1. Valerie Harper (Rhoda)
Valerie Harper became a household name in the ’70s thanks to her role as Rhoda Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and later in her own spin-off, Rhoda. She brought humor and heart to the character, portraying a woman who was both funny and relatable, and many fans connected with her struggles and triumphs. Rhoda wasn’t the perfect sitcom woman, but that was exactly why people loved her. Harper’s performance earned her multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
After Rhoda, Harper continued to act on stage and screen, proving her talent was far beyond one role. Later in life, she became just as admired for her courage in speaking openly about her health battles, inspiring countless fans. She reminded everyone that strength can exist even in the most difficult moments. Her legacy lives on not only through reruns but in the impact she had on television history.
2. Redd Foxx (Sanford and Son)
Redd Foxx had already made waves as a comedian before starring in Sanford and Son, but the sitcom turned him into a television icon. As Fred Sanford, Foxx played a sharp-tongued junk dealer with an unforgettable mix of sarcasm and wit. He brought a kind of humor to television that was raw, quick, and very different from what audiences were used to.
Foxx’s influence went far beyond the show itself, opening doors for more diverse voices in comedy. His stand-up work pushed boundaries, and his TV character proved you could blend bold comedy with genuine heart. Though his career had ups and downs, he remains one of the most influential comedians of the 20th century. Watching him today, you can still feel how ahead of his time he really was.
3. Bea Arthur (Maude)
Bea Arthur had a commanding presence and razor-sharp delivery that made her unforgettable in Maude. As Maude Findlay, she wasn’t afraid to tackle tough subjects like politics, feminism, and social issues, all while being incredibly funny. The show wasn’t just entertainment; it was a bold statement for its time, and Arthur carried it with confidence and wit.
She later solidified her place in TV history as Dorothy on The Golden Girls, proving she had a gift for portraying strong, complicated women. Arthur’s career showed that sitcom stars could do more than crack jokes, they could challenge ideas and spark conversations. Her performances remain some of the most memorable in television history.
4. John Ritter (Three’s Company)
John Ritter had a gift for physical comedy that made him the standout star of Three’s Company. His role as Jack Tripper brought endless laughs, but Ritter balanced the slapstick with a genuine sweetness that made audiences root for him. It’s not easy to be funny in such a physical way while still keeping it charming, but Ritter made it look effortless.
Beyond the laughs, Ritter was deeply respected by his peers for his kindness and professionalism. He worked steadily in TV and film after Three’s Company, and his untimely passing was a heartbreaking loss for Hollywood. Even today, his work is revisited by fans who remember the joy he brought to the screen. Ritter’s legacy is proof that comedy, when done with heart, never fades.
5. Sherman Hemsley (The Jeffersons)
Sherman Hemsley was unforgettable as George Jefferson, the fiery and ambitious businessman who made audiences laugh on The Jeffersons. His comedic timing and over-the-top delivery made George a TV legend, but Hemsley gave the character layers of humanity that went deeper than punchlines. He represented a type of character rarely seen on television in that era.
Hemsley’s work broke barriers, showing a Black family living in luxury and dealing with challenges from a place of success rather than struggle. His legacy lives on in reruns and the many sitcoms that followed in The Jeffersons’ footsteps. Watching him today, it’s clear he shaped how sitcoms could portray family and ambition.
6. Mary Tyler Moore (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
Mary Tyler Moore changed television forever with her groundbreaking sitcom. Playing Mary Richards, she showed audiences a young single woman focused on her career, something rarely seen on TV at the time. Her show tackled real-life issues while staying funny and relatable, making her character both aspirational and approachable.
Moore’s influence spread far beyond her sitcom. She became a symbol of empowerment for women, proving that sitcom stars could have cultural impact beyond laughter. Her warmth and talent left a lasting mark on entertainment, and she is still celebrated as one of the most important TV stars of all time.
7. Carroll O’Connor (All in the Family)
Carroll O’Connor redefined the sitcom father figure with his portrayal of Archie Bunker in All in the Family. Archie was bigoted, stubborn, and often offensive, but O’Connor brought enough vulnerability to the role that audiences couldn’t look away. It was bold television that sparked conversations about race, class, and politics.
O’Connor’s acting skills were undeniable, and he gave Archie depth that could make you laugh one moment and think deeply the next. After the show, O’Connor continued to act, proving his talent went far beyond Archie. Still, it’s his fearless work on All in the Family that makes him unforgettable.
8. Joyce DeWitt (Three’s Company)
Joyce DeWitt may not have been as flashy as some of her Three’s Company co-stars, but she brought heart and stability to the role of Janet Wood. Janet was the grounded roommate who often kept the chaos from spinning too far out of control, and DeWitt made her both smart and funny. She gave audiences a relatable character who wasn’t just a sidekick, but an essential part of the trio.
