15 TV Characters We Thought Were Cool in the ’70s but Weren’t

In the 1970s, television introduced us to a group of characters that seemed to embody traits of boldness, self-assurance, and heroism to the viewing audience of that time. The traits of these characters seemed to reflect the cultural vibes and narratives of that time. Characters like J.R. Ewing, Fonzie, Archie Bunker, and Hawkeye Pierce were all trying to get our attention with their charismatic, authoritative, humorous, and rebellious qualities. The qualities of these characters seemed to embody heroism and coolness of confidence to the viewing audience of that time. However, to the viewing audience of today, a lot of what they did would seem arrogant, manipulative, outdated, and impulsive, which are not qualities of heroism.

1. J.R. Ewing – Dallas (1978)

J.R. Ewing became an overnight sensation when “Dallas” first aired in 1978. He was a force to be reckoned with, a man of conviction and assurance, untouchable and unmovable in his resolve to run his oil company with a steely-eyed and single-minded dedication to success. He ruled his world with calculating ruthlessness, ensuring that everyone in it did his bidding. Yet, in retrospect, it is possible to see that this man, this J.R. Ewing, was a serial betrayer, a man who would double-cross anyone and everyone to get ahead, a man who would deceive and manipulate those around him to get what he wanted. He is a man who would treat everyone else in his life as a mere pawn in a business game.

2. Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli – Happy Days (1974)

Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli is one of the iconic TV personalities of the 1970s. Fonzie, who made his debut on “Happy Days” in 1974, symbolized the ultimate rebel with an edge. He had his leather jacket, motorcycle, and attitude, which made him seem as if he had nothing to prove. He was just too cool. However, as the years went by, Fonzie’s attitude and persona started to lose their luster. Fonzie’s attitude and persona were based on traditional concepts of masculinity and popularity. The idea of keeping people at arm’s length was considered to be courageous, and talking straight was often sacrificed for attitude and swagger.

3. Fred Sanford – Sanford and Son (1972)

Fred Sanford was the central figure in Sanford and Son, the popular TV series that premiered in 1972. He was loud, sharp-tongued, and had an attitude that was always dripping with sarcasm. He had a junk business and was constantly at odds with his son Lamont, using his quick wit and sarcasm to insult him at every turn. Fred Sanford’s actions are not so noble when viewed through contemporary eyes. He had no problem using his connections to get what he wanted, avoided taking responsibility for his actions, and used deception to do so. He was still the same old Fred Sanford, and his stubbornness became part of the joke, even though it also seemed to be part of his selfish personality.

4. Hawkeye Pierce – MASH (1972)

Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce has been the central figure of the popular TV series MASH*, which first aired in 1972. He was then portrayed as sharp, rebellious, and fearless. He always challenged authority, made fun of the military establishment, and used humor to confront the harsh realities of war. However, as the years went by, the flaws in his character became more evident. He often employed sarcasm to avoid emotional commitment. His attitude towards women could be viewed as inappropriate or uncomfortable by today’s standards. He pursued women with an intensity that, while initially portrayed humorously, later became awkward. His constant need to defy authority could be construed as arrogance rather than courage.

5. Archie Bunker – All in the Family (1971)

Archie Bunker achieved iconic status during the 1970s, with the premiere of “All in the Family” in 1971. Loud, stubborn, and opinionated, he controlled the conversation on any Bunker family subject with his unfiltered, blunt voice. His candor, no matter how crude, spawned comedic gold that viewers could not ignore. When viewed from a distance, Archie Bunker’s position on any issue was rooted in prejudice, fear, and ignorance. What appeared to be a candid discussion on the surface belied the complexities of the social issues and attitudes of the day. The show intended to highlight these failings to encourage discussion, yet the average viewer did not grasp the satire and instead saw the character as a man locked into his own prejudice.

6. Starsky and Hutch – Starsky & Hutch (1975)

The duo, which had become synonymous with the 1970s TV cop genre after their 1975 debut, drove their blazing red car, chasing down bad guys and bringing justice to the streets with fearless passion. Their relationship seemed effortless, their attitude and swagger making them seem invincible. Yet, looking back, one can’t help but think their actions, particularly their blatant disregard for the rules intended to protect both officers and civilians, created more problems than they solved during their investigations. Their aggressive actions and high-speed chases put innocents in harm’s way, taking what had been fearless and bold and making it reckless and irresponsible.

7. Jim Rockford – The Rockford Files (1974)

Jim Rockford, the laid-back private detective featured in The Rockford Files, made his debut in 1974. He made his home in a trailer on the beach, drove a Pontiac Firebird, and usually solved his cases through wit and improvisation rather than muscle and aggression. Yet if one looks beyond the glitz and glamour, it becomes obvious that things weren’t quite as they had seemed. He had always operated on the edge of the law, often becoming embroiled in cases that threatened to pull innocent people into a world of trouble. He talked loudly and proudly about helping those in need, yet he also had a strong interest in wealth and financial reward. The seemingly free and easy life he had adopted had begun to look rather lonely and unstable.

