1. Archie Bunker from All in the Family
Archie Bunker wasn’t just bold, he was loud, brash, and completely unapologetic. Played by Carroll O’Connor, Archie’s blunt opinions and old-fashioned views sparked debates in living rooms all across America. He challenged audiences to face uncomfortable topics like racism, sexism, and politics, all while still being funny enough to keep people tuning in. He was the kind of character who made you cringe and laugh at the same time.
But under that tough exterior, Archie occasionally revealed glimpses of vulnerability. Those moments, rare as they were, reminded viewers that even the most stubborn people could surprise you. That balance of stubbornness and unexpected humanity is what made Archie unforgettable. He wasn’t a side character, he was the conversation starter.
2. Mary Richards from The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Mary Richards was bold in a quieter, trailblazing way. She was a single woman making it on her own, working in a newsroom when that wasn’t the norm on TV. Played by Mary Tyler Moore, she showed independence without being portrayed as lonely or incomplete. Her determination to build a career while still being kind and approachable resonated with women everywhere.
Mary’s storylines didn’t need shock value—they reflected the real struggles and triumphs of women in the ’70s. Whether she was dealing with a bad date or a workplace dilemma, viewers felt seen. She didn’t have to yell to be bold, her very existence on prime-time television was enough. Mary Richards was proof that sometimes quiet confidence speaks louder than anything else.
3. J.J. Evans from Good Times
J.J. Evans brought catchphrases into living rooms everywhere with his unforgettable “Dy-no-mite!” Played by Jimmie Walker, J.J. wasn’t just the comic relief, he was the life of the show. His big personality and artistic dreams gave the series bursts of energy, even during heavier storylines. He was bold because he never toned himself down, not for his parents, not for his friends, and certainly not for TV audiences.
Sometimes his character caught criticism for being over-the-top, but that was part of the magic. He was a teenager navigating tough realities with humor and optimism. Even when things got bleak, J.J.’s flair kept hope alive. He wasn’t just unforgettable, he was the heartbeat of Good Times.
4. Hawkeye Pierce from M*A*S*H
Alan Alda’s Hawkeye Pierce was sarcastic, rebellious, and compassionate all at once. His wisecracks made light of the horrors of war, but underneath the humor was a doctor deeply affected by what he saw. Hawkeye constantly questioned authority and refused to accept injustice quietly, making him bold in more ways than one.
Audiences connected with his humanity as much as his wit. He showed that even in the darkest of circumstances, laughter could be a survival tool. Hawkeye’s constant tug-of-war between humor and heartbreak made him unforgettable. He was a reminder that bravery doesn’t always come in a uniform—it can come with a joke and a surgical mask.
5. Maude Findlay from Maude
Bea Arthur’s Maude Findlay was loud, opinionated, and completely unapologetic. She wasn’t afraid to argue, whether it was with her husband, her daughter, or the world in general. Maude tackled issues like feminism, civil rights, and even abortion at a time when TV shied away from controversy. Her sharp tongue and quick wit made her a force to be reckoned with.
What set Maude apart was her refusal to fit into a box. She could be abrasive, but she was also compassionate and funny. Her boldness wasn’t just about being outspoken, it was about daring to live life on her own terms. And audiences never forgot it.
6. The Fonz from Happy Days
Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, played by Henry Winkler, was the coolest guy on television. With his leather jacket, perfect hair, and signature “Ayyy,” he became an instant icon. But Fonzie wasn’t just cool for the sake of it, he was fiercely loyal to his friends. He was bold because he never let anyone push him—or the people he cared about—around.
Fonzie’s softer side made him more than just a tough guy stereotype. His mentorship of Richie and the other kids gave him depth. Audiences loved that beneath the swagger was someone who genuinely cared. Fonzie was unforgettable not just because of his catchphrases, but because he represented coolness with a heart.
7. Louise Jefferson from The Jeffersons
Isabel Sanford’s Louise Jefferson, better known as “Weezy,” was bold because she kept her husband George in check. While George strutted around with his big personality and bigger ego, Louise grounded him. She was strong-willed, funny, and never afraid to call him out when he went too far. Her wit was just as sharp as his, and she matched him step for step.
Louise’s role wasn’t just to balance George, though. She was ambitious in her own right, and her compassion made her beloved. She represented the quiet strength behind success, showing that boldness doesn’t always mean being the loudest in the room. Viewers adored her because she reminded them of the glue that holds a family together.
8. Sam Malone from Cheers
Sam Malone may have been a ladies’ man, but he was also bold in his honesty about who he was. Played by Ted Danson, Sam was a former baseball player turned bar owner who could charm just about anyone. He wasn’t shy about his flaws or his past, and he leaned into his charisma. His confidence made him unforgettable, even when his choices made you shake your head.
