1. John Ritter
Before Three’s Company turned John Ritter into a household name, he was already showing his comedic chops as Reverend Matthew Fordwick on The Waltons. Ritter had a way of making even the most ordinary moments sparkle with his timing and charm. His warmth was undeniable, and he could balance heartfelt sincerity with physical comedy like few others could. Imagine him leading his own sitcom as a single guy navigating life’s ups and downs, years before Jack Tripper moved in with Chrissy and Janet.
Audiences connected to Ritter in a way that felt personal. He was relatable, funny, and naturally likable, the kind of presence who could carry a series. If producers had spotted his potential earlier, we might have gotten more than just the Jack Tripper years. Ritter had the charisma to anchor a show all on his own, no matter the premise. His future stardom proved what fans already knew: he was destined to be front and center.
2. Jimmie Walker
“Dyn-o-mite!” might be the line everyone remembers, but Jimmie Walker was more than just a catchphrase on Good Times. As J.J. Evans, he stole scenes with his high energy and sharp comedic instincts. Walker’s character was technically part of an ensemble, but let’s be honest—whenever he was onscreen, the spotlight shifted. He had the kind of star power that could have easily supported a series built entirely around him.
The ’70s loved a good fish-out-of-water or dream-chaser story, and Walker would have been perfect in either role. Picture him as a young artist trying to make it big or a city kid stumbling through suburban life. His comedic rhythm was unmatched, and he had the audience in the palm of his hand. A spin-off could have shown the full range of his talents, beyond the family apartment in Chicago.
3. Marla Gibbs
On The Jeffersons, Marla Gibbs played Florence, the maid with razor-sharp wit and a knack for delivering punchlines that landed every single time. Gibbs had such strong comedic timing that viewers often tuned in just to see what quip she’d deliver next. She wasn’t just funny—she was a scene-stealer, making Florence more than a side character. It’s a mystery why she didn’t get her own sitcom in the ’70s.
Gibbs had the perfect blend of sass, warmth, and relatability. Audiences connected with her because she felt authentic, not like a stock character. Later, she did get her own moment in the spotlight with 227, but imagine if she had been given that chance earlier. Her presence could have carried a show built around her navigating life, neighbors, and maybe even her own household antics.
4. Valerie Harper
Valerie Harper brought Rhoda Morgenstern to life on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and she was such a standout that she actually did get her own spin-off in Rhoda. But here’s the thing—it almost felt overdue by the time it happened. Harper was one of those actors who could light up a screen simply by walking into a room. Her wisecracks and lovable vulnerability made Rhoda someone you rooted for.
She had that rare mix of relatability and star power that screamed leading lady. It’s fun to imagine a version of TV where Harper was given a starring role even earlier in the ’70s. She had the comedic chops and emotional depth to handle more than just being Mary’s best friend. Audiences clearly adored her, and she could have built an empire of her own sitcoms if given the chance.
5. Gary Burghoff
Gary Burghoff became a fan favorite on M*A*S*H as Radar O’Reilly, the soft-spoken clerk who seemed to know what his commanding officers needed before they did. Radar was quirky, endearing, and completely different from the tough, wisecracking characters around him. Burghoff brought heart to the show, and it’s no wonder viewers grew attached to him. He had the kind of likability that could have translated perfectly into a standalone comedy.
Picture a sitcom about Radar adjusting to civilian life after the war, trying to navigate everyday routines with the same gentle awkwardness. Burghoff’s style lent itself to a slice-of-life comedy with plenty of laughs and heart. While he eventually left M*A*S*H, he never got the solo spotlight he deserved. Given the love fans had for Radar, it’s easy to imagine his spin-off becoming a hit in its own right.
6. Cindy Williams
As Shirley Feeney on Laverne & Shirley, Cindy Williams often played the straight woman to Penny Marshall’s more boisterous Laverne. But Williams had a knack for understated comedy that made Shirley just as memorable. Her quirky innocence and knack for physical comedy gave her a unique edge. She had a sweetness that audiences adored, and that quality could have easily carried its own sitcom.
