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Greatest American Sitcom Character?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, chipolata said:
I don't think we've done this, but I'm wondering what peoples nominations would be for the greatest USA sitcom character? I'm tempted to go for Homer Simpson, but I'll plump for Frasier Crane. Mainly because it seems really weird that America would embrace such an effete intellectual. And Kelsey Grammars performance was masteful.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Or his alter ego, George Costanza in Seinfeld.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, puffinpol said:
I'd add Niles - and with Frasier, at times, greater than the sum of their parts.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Hawkeye from MASH must get a mention, not least because Alan Alda is a great comic actor.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, James Harris said:
Hank Kingsley from The Larry Sanders Show. An amazing tragi-comic character, brilliantly brought to life by Jeffrey Tambor.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
George W. Bush.
(Before someone else says it.)
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, chipolata said:
And don't forget George Bush Senior, who was in a great episode of The Simpsons when he moved in next door and got into a feued with Homer.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Quote: Aaron @ May 1 2008, 3:44 PM BSTGeorge W. Bush.
(Before someone else says it.)
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CONTROVERSIAL. But agree, he's an absolute joke.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Back on topic: Gob from Arrested Development. Surely the neediest character ever in sitcom history, and brilliantly played.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Sofa_Matt said:
A bit of an oldie from me, I'm going for Norm from Cheers.
Not only a great character but a role model for life!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Rebecca Davies said:
Niles and Fraiser are my vote. G.E.N.I.U.S.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Quote: Sofa_Matt @ May 1 2008, 4:29 PM BSTA bit of an oldie from me, I'm going for Norm from Cheers.
Not only a great character but a role model for life!
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He was great, but I was also partial to Cliff.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, M Lewis said:
Michael Scott and Chandler Bing.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Rebecca Davies said:
Chandler Bing in the early days only mind.
"Sometimes I wish I was a lesbian... Did I say that outloud?"
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, James Harris said:
Quote: chipolata @ May 1 2008, 4:27 PM BSTGob from Arrested Development.
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Ah, he'd be in my top 3, definitely.
"They're pills that create a sort of temporary forgettingness. So if somebody finds out how you do a trick, you just give 'em one of these, and they forget the whole thing. It's a mainstay of the magician's toolkit, like how clowns always have a rag soaked in ether."
Come on!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Dr. Cox
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5zwmKMrtoI
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Martin Holmes said:
Tough one, but I think I'll have to go for George Costanza, such a neurotic, awkward but hilarious character.
Honourable mentions go to Hank Kingsley, Gob, Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, M Lewis said:
Quote: Martin Holmes @ May 1 2008, 5:12 PM BSTand Dwight Schrute.
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Would have been on my list but they've pushed him a little too far into the surreal in Season 4 (and Michael's not far behind
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Writer2K said:
I'll go back even further and nominate 'Sergeant Bilko'.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Reece said:
IT IS SHIT AND U ALL KNOW WHAT WEBSITE IS BETTER THAT IS RIGHT CHORTLE
http://forums.chortle.co.uk/
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, catskillz said:
Bud Bundy
Dick Dietrich
Carlton Banks
Zapp Brannigan
Dennis Finch
Frank Drebin
Gomez Addams
Sergeant Bilko
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Charley said:
Agree with Larry David.
He is Pretty, pretty preeeeeety good.
Quote: Reece @ May 1 2008, 7:15 PM BSTIT IS SHIT AND U ALL KNOW WHAT WEBSITE IS BETTER THAT IS RIGHT CHORTLE
http://forums.chortle.co.uk/
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Well there you have it.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, graham said:
Larry David. Definitely.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Graham Bandage said:
Maris Crane and Vera Petersen.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Griff @ May 1 2008, 4:12 PM BSTGeorge Bush in "unpopular on comedy writing forum" shocker.
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Heh heh heh.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, zooo said:
Carlton Banks! Ace.
Quote: catskillz @ May 1 2008, 8:43 PM BSTGomez Addams
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I agree!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Graham Bandage said:
Quote: zooo @ May 1 2008, 11:46 PM BSTI agree!
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Nepotist.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: zooo @ May 1 2008, 11:46 PM BSTCarlton Banks! Ace.
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Legendary!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, catskillz said:
Who remembers Sledge Hammer?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, monkeybeard said:
So many to choose from, but I'll plump for the one I'm watching and enjoying the most at the moment.
Arthur Spooner in King of Queens. Brilliant performance from Mr Stiller (The funny one, not his son).
Building on the character he played in Seinfeld (George's Dad) and creating comedy gold.
He makes me laugh a lot.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Leevil said:
Homer Simpson, Larry David, George Castanza, Stewie Griffin.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, chipolata said:
Liz Lemon and Jack McGonigal are also two great characters heading for comedy immortality.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: monkeybeard @ May 2 2008, 9:24 AM BSTBrilliant performance from Mr Stiller (The funny one, not his son).
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Hahah
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
Quote: Aaron @ May 2 2008, 12:13 AM BSTLegendary!
