Favorite On-screen Dads

Since Father's Day is right around the corner I thought I would do a little post about some of my favorite on-screen dads.

I love TV and movies and I love how great characters can get deep into our hearts. They make us laugh, cry, think.  We find ourselves wanting them to be part of our lives. So below are some of my all time favorites!


I used to watch this sitcom with my brothers in high school.  I would laugh hysterically at the antics of Ray's crazy parents.  But he put up with it all. He was humorous, likeable, and cared about his family, even those that drove him crazy. I always wanted to be at the kitchen table in the middle of one of those conversations where his whole family was constantly chiming in.

Ray Barone

Everybody Loves Raymond

This is one of the first shows I remember watching growing up.  But even before the show, my mom would read the Little House series to my brothers and I.  I loved imagining what it would be like to live back then, in a home without electricity, where going to the store was an event.  I loved the way Pa was in those stories and on the show.  I loved how was strong, firm, loving. I think every house could use someone like that. 

Charles Ingalls

Little House on the Prairie

This movie breaks  my heart and makes me cheer the entire time. The love Will Smith's character possessed for his son. The fuel in his heart to give him better, to show him every day the meaning of not giving up.  Totally pulls on my heartstrings. 

Christ Gardner

The Pursuit of Happyness

I don't think you can have a list of dads without Danny Tanner. I loved watching this show.  I wanted to be a Tanner. Two sisters, a house with two staircases, endless amounts of fun from all the adults in your home?? Sign me up! What I love now is sharing this show with my boys! They love the episodes of younger Michelle. They get her! ;) 

Danny Tanner

Full House

If you can't tell, I am a child of the 90s. As I got older it may have been more of my J.T.T. crush but nonetheless, I loved Home Improvement. I remember Tim always making us laugh yes, but still having the important conversations needed with his kids. I still remember the finale episode.  *tear*

Tim Taylor

Home Improvement

Who didn't grow up on the Cosby's?? Just trying to find an image I was flooded with images of the many "faces" of Cliff Huxtable.  He was funny.  He was fair.  He didn't take any nonsense either.  I loved watching him and Claire interact too. They just seemed to have it all together when they had each other! 

Cliff Huxtable

The Cosby Show

This movie!! If you are a parent, you have to see it. Especially if you are a father! I so believe that the role of a father really sets the tone for a family. Not that a mother doesn't have a presence and an equal impact, but there are so many things my husband can give to my children, teach them, that I simply can't. I love the idea of code, so to speak, a standard to live by and to live up to. What an example! 

The 4 fathers of Courageous

This show is one of my favorites.  Even reruns now.  Yes, they seem a little cheesy but my goodness, the values and lessons the show had are unlike those on TV today.  He always made time for his family.  He always showed work ethic, and love, compassion.  Each of his kids were different, and he parented them accordingly.  So many episodes he stood up for his family. Love that dad!

Alan Matthews

Boy Meets World

When I was little my dream wedding was the wedding from this film.  I thought a wedding in my backyard with swans would be ideal. Who doesn't think that? I loved George. I loved how he envisioned his daughter as his little girl and how that feeling never really went away.  I look at my boys now and get it.  They will always be mine.  Letting them go will never be easy. Hopefully when that time arrives for Andrew and I, we can get through it with a little humor. 

George Banks

Father of the Bride/Father of the Bride II

My all time favorite on screen dad is Eric Taylor. This show made me want to pack up and move to Texas.  It made me want to sit down and soak in an evening with him and Tami.  I love football and I love the South.  Those perks aside, I loved the way Coach Taylor was.  The way he parented his daughters, his players and just loved on the people around him.  I loved his gruffness and sensitivity. This dad takes the cake. 

Eric Taylor

Friday Night Lights

Who would you have on  your list of favorite on screen dads??