reminder that sometimes fans love a character more for their spirit than their success.
3. Julie Cooper from One Day at a Time
Julie Cooper, played by Mackenzie Phillips, was one of Ann Romano’s daughters on One Day at a Time. She was rebellious, emotional, and constantly clashing with her mom in ways that made the show feel very real for families at home. Julie wasn’t always easy to like, but she was honest in a way that resonated with viewers. Her struggles reflected the challenges of growing up in the ’70s.
Yet over time, Julie faded from pop culture memory. Valerie Bertinelli’s Barbara often stole the spotlight, and Bonnie Franklin’s Ann was the central anchor of the show. Still, Julie was a vital part of the family dynamic, bringing depth and tension to the sitcom format. She deserves more credit for making One Day at a Time feel authentic.
4. Arthur Carlson from WKRP in Cincinnati
Arthur Carlson, also known as “The Big Guy,” was the bumbling station manager of WKRP in Cincinnati. Gordon Jump played him with a mix of cluelessness and charm, making him an endearing figure among the radio station’s eccentric staff. He wasn’t the smartest person in the room, but his warmth kept the station together. Fans loved his awkward but well-meaning leadership.
Still, when people think of WKRP, they often remember Johnny Fever or Venus Flytrap first. Arthur Carlson fades into the background despite being a central figure. He may not have had the flash of the DJs, but his role as the hapless boss gave the show much of its heart. Looking back, he was a perfect example of how even the quietest characters hold a sitcom together.
5. Alice Hyatt from Alice
Linda Lavin brought strength and warmth to Alice Hyatt, the widowed single mom working at Mel’s Diner. Alice was the heart of Alice, balancing humor with the struggles of raising her son while chasing her dream of becoming a singer. She embodied resilience and independence in a way that resonated with viewers during the ’70s.
Yet when fans talk about the show now, they usually recall Flo and her “Kiss my grits!” catchphrase. Alice, the actual lead, gets lost in the shadow of her louder coworkers. It’s unfair, because her grounded presence made the diner’s chaos work. Alice Hyatt was one of the most relatable characters of the decade, even if she’s not often remembered today.
6. Shirley Feeney from Laverne & Shirley
Cindy Williams’ Shirley Feeney was sweet, cautious, and the perfect counterpart to Laverne’s bold antics. While the duo was iconic, Shirley herself tends to be forgotten compared to Penny Marshall’s Laverne. Shirley was the heart, the dreamer who balanced out the slapstick chaos. Fans who loved the show remember her gentle optimism and love of romance.
But time hasn’t been kind to Shirley’s legacy. Laverne became the face of the show, and Shirley is often treated as the “other half.” Still, her friendship with Laverne gave the sitcom its soul. Without Shirley, the show wouldn’t have worked nearly as well.
7. Cathy Shumway from Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
Cathy Shumway, Mary’s younger sister, was a quirky, sometimes overlooked character in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. She often found herself wrapped up in strange subplots that mirrored the show’s offbeat satire of American suburbia. Cathy’s presence gave the series more layers of absurdity, which fans of cult television adored.
Still, Cathy never reached the notoriety of Louise Lasser’s Mary. She was part of the ensemble, memorable to those who tuned in but forgotten by casual viewers. Yet her role was essential in creating the show’s surreal world. Cathy Shumway is one of those characters who proved that side characters can be just as vital to the atmosphere as the leads.
8. Gabe Kotter from Welcome Back, Kotter
Gabe Kaplan starred as Gabe Kotter, the teacher who returned to his old high school to guide a group of underachieving students called the Sweathogs. The show became famous for John Travolta’s Vinnie Barbarino, but Kotter himself has slipped from memory. He was witty, compassionate, and endlessly patient with his rowdy classroom.
Fans who tuned in loved the idea of a teacher who understood his students because he used to be one of them. But as Travolta’s star skyrocketed, Kotter was overshadowed. It’s ironic, because the show bore his name, yet he’s rarely the first character people think of today. Gabe Kotter was the steady hand that gave the chaos heart.
9. Billie Jo Bradley from Petticoat Junction
By the ’70s, reruns of Petticoat Junction were still airing, and Billie Jo Bradley had become a household name through multiple actresses playing her over the years. She was the pretty, ambitious sister, always chasing dreams bigger than the Shady Rest Hotel. Fans enjoyed her spunk and energy.
But in the long run, Billie Jo has become one of those characters lost in time. She was central to the story but overshadowed by the novelty of Uncle Joe and the show’s quirky setting. Still, for those who remember, she brought youth and vitality to every storyline.
10. Janet Wood from Three’s Company
Joyce DeWitt’s Janet Wood was the grounded roommate who often kept Jack and Chrissy from spiraling into chaos. She was smart, practical, and the voice of reason in a very silly apartment. Viewers appreciated her wit and her ability to roll with the antics of her friends.
Yet when people look back at Three’s Company, they often remember John Ritter’s Jack or Suzanne Somers’ Chrissy. Janet fades unfairly into the background despite being essential to the balance of the show. Without her, the series wouldn’t have worked nearly as well. Janet was the glue holding everything together.
11. Ann Romano from One Day at a Time
Bonnie Franklin’s Ann Romano was a groundbreaking character, a divorced mother raising two daughters on her own. She was strong, independent, and reflective of the changing times in the ’70s. Viewers connected with her struggles and admired her courage in navigating life without a husband.
Despite how important Ann was, she’s not always remembered as prominently as other sitcom moms. The catchphrases and youthful energy of her daughters often overshadowed her quiet strength. Ann Romano paved the way for realistic portrayals of single mothers, yet her place in TV history isn’t as celebrated as it should be.
12. Mary Stone from The Donna Reed Show (reruns into the ’70s)
While The Donna Reed Show began in the ’50s, reruns in the ’70s kept Mary Stone, played by Shelley Fabares, alive in fans’ memories. Mary was the quintessential all-American daughter, wholesome yet relatable, with storylines that resonated across decades.
By the time the ’70s rolled around, though, Mary had become more of a nostalgic footnote. She wasn’t edgy or flashy compared to the sitcom kids of that decade, but she represented a kind of comfort. Fans who watched her in reruns remember her fondly, even if younger audiences have forgotten.
13. Jack Tripper’s Boss, Mr. Angelino from Three’s Company
Giuseppe “Mr. Angelino” Angelino, played by Jordan Charney, was Jack Tripper’s gruff restaurant boss. He was short-tempered and dramatic, often giving Jack grief for his mistakes. Fans loved the over-the-top confrontations between the two, which added another layer of comedy outside the apartment.
But Mr. Angelino is rarely remembered today. The roommates and their landlords dominate most of the nostalgia around Three’s Company. Still, he was a fun character who gave Jack a different kind of challenge beyond the sitcom misunderstandings at home. He deserves more credit as part of what made the show memorable.