Williams was a natural at finding humor in everyday situations. While she shined as part of a duo, she could have been equally successful leading her own show. A series built around her character’s adventures—maybe a young woman making her way in the big city—would have been both funny and relatable. She had the charm, the timing, and the fan base to pull it off.
7. Demond Wilson
As Lamont Sanford on Sanford and Son, Demond Wilson was more than just the “straight man” to Redd Foxx’s Fred. He brought his own humor and personality to the role, and he often carried entire episodes when Foxx wasn’t around. Wilson had undeniable charisma, and fans warmed to him because he felt like someone you could actually know. He had the makings of a strong lead actor.
It’s not hard to imagine a sitcom centered on Wilson’s character moving out and building a life of his own. A spin-off about Lamont trying to escape his father’s shadow would have had plenty of comedic material. Wilson had the mix of wit and relatability that would have kept audiences coming back week after week. He deserved a chance to step out from Foxx’s shadow and into his own spotlight.
8. Joyce DeWitt
On Three’s Company, Joyce DeWitt played Janet Wood, the grounded roommate who often kept the chaos in check. While John Ritter and Suzanne Somers grabbed much of the attention, DeWitt was the glue that held the trio together. Her character was smart, practical, and funny in a subtle way. DeWitt had a warmth that could have shined in her own series.
A sitcom about Janet’s adventures outside the apartment could have been a hit. Audiences related to her the most because she seemed like the “normal” one in a sea of wild personalities. DeWitt had a natural comedic rhythm that didn’t always get the spotlight it deserved. She could have easily carried her own show, giving viewers a relatable lead to root for.
9. Gabe Kaplan
As Gabe Kotter on Welcome Back, Kotter, Gabe Kaplan had a mix of charm and comedic bite that made him stand out. He was technically the lead of the show, but in many ways the “Sweathogs” stole a lot of the attention. Kaplan had the skills to be more than just the teacher wrangling a group of rowdy students. His mix of stand-up sensibility and sitcom warmth would have worked perfectly in a series all his own.
Imagine a sitcom built around Kaplan playing a version of himself, balancing comedy gigs and everyday life. He had the timing and wit to pull off a show that felt both authentic and hilarious. Kaplan’s humor worked beyond the walls of James Buchanan High. He could have been the next big name in sitcoms if given more focus.
10. Polly Holliday
Polly Holliday turned Flo on Alice into a breakout character with her sassy one-liners and that unforgettable “Kiss my grits!” catchphrase. Audiences loved her brash confidence and comedic timing. She was the type of supporting character who stole scenes every time she appeared. Holliday had everything needed to headline her own sitcom.
While she eventually got a spin-off called Flo, it didn’t last long, but the idea was solid. Holliday had the personality and delivery to make a longer-running show work. With the right scripts, she could have had a sitcom that highlighted her bold style while letting audiences see more layers of her character. Fans would have gladly followed her beyond Mel’s Diner.
11. Gary Coleman
Though Gary Coleman is more often associated with the late ’70s and early ’80s thanks to Diff’rent Strokes, his star power was obvious right away. As Arnold Jackson, he had the kind of charm and comedic delivery that made him instantly memorable. His catchphrases and mischievous grin lit up the screen, and he was one of those rare child actors who could truly carry a show.
If Coleman had been given a different vehicle earlier in the decade, he still would have shined. He was quick-witted, lovable, and had a natural comedic instinct that drew in viewers of all ages. Coleman was a once-in-a-generation talent. A sitcom tailored to his strengths in the ’70s could have made him a leading star even sooner.
12. Penny Marshall
As Laverne on Laverne & Shirley, Penny Marshall was unforgettable. Her physical comedy, offbeat delivery, and natural likability made her a star. She brought a quirky, lovable energy that audiences couldn’t resist. While she and Cindy Williams were a perfect pair, Marshall had more than enough talent to lead a show on her own.
A sitcom centered on her character’s antics outside the bottle-capping factory could have been pure gold. Marshall’s ability to find humor in the simplest moments was unmatched. She could make audiences laugh just by the way she said a line or reacted to a situation. Giving her a solo spotlight would have been a natural move in the ’70s.