Sam’s real boldness came from his openness. He wasn’t trying to be a saint, he was just Sam, messy and real. That authenticity made audiences love him, flaws and all. You couldn’t help but root for him, even when you knew he was up to no good.
9. Rhoda Morgenstern from The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda
Rhoda Morgenstern was Mary Richards’ brash, hilarious best friend who eventually earned her own spin-off. Played by Valerie Harper, Rhoda was bold in her self-deprecating humor and her unapologetic honesty. She didn’t try to fit into society’s beauty standards or expectations, and audiences loved her for it.
Rhoda’s boldness wasn’t just in her humor, it was in her heart. She wore her emotions openly, whether she was falling in love or facing heartbreak. That relatability made her unforgettable. Rhoda proved that sometimes the sidekick can steal the show.
10. George Jefferson from The Jeffersons
Sherman Hemsley’s George Jefferson was as bold as they come. He was loud, brash, and more than a little cocky, but he earned the right to be proud. George went from running a small dry-cleaning business to living in a luxury high-rise, and he never let anyone forget it. His swagger was unmatched on TV.
But George wasn’t just about showing off. His struggles with class, race, and pride gave depth to his character. He was bold because he pushed boundaries while still being hilarious. Audiences may have laughed at him, but they also admired his drive.
11. Laverne DeFazio from Laverne & Shirley
Penny Marshall’s Laverne was quirky, outspoken, and fiercely independent. She was the perfect contrast to her best friend Shirley, and together they made magic. Laverne’s boldness came through in her humor and her willingness to be silly. She wasn’t afraid to get messy or make herself the butt of the joke.
But Laverne also had a big heart. She worked hard at her job and cared deeply for her friends. That mix of goofiness and sincerity made her unforgettable. Laverne was proof that being bold doesn’t mean taking yourself too seriously.
12. Starsky and Hutch from Starsky & Hutch
David Starsky and Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson were bold because they were partners who didn’t play by the book. Played by Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul, the duo’s chemistry carried the show. They had style, they had guts, and they had that iconic red car with the white stripe. Their willingness to bend rules in pursuit of justice made them unforgettable.
Their boldness also came from their friendship. They weren’t just coworkers, they were family. That bond, along with their daring chases and undercover stunts, made them must-see TV. Starsky and Hutch proved that sometimes boldness works best in pairs.
13. Wonder Woman from Wonder Woman
Lynda Carter brought Wonder Woman to life with strength and grace. She was bold simply by existing on TV in a time when female superheroes were rare. With her iconic costume and lasso of truth, she captured the imagination of kids and adults alike. She wasn’t just strong, she was compassionate and fair.
Wonder Woman was unforgettable because she showed that women could be both powerful and kind. She inspired young girls to dream bigger and boys to respect female heroes. Her impact went far beyond the ’70s, but it started with Carter’s bold performance.
14. Jack Tripper from Three’s Company
John Ritter’s Jack Tripper made boldness look hilarious. Pretending to be gay so he could live with two female roommates was already pushing boundaries for the time. Jack’s physical comedy and constant near-misses with landlords Mr. Roper and later Mr. Furley kept audiences laughing. He was willing to throw himself into the silliest situations without hesitation.
But Jack’s charm made him more than just a clown. He was kind, caring, and always looking out for Janet and Chrissy. That balance of goofiness and sweetness made him unforgettable. Jack was proof that being bold could be funny, heartfelt, and groundbreaking all at once.
15. Oscar Madison from The Odd Couple
Jack Klugman’s Oscar Madison was bold in his complete disregard for convention. He was messy, lazy, and unapologetically himself. His constant clashes with neat-freak Felix made for one of TV’s best comedic pairings. Oscar was the guy who made you laugh even as you wondered how anyone could live like that.
What made him unforgettable was that underneath the chaos, Oscar had a good heart. He cared about his friends, even if he showed it in unorthodox ways. His boldness wasn’t about bravado, it was about daring to live life on his own terms. And viewers loved him for it.
16. Jaime Sommers from The Bionic Woman
Lindsay Wagner’s Jaime Sommers was bold because she was unlike any female character on TV at the time. A schoolteacher turned secret agent after a life-saving operation gave her bionic powers, Jaime balanced everyday life with extraordinary abilities. She was strong, capable, and still approachable, which made her stand out.
What made her unforgettable was the humanity Wagner brought to the role. Jaime struggled with her new identity but rose to every challenge. She showed that women could lead action-packed stories without losing their compassion. Jaime Sommers wasn’t just bold—she was revolutionary.
