1. Flo Castleberry from Alice
Polly Holliday’s Flo was brash, funny, and utterly unforgettable with her signature catchphrase, “Kiss my grits!” She often stole scenes at Mel’s Diner with her sassy comebacks and no-nonsense attitude, giving Alice a feisty foil who kept the sitcom lively. Fans adored her Southern charm and bold personality, which made Flo one of the most quoted characters of the ’70s. For a while, she was the reason many people tuned in each week.
Flo’s popularity was so massive that she got her own spinoff, Flo, in 1980. Unfortunately, the show didn’t last long and couldn’t capture the same spark she had on Alice. Holliday moved on to other projects, but Flo disappeared from TV screens almost as quickly as she’d risen to fame. Her absence left a noticeable gap, and viewers still fondly remember her as one of sitcom history’s most colorful waitresses.
2. Radar O’Reilly from M*A*S*H
Gary Burghoff’s Radar was the lovable company clerk who seemed to know what Colonel Blake wanted before he even said it. His innocent Midwestern charm made him the heart of M*A*S*H during its early years. Radar’s scenes often stole the spotlight with his wide-eyed honesty and his close bond with the camp’s commanding officers. He gave the war setting a dose of sweetness and humanity that audiences connected with.
When Burghoff left the series in 1979, the character’s farewell was one of the most emotional episodes of the entire show. Radar’s departure was explained as him going home to take care of his family farm, and while the series carried on, it was never quite the same without him. Burghoff’s career didn’t maintain the same momentum, and Radar slowly faded into TV nostalgia, but fans never forgot the character who kept the 4077th running smoothly.
3. Shirley Feeney from Laverne & Shirley
Cindy Williams’ Shirley was sweet, quirky, and the perfect contrast to Penny Marshall’s brash Laverne. She lit up every scene with her offbeat charm, and her chemistry with Marshall was the magic that made the show a huge hit. The slapstick comedy and heartfelt moments between the two roommates turned them into an iconic TV duo. Shirley’s innocence often led to some of the funniest misunderstandings on the series.
But in the final season, Williams left the show due to contract disputes and her pregnancy. Without Shirley, Laverne & Shirley struggled to hold on, and the series eventually wrapped up. Williams did continue acting, but she never had another role as big as Shirley. Her sudden disappearance from the show was felt deeply, and many fans still wonder what might have been if the duo had stayed together until the end.
4. Arnold Horshack from Welcome Back, Kotter
Ron Palillo’s Arnold Horshack stood out with his nasal laugh and eagerness to answer questions with his signature “Ooh! Ooh! Mr. Kotter!” While the “Sweathogs” all had their quirks, Horshack often stole scenes with his mixture of goofiness and heart. He was endearingly awkward, making him both the class clown and the soul of the group.
Despite being a fan favorite, Horshack slowly faded into the background as John Travolta’s Vinnie Barbarino took center stage. Palillo later tried his hand at different roles, but audiences couldn’t see him as anyone but Horshack. Once the show ended, the character pretty much vanished from pop culture, though his catchphrases linger on in memory.
5. Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company
Audra Lindley’s Mrs. Roper was the nosy, flamboyant landlord’s wife who loved bold outfits and even bolder one-liners. She brought sass and comedic timing that frequently overshadowed the younger leads. Fans loved her exasperated attempts to get her clueless husband Stanley to pay attention to her, creating some of the show’s funniest moments.
When Lindley and Norman Fell were spun off into The Ropers, viewers initially followed along. But the new show didn’t resonate as much, and the couple was eventually written out of Three’s Company as well. Mrs. Roper disappeared, leaving behind only the memory of her colorful kaftans and her constant side-eye at Stanley.
6. Chuck Cunningham from Happy Days
Chuck was Richie’s older brother, played by two different actors in the early seasons. He had the makings of a classic ’70s sitcom character with his basketball obsession and sibling banter. Though he wasn’t a huge presence, Chuck had some funny moments that made him stand out in family scenes.
But then he simply vanished, never to be mentioned again. This disappearance became such a running joke that “Chuck Cunningham Syndrome” is now used to describe characters who disappear without explanation. He may not have had the star power of Fonzie or Richie, but Chuck’s abrupt exit gave him a kind of cult status in TV trivia.
7. Arthur “Big Guy” Carlson from WKRP in Cincinnati
Gordon Jump played Arthur Carlson, the bumbling station manager of WKRP who didn’t quite know how to run a radio station. He was lovable in his cluelessness, and his scenes often became fan favorites because of his gentle but hapless leadership style. He brought warmth and humor to every scene, especially when paired with the rest of the eccentric staff.
Despite his popularity on the show, Carlson never became a lasting sitcom icon outside of WKRP. When the series ended, Jump moved on to other roles, but the “Big Guy” was quietly shelved in TV history. Fans who remember the show still smile at his antics, but Carlson’s presence faded from the spotlight as quickly as the station’s fictional airwaves.