8. Kojak – Kojak (1973)

The character of Lieutenant Theo Kojak became a household name in TV detective circles after the series’ 1973 debut. The bald head, sharp suits, and lollipop gave the actor an air of authority and self-assurance. The way in which Lieutenant Kojak communicated was with a firm, authoritative voice. He did not appear to have any doubt in his investigations. In hindsight, Lieutenant Kojak’s policing style relied heavily on intimidation. He would often question suspects using aggressive methods of investigation, which would raise eyebrows in today’s world. The level of self-assurance that made Lieutenant Kojak a great character could easily tip over into arrogance.

9. George Jefferson – The Jeffersons (1975)

George Jefferson reached stardom with the premiere of The Jeffersons in 1975. He was a successful businessman who had brought his family to a luxurious Manhattan apartment complex. He loved to boast about his success and made sure everyone knew he had made it. He had an unapologetic and unshakeable confidence that gave him an air of power. However, as the years went by on The Jeffersons, it became apparent that there were other sides to his character. He often came across as arrogant and dismissive to those who were around him. He often talked to his neighbors and staff with a level of self-centeredness that made his character annoying at times.

10. Columbo – Columbo (1971)

Lieutenant Columbo was soon known and loved throughout America as he made his television debut in 1971. He was rumpled, looked slightly crazy, and often seemed not quite put together, yet he always managed to crack the case. He was loved as he conducted his investigation in a relaxed, unhurried manner, often using his questions to coax the truth from those he questioned. When he is viewed from afar, it is clear that he often relied on psychological manipulation of those he questioned more than on evidence. He was polite and humble, but he was also relentless and wore suspects down with his relentless questioning.

11. Greg Brady – The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)

Greg Brady was a standout as the confident older brother in “The Brady Bunch,” a show that left its mark in the early 1970s and became a big part of that generation’s culture. With that perfect smile and easy demeanor, Greg Brady embodied the spirit of the suburban teenager of the 1970s. When looking back, it’s hard not to think that this character came across as a bit too confident and even self-centered. He seemed to believe his opinions were more important than anyone else’s, and his advice to his siblings came across as lectures rather than guidance. He was portrayed as a naturally confident leader in “The Brady Bunch,” but it seemed that he also had a lot of trouble navigating many of the missteps that teenagers face.

12. Huggy Bear – Starsky & Hutch (1975)

Huggy Bear is the streetwise informant who would appear at all times to assist detectives Starsky and Hutch in the popular television show that premiered in 1975. He owned a bar and had connections to all of the underground activity in Los Angeles. Huggy Bear knew everything about who was involved in all the illicit activity and unwholesome plans. As the television show progressed, his character began to embody all the stereotypes television used at the time. Instead of exploring his character on a deeper level, his identity became defined by his flashy style and street smarts. Huggy never transcended his role as an informant, allowing the audience to gain a deeper understanding of his character.

13. Bobby Brady – The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)

Bobby Brady was a brilliant and buzzing youngster in the 1970s family favorite “The Brady Bunch,” a show that never seemed to stop buzzing with enthusiasm and excitement. He was a kid who chased big dreams and had a ready-made confidence that seemed to shine in every scene. Yet, in retrospect, another side of Bobby emerges. He seemed to rush into things without considering the consequences, and his impulsiveness often landed him in trouble. Yet, since this was a show that resolved all problems in a short time, Bobby’s mistakes did not seem to have as big an impact as they might have in real life. Moreover, there is a sense in which Bobby’s fearlessness seemed to border on overconfidence.

14. Jethro Bodine – The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971 reruns popular in the 1970s)

Jethro Bodine continued to be a familiar face on the small screen throughout the 1970s, benefiting from the constant reruns of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” He appeared to be someone with ambition, self-confidence, and determination to succeed in the modern world. However, if one looks more closely, one will notice that the humor relies on the character’s proud ignorance. Jethro’s ambitions were rarely commensurate with his abilities, and he had a poor understanding of the modern world. Jethro’s ambitions and attitudes, which had appeared to be endearingly self-confident, had started to seem like over-the-top foolishness.

15. Tom Willis – The Jeffersons (1975)

Tom Willis was the friendly face in George Jefferson’s life in “The Jeffersons,” which began in 1975. He was the type of neighbor who always attempted to bring peace to all of the people in the building in which he lived. His easygoing and calm demeanor made him approachable. As the years went by, however, his character was not always so confident and passive, but instead proactive. He would often let George’s lack of respect for him slide and not stand up for himself. Although “The Jeffersons” used humor to explore social issues and conflicts between people of different races, Tom’s behavior would often seem somewhat averse to speaking out against prejudice and social injustice.

• Tags:
• throwback
• television
• 1970s
• TV characters
• 70s TV personalities