You know the saying: Father knows best. But what did pop culture’s most visible papas teach us about love, life and work? In celebration of Father’s Day, check out these 6 essential life lessons from TV dads, both real and imaginary.
Compiled by Andrew Asare, Alley Olivier, Ashley Travers
1. Don’t Get Ds In School
Who: Heathcliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby)
Where: The Cosby Show
In the classic pilot episode of The Cosby Show, Heathcliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby) gives it to his son Theo Huxtable straight, after Cliff hears his explanation of why he got a “D” on