If there was ever a character for whom the song “Papa Don’t Take No Mess” should have been a soundtrack it was James Evans. Sr. (John Amos) on “Good Times.” Though he struggled to find and keep jobs Evans, Sr. maintained his dignity.
Phillip Banks (James Avery) on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” was born to a poor family and worked his way up to becoming a lawyer and living in Bel-Air. He never let his children (and nephew, played by Will Smith) forget the importance of hard work.
Julius Rock (Terry Crews) on “Everybody Hates Chris” had an insatiable desire to cut costs and his greatest lessons often revolved around saving a penny, or two. Anxious to save money over the holidays, he once forced his family to celebrate Kwanzaa instead of Christmas because it meant less gifts.
On “Run’s House” Reverend Run is keen on being involved in every aspect of his children’s lives. Like a true hip hop dad he encourages their entrepreneurial endeavors at every opportunity.
Who wouldn’t want a dad as cool as Snoop Dogg? Even at home the rapper maintained his mild-mannered demeanor. He also made sure not to let his children forget where he came from by exposing them to life in the ’hood.
Always wise-cracking and cranky, Curtis “Pops” Payne (LaVan Davis) on “House of Payne” keeps the household in stitches, even though his jokes more often than not fall flat.
