In Honor of Father’s Day, We Salute the Fictional Fathers Who Raised Us Too
Father’s Day isn’t just about biological dads — it’s about the father figures who shaped us, guided us, and made us laugh through the screen. From classic sitcoms to modern dramas, Black TV dads have served up everything from wisdom and warmth to stern discipline and comedic gold.
Whether they were setting boundaries like James Evans Sr., dropping truth bombs like Uncle Phil, or balancing therapy and fatherhood like Randall Pearson, these characters left an undeniable impact. So in honor of Father’s Day, here are seven unforgettable Black TV dads who raised generations — even if they were fictional.
1. James Evans Sr. – Good Times
Tough but tender, James Evans Sr. (John Amos) laid the blueprint for the Black working-class dad. Always hustling to provide for his family, he ruled with discipline, pride, and the occasional joke. His presence was the backbone of Good Times — and his sudden death in Season 4 left a lasting void in Black television history.
2. Uncle Phil – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Judge Philip Banks (James Avery) wasn’t just Will’s uncle — he was the heart and foundation of the Banks household. Rich in wisdom and compassion, Uncle Phil delivered fatherhood with a side of courtroom logic and the occasional dad dance. His legendary hug with Will after “Why don’t he want me, man?” still gets us every time.
3. Carl Winslow – Family Matters
Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson) was a Chicago cop with a soft heart and a short fuse. Whether clashing with Urkel or guiding his kids through teen troubles, Carl embodied a relatable, present, and principled father. He may have yelled a lot, but he never stopped showing up.
4. Bernie McCullough – The Bernie Mac Show
Bernie Mac wasn’t your typical TV dad. He didn’t ask to be one — he stepped up. Taking in his sister’s three kids while juggling a rising comedy career, Bernie ruled with sarcasm, tough love, and unmatched side-eyes. Inspired by Bernie Mac’s real life, the show reminded us that family is about showing up, not just sharing DNA.
5. Andre “Dre” Johnson – Black-ish
Dre Johnson (Anthony Anderson) had opinions, jokes, and cultural commentary for days. A marketing exec raising five kids in a mostly white suburb, Dre constantly battled assimilation while making sure his kids stayed grounded in their Blackness. Equal parts ridiculous and righteous, Dre made Black parenthood look both chaotic and beautiful.
6. Randall Pearson – This Is Us
Randall Pearson (Sterling K. Brown) wasn’t just a dad — he was a cycle-breaker. From confronting trauma to raising daughters with his wife Beth, Randall showed that strength and vulnerability can coexist. With therapy sessions and family talks, he gave us the emotional fatherhood blueprint we didn’t know we needed.
7. Eric Edwards – Forever
The cool, laid-back newcomer on the list, Eric Edwards (Wood Harris) from Forever was the kind of dad who gave room to grow but knew when to step in. From cringey-but-necessary “talks” to real support, he was a modern father figure who kept it real — and sometimes too real — with his sons.