While her career after the sitcom wasn’t as high-profile, DeWitt has continued to act on stage and screen, keeping her love for performing alive. Fans still remember her with affection for the charm she brought to Janet. She’s a reminder that sometimes the quieter role is just as important as the show-stopping one.
9. Freddie Prinze (Chico and the Man)
Freddie Prinze rose to fame almost overnight as Chico Rodriguez on Chico and the Man. With his boyish charm and sharp comedic skills, Prinze quickly became a beloved star. He broke barriers as one of the first Latino actors to lead a successful sitcom in the U.S., bringing much-needed representation to television.
Tragically, Prinze’s life was cut short at just 22 years old, leaving fans to wonder what more he might have achieved. Even so, his impact was lasting, and his name remains part of sitcom history. He opened doors for others and left behind a legacy that still matters today.
10. Jean Stapleton (All in the Family)
Jean Stapleton gave Edith Bunker a mix of sweetness, humor, and surprising wisdom on All in the Family. At first glance, Edith seemed ditzy, but Stapleton’s layered performance revealed her as the moral compass of the show. Her voice and mannerisms became iconic, and audiences adored her.
Offscreen, Stapleton was a serious actress who worked on stage and screen, earning respect from her peers. She never let herself be defined solely by Edith, but she appreciated the role’s impact. Watching her today, it’s easy to see why she’s remembered with such affection.
11. Tony Randall (The Odd Couple)
Tony Randall brought elegance and comedic precision to the role of Felix Unger on The Odd Couple. His portrayal of the fussy, neat roommate was a perfect counterbalance to Jack Klugman’s slovenly Oscar Madison. The chemistry between the two made the show a classic.
Randall’s career stretched far beyond the sitcom, with work in film, television, and theater. He even founded the National Actors Theatre in New York, showing his passion for the arts went beyond just his own career. He’s remembered as one of television’s great comic actors, someone who made precision comedy an art form.
12. Penny Marshall (Laverne & Shirley)
Penny Marshall stole hearts as Laverne DeFazio in Laverne & Shirley. Her physical comedy, quirky expressions, and lovable toughness made her stand out. Alongside Cindy Williams, Marshall helped create one of the most successful female-led sitcoms of the decade.
Marshall didn’t stop at acting, she went on to become a groundbreaking director with hits like Big and A League of Their Own. Her career shift proved she wasn’t afraid to take risks or reinvent herself. She remains one of the most admired figures in Hollywood, remembered for both her sitcom success and her trailblazing work behind the camera.
13. Hal Linden (Barney Miller)
Hal Linden anchored Barney Miller as the calm and steady Captain Barney Miller. While the show was filled with eccentric characters, Linden gave it balance with his understated, thoughtful performance. His ability to stay composed while surrounded by chaos made him perfect for the role.
Linden also had a strong background in music and theater, which added depth to his career. He worked steadily on stage and screen after the sitcom, showing his versatility. Fans of Barney Miller still appreciate his performance, and he remains a respected figure in television history.
14. Marla Gibbs (The Jeffersons)
Marla Gibbs made Florence Johnston, the Jeffersons’ maid, one of the funniest and sharpest characters on The Jeffersons. With her biting comebacks and quick wit, Gibbs stole scenes effortlessly. She proved you didn’t have to be the lead to leave a lasting impression.
Afterward, Gibbs continued her success with 227, another sitcom where she shined as the lead. She became a TV favorite, showing her range and resilience. Gibbs is still celebrated today for her talent and groundbreaking career.
15. Suzanne Somers (Three’s Company)
Suzanne Somers became a pop culture phenomenon as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company. Her portrayal of the ditzy yet lovable blonde turned into one of the show’s biggest draws. Somers’ comedic timing and charisma kept audiences laughing and talking.
Beyond acting, Somers reinvented herself as an author and businesswoman, becoming just as famous for her fitness and health empire. She showed that sitcom stardom could be a launching pad for much more. Her legacy proves that a sitcom star can remain relevant for decades.
16. Gabe Kaplan (Welcome Back, Kotter)
Gabe Kaplan brought his real-life stand-up act and teaching experience into his role as Mr. Kotter on Welcome Back, Kotter. His character was a funny yet caring teacher guiding a group of misfit students known as the “Sweathogs.” Kaplan’s blend of humor and heart helped the show become a hit.
After the sitcom, Kaplan pursued stand-up and even became known in the poker world. While his career shifted away from acting, fans still remember him fondly as the teacher who believed in his students. His role captured the spirit of the ’70s sitcom era, mixing laughs with warmth.
