Favorite TV Dads

With Father's Day just around the corner, I started to think about my favorite TV dads - specifically, my favorite black TV dads. I asked myself who's been my favorite African-American father on the small screen. Oddly enough this wasn't something I could answer easily. The reason I couldn't answer this easily was because I couldn't think of that many. There were only two that immediately popped into my mind.

There is the obvious - Cliff Huxtable. Bill Cosby is the first dad that comes to mind when thinking of TV dads. Lovable, funny, and PG rated. Cliff Huxtable was/ is an inspiration for all fathers.

Then there was James Evans. Husband to Florida and father to James, Michael and Thelma. James was a strong dad. He may have struggled to provide for his family, but providing for his family was his priority. He worked two jobs and hustled at pool so his family wouldn't go without.

I think other dads were slow to come to mind because their role as father was not the emphasis of their characters. But we do have some great black dads to celebrate from television. We've had Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford, Uncle Phil on the Fresh Prince, and two time father Sherman Hemsley (Amen and The Jeffersons). The short lived series Roc starred Charles Dutton as a great dad and husband.

Also, there are a few more contemporary shows with great dads. My favorite dad from the more recent years is Damon Wayans in My Wife and Kids. I was also in love with Flex Alexander in One on One. There are even some dads that are just in the peripheral of the show (Deacon on King of Queens).

But for all of my TV dads - Happy Fathers Day. I will pay homage to real fathers I know as the week progresses. But give me your feedback - who's been your favorite TV dad (African-American or otherwise)? And tell me, do you think black dads on TV are adequately represented or under-represented?