8. Aunt Esther from Sanford and Son
LaWanda Page’s Aunt Esther could level Fred Sanford with just a glare and a Bible verse. Her fiery personality and sharp tongue often stole scenes whenever she clashed with Fred. Fans loved their back-and-forth insults, with Esther often getting the upper hand. She became one of the most recognizable characters on the show, despite not being in every episode.
Page continued the role in occasional guest appearances, but Aunt Esther largely disappeared when Sanford and Son ended. Without Fred Sanford to spar with, her character didn’t have the same spark in later projects. Still, her presence was unforgettable, and she remains one of sitcom history’s best scene-stealers.
9. Ann Romano’s Boyfriend David from One Day at a Time
Michael Lembeck played David Kane, Ann Romano’s charming boyfriend who often provided both comic relief and emotional depth. His easygoing personality fit well with Ann’s struggles as a single mom, and fans enjoyed their chemistry. For a while, he was an important part of the family dynamic, adding a romantic element that gave the show more layers.
But as the series evolved, David’s role diminished and eventually disappeared without much explanation. Lembeck went on to direct and act in other projects, but viewers who loved him as David never got closure. He was one of those characters who felt essential until suddenly he wasn’t there anymore.
10. J.J. Evans from Good Times
Jimmie Walker’s J.J. Evans made “Dy-no-mite!” a national catchphrase. His larger-than-life personality and goofy antics often made him the standout in family scenes. While Good Times was meant to be about the struggles of the Evans family, J.J.’s comedic energy shifted the focus onto him.
The character’s popularity caused tension behind the scenes, and eventually, J.J. became less central. Walker never again found a role as defining, and J.J. slowly slipped out of the cultural conversation after the show ended. Still, for a time, he was the beating heart of Good Times.
11. Buddy Lembeck from One Day at a Time
Christopher Knight brought Buddy to life as the goofy friend of Julie and Barbara. He was silly, awkward, and always getting himself into funny situations. Buddy often added levity to serious episodes, providing comic relief just when it was needed.
But unlike other sitcom sidekicks, Buddy wasn’t built for the long haul. He gradually appeared less and less until he was gone entirely. Knight went on to be best known for The Brady Bunch, and Buddy became a footnote in TV history. Fans who remember him still smile at his antics, but most casual viewers forgot him completely.
12. Mork from Happy Days
Before Mork & Mindy, Robin Williams made his debut as Mork from Ork on Happy Days. His zany energy and ad-libbed humor stole every single scene he appeared in. Audiences loved his otherworldly mannerisms and hilarious “Nanu Nanu” catchphrase.
He was so popular that he got his own spinoff, which initially was a hit but eventually fizzled out. While Williams went on to superstardom, the character of Mork disappeared from television after Mork & Mindy ended. Still, his brief stint on Happy Days showed just how powerful a scene-stealer he could be.
13. Mona McCluskey from Maude
Rue McClanahan’s Vivian was Maude’s best friend, but it was Esther Rolle’s Florida Evans who truly stole scenes early on. Florida’s dry humor and no-nonsense wisdom made her a standout. She resonated so strongly with audiences that she got her own spinoff, Good Times.
But once Florida left Maude, the character disappeared entirely from that universe. Fans who first loved her as Maude’s maid missed her presence on the original show. Rolle made history in Good Times, but Florida’s Maude days became just a memory.
14. Boom Boom Washington from Welcome Back, Kotter
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs’ Boom Boom was the smooth-talking, laid-back Sweathog who brought coolness to the classroom. His witty one-liners and relaxed demeanor often made him the comic highlight of group scenes. While Barbarino and Horshack got the biggest laughs, Boom Boom added style and charisma.
But as the show wore on, his role diminished and he appeared less frequently. Hilton-Jacobs moved on to dramatic roles, and Boom Boom faded into the background. Fans who loved the character noticed his absence, but the show’s focus shifted elsewhere.
15. Mother Dexter from Maude
Ruth McDevitt’s Mother Dexter was the cranky, sharp-tongued elder who lived in Maude’s household for a time. She delivered some of the show’s funniest lines with perfect deadpan timing. Her ability to cut through the drama with sarcasm made her unforgettable.
Yet, her appearances became less frequent, and eventually, the character was gone. McDevitt returned to character acting in other projects, but Mother Dexter was left behind. Despite the short run, she remains a scene-stealer who fans of Maude still remember.
16. Lionel Jefferson from All in the Family
Mike Evans’ Lionel Jefferson was witty, intelligent, and one of the few people who could keep up with Archie Bunker’s barbs. His calm comebacks often turned the tables, making him a fan favorite. Lionel had a presence that lit up every interaction, especially when sparring with Archie.
But as The Jeffersons spun off, Lionel appeared less frequently and was even recast. Evans moved on to writing and other projects, leaving Lionel in the past. While the Jefferson family thrived in their new series, Lionel’s presence faded, making him one of the most-missed characters of the ’70s sitcom world.
