Month: June 2017

Father’s Day 2015: 5 TV dads who stepped up to the plate

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on June 20, 2015.

It’s hard to be a dad.

Raising a family is difficult enough when it’s planned, but life can be full of unexpected surprises.

In honor of Father’s Day, here are some TV dads who stepped up to the plate.

LUKE DANES, “GILMORE GIRLS”

While Luke (Scott Patterson) helped take of Rory Gilmore, the daughter of his love, Lorelai, fatherhood wasn’t really on his radar.

And then April Nardini (Vanessa Marano) showed up. The smart preteen won over the heart of the diner owner after she conducted a science experiment to determine who her father was.

And once Luke got to know her, he couldn’t let her go, and he even fought for custody when her mother moved.

BARNEY STINSON, “HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER”

Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris), the legendary playmaker, was probably the last character on HIMYM anyone would expect to have a child.

But after his “perfect month,” Barney found out he would become a father. No one was quite sure how he would handle it, but the precious moment in the series finale where he holds his daughter for the first time and promises to always love her was one of the best scenes of the finale.

JOEY GLADSTONE AND JESSE KATSOPOLIS, “FULL HOUSE”

Give these two credit for stepping up to take care of Danny’s three girls.

They dropped everything in their lives — including volatile, elusive careers in comedy and music — to move in and love three young children … and they clearly had no idea what they were doing.

And even when Jesse (John Stamos) tried to run away from responsibility in season 1, he came back, knowing how much those girls meant to him.

MR. TURNER, “BOY MEETS WORLD”

The hunky teacher becomes … a dad?

Mr. Turner, everyone’s favorite English teacher, took care of Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong) when his parents flaked out on him.

Shawn needed a solid influence, and Mr. Turner was that, along with being the cool guy to whom Shawn could relate.

UNCLE PHIL, “THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR”

Uncle Phil had kids, but taking care of his nephew wasn’t really in his plan.

Will (Will Smith) was the opposite of Uncle Phil (James Avery). Chaotic vs. reserved. Wild vs. proper.

They didn’t always get along, but in time, Uncle Phil provided the fatherly influence Will needed in his life.

Honorable mentions go to:

Which TV dads do you think stepped up to the plate?

Top 5 TV weddings to make you feel better about yours

Ah, wedding season.

June is here, which means many of us are dressing up and watching friends and family declare their love for their partners. But not every wedding goes off without a hitch.

In no particular order, here are my top 5 TV weddings:

Monica and Chandler, “Friends“

Monica and Chandler are definitely the more stable couple in the “Friends” world. But their wedding was not so stable.

Chandler, of course, freaked out, and Joey almost missed the ceremony due to a movie role.

Plus there was the whole who’s-actually-pregnant question.

In the end, they got married, vowing to stand by each other, and Chandler even tried to dance at the reception.

Chandler GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Lily and Marshall, “How I Met Your Mother“

On their wedding day, nothing seemed to go right for Lily and Marshall, who were finally tying the knot after a broken engagement, a cancelled Atlantic City at-sea wedding and many years together.

The harpist went into the labor, Lilly’s ex showed up and Marshall shaved a part of his head. Lilly tried to keep it together, but she finally panicked.

And no, the actual wedding wasn’t the focus, but their intimate outside ceremony was, and it even included some crying from Barney, who claimed no one should get married.

Himym GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Miranda and Steve, “Sex and the City“

The perfect wedding for the down-to-earth couple.

Miranda wasn’t the one who necessarily wanted marriage, but after proposing to longtime (albeit on-and-off) lover Steve, she finds making the moment not so over-the-top and cliche was a challenge (“I have a child – the jig is up!” she says to someone trying to help her find a dress for the occasion).

But the couple finds a beautiful, tranquil garden. And Miranda wears an understated maroon outfit. Simple and fit for them.

Jim and Pam, “The Office“

Another wedding gone wrong. Quite the theme on TV.

This lovely couple tries to go with the punches, but in the end, they sneak off to marry in a secret ceremony.

Who wouldn’t want a guy like Jim? He’s a sweetie who tries to make the best of the situation.

And here’s where everyone swoons: “And Plan A was marrying her a long, long time ago. Pretty much the day I met her.”

*Note: This is the only episode of “The Office” I’ve ever watched.

Tv GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Becky and Jesse, “Full House“

Any time Jesse sings on “Full House,” I’m in.

Course you have to watch him finally make his way to the chapel first before his wedding. And that trek includes skydiving, a truck of tomatoes and a bus filled with a gospel choir.

But by the end, with all the 80s/90s fashion, there’s crooning to “Forever” and “Jailhouse Rock,” so you can’t go wrong there.

Tv GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

What are your favorite TV weddings?

In honor of Father’s Day, the best TV dads are…

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on June 13, 2014.

Since I picked the best TV moms for Mother’s Day, it’s only fair I pick the best TV dads for Father’s Day.

My top picks are:

Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, “The Cosby Show“

Not only was this a breakthrough show for African-Americans on TV, it featured one great dad. He’s so great, in fact, he’s No. 1 on the “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time” list by TV Week.

Dr. Huxtable knew how to be tough, but he could always make his kids laugh.

He poked fun at his kids too, especially his son, Theo, including the time when Theo begged to get his ear pierced.

All fun aside, he taught his children how to love and how to grow.

Danny Tanner, Jesse Katsopolis and Joey Gladstone, “Full House“

With this ’90s sitcom, it was impossible to pick just one of these three “dads.”

Danny was the biological dad, Jesse was the uncle and Joey was the lifelong friend. They all took care of Danny’s three children when his wife died.

Danny needed Joey and Jesse. He needed support.

The trio worked together, balancing each other out.

Phil Dunphy, “Modern Family“

Phil might not know how to be the best dad, but he tries.

And he tries with flair.

He’s not afraid to be a dork or to be vulnerable.

Plus he wants to help, even if it’s in a quirky way. I would love to have his “Phil’s-osophy” book.

Burt Hummel, “Glee“

On Glee, it’s crystal clear how much Burt loves his son, Kurt, because of the journey Burt has taken on the show.

Viewers saw him accept his son, who is gay; stand up for his son; and even learn the “Single Ladies” dance as a high school graduation gift.

The scenes Burt and Kurt have together always bring a smile to my face or a tear to my eye.

Other notable fathers include:

Obviously there are many more great TV dads. Let me know your favorites in the comments.

Also, don’t forget to tell the father figure in your life how much you appreciate him.