Fatherhood might be one of the most honorable hoods to be from, and it’s such a joy to celebrate this esteemed group for Father’s Day. While this year has been one for the books already with all sorts of hijinks, we must not forget to celebrate the men who continuously show up for their children. Sure, we will make sure to celebrate these men in real life, but what about those fictional fathers that served as parental figures on the television screen? You may or may not have had an active father figure, but you certainly had a fictional one. Check out our list of eight fictional fathers that we’re celebrating for Father’s Day.
1. Frank Mitchell from "Moesha"
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Frank Mitchell might have been a stern father, but at the end of the day, he always cared for his children and then some. Moesha, Miles and Dorian may have been his biological children, but he cared for Hakeem Campbell, his next-door neighbor, just as if he were his own.
2. Carl Winslow from "Family Matters"
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Mr. Winslow was known for several things, including comic relief and a sassy attitude, but there’s more to him. Underneath that hard exterior is someone who cares deeply for his family and wants the best for them.
3. James Evans from "Good Times"
James Evans was a fantastic husband and an even better dad. Like many of our fathers, he leaned in on tough lough and his children were better off because of it.
4. Oscar Proud from "The Proud Family"
Mr. Proud may be immature and slightly petty, but he’s well-meaning. When it comes to showing up for his family, he always comes through to save the day. He might bring some sarcasm, but he’s still coming.
5. Ray Campbell from "Sister, Sister"
Ray Campbell just might be the father of the year. Not only was he a supportive and loving father to his adopted daughter Tamera, but to her twin sister, Tia as well. Ray truly embodied what it means to be a great dad, regardless of biological ties.
6. Phillip Banks from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"
Our beloved Uncle Phil wasn’t just a wonderful father to his three children but to his nephew Will, too. Their relationship might have started rocky, but it ended beautifully.
7. James St. Patrick from "Power"
Say what you want about James St. Patrick, or Ghost, but the man did love his children and only wanted the best. His methods may have been a bit avant-garde, but the love was always there.
8. Lucious Lyon from "Empire"
Lucious Lyon didn’t get a lot of things right, but he did excel at fatherhood… eventually. It takes a real man (and several seasons, apparently) to put his ego to the side and be the father his kids need him to be.
While these characters may be steeped in fiction, they’ll live on in our hearts forever. Who’s your favorite fictional dad?