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Come on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKlxjbhB9HE
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Yeah, like I said, legendary!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, manchester's trendy chorlton said:
Larry Sanders.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, M Lewis said:
Quote: hotzappa11 @ May 2 2008, 10:45 AM BSTCome on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKlxjbhB9HE
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Got to give a nod to The Boss and Monica for inspiring it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk8VZgJkpeg
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, catskillz said:
That was the way 99% of white people danced, back in the '80s. The New Romantics were notoriously bad dancers.
Anyway, back to Alfonso, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd4C8_FMdjA&feature=related
By the way, the proper name for the Moonwalk, is the Backslide. The Moonwalk is another move altogether, where the dancer goes around in a circle. Oh, and Michael Jackson didn't create any of these moves. The Backslide has been around since the '20s, and was first recorded on film in 1932.
If there was an award for worst dancing ever recorded on film, this man would definately be in with a chance of winning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi5IsOqLOi8&NR=1
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Noel McGran said:
Sheldon Cooper from "The Big Bang Theory", played by Jim Parsons.
I know, I'm revealing my nerdiness.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, M Lewis said:
Quote: catskillz @ May 2 2008, 7:07 PM BSTThat was the way 99% of white people danced, back in the '80s.
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Yes, but Alfonso Ribeiro credits Courtney Cox as his inspiration.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, garyd said:
Quote: Writer2K @ May 1 2008, 5:51 PM BSTI'll go back even further and nominate 'Sergeant Bilko'.
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Absolutely!
And:
The Crane Bothers.
Homer Simpson.
And take your pick from the cast of That 70's Show. Oh, you know the one.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Noel McGran @ May 2 2008, 7:33 PM BSTSheldon Cooper from "The Big Bang Theory", played by Jim Parsons.
I know, I'm revealing my nerdiness.
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Both Sheldon and Leonard are works of brilliance, IMO.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Badge said:
Bilko and Homer Simpson for me. Genius.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David H said:
Just a point, how many female characters have been named so far?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, catskillz said:
The Golden Girls (all of them were great)
Karen Walker
Granny Clampett
Peggy Bundy
Gladys Pugh
Hyacinth Bucket
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Gavin said:
Homer Simpson.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Richard Wells said:
Yea Homer for me as well.
Admit it, you would all love to have Homer Simpson as your dad lol.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Errr... 
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Richard Wells said:
Actually Ned Flanders might make a better dad lol.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, dingo said:
I'll name a couple I don't think got a mention. SGT Carter was always funny on Gomer Pyle. Currently, Charlie Kelly on It's Always Sunny is hysterical.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Boits said:
Charles Montgomery Burns
That is all.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Arthur.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Chapman said:
Quote: catskillz @ May 3 2008, 8:53 PM BSTThe Golden Girls (all of them were great)
Karen Walker
Granny Clampett
Peggy Bundy
Gladys Pugh
Hyacinth Bucket
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I didn't know Gladys and Hyacinth were American. They disguise their voices so well.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, catskillz said:
Oh yeah, I forgot.
As for Fonzie, did you know that Henry Winkler was was 29 when Happy Days first started, and the series ran for 10 years! I always thought he looked a bit out of place, hanging around all those High School kids, in the toilets of Al's Diner.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Chapman said:
Quote: catskillz @ May 4 2008, 11:26 PM BST
As for Fonzie, did you know he was 29 when Happy Days first started, and the series ran for 10 years! I always thought he looked a bit out of place, hanging around all those High School kids, in the toilets of Al's Diner.
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I could never get into Happy Days. I could never understand why a short-arsed twat who hung around with geeks could be considered "cool".
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: David Chapman @ May 4 2008, 11:33 PM BSTI could never understand why a short-arsed twat who hung around with geeks could be considered "cool".
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Ermmm...
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, manchester's trendy chorlton said:
@Dave CHapman - you've missed the point. Fonzie was never meant to be cool - he was a deliberate subversion of a greaser. American network television was incredibly conservative at the time; by making a previously very cool (ie james dean-esque) type a bit of a dweeb, they were very cutely subverting the stereotype, making it their own if you like.
He was allowed to be cool to an extent...just in a very limited and 'safe' sense.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Chapman said:
But I never found it funny either.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, manchester's trendy chorlton said:
Fair enough! For the record, I agree.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, roscoff said:
Go with the Homer and Bilko crowd but also Dr. Bob Kelso in Scrubs as a modern twist. Though all the Frasier characters are well put together.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Ok, not necessarily the greatest (with only 13 episodes to date it's a bit soon to judge), but I'd like to nominate Samantha from Samantha Who? - a brilliantly written, complex character executed perfectly by Christina Applegate.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, GusF said:
Frasier Crane, Homer Simpson and Fonzie. Nuff said.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, brent said:
Gob Bluth, Charlie Kelly, and Tobias Funke are my favourites.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Timbo said:
Quote: Sofa_Matt @ May 1 2008, 4:29 PM BSTA bit of an oldie from me, I'm going for Norm from Cheers.
Not only a great character but a role model for life!
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Live the dream!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Oldrocker said:
I haven't read all the posts but, if not mentioned before, Coach in Cheers.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, David Chapman said:
Did I mention Stewie from Family Guy before?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, roscoff said:
Quote: GusF @ May 28 2008, 2:08 AM BSTFrasier Crane, Homer Simpson and Fonzie. Nuff said.
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God bless you my son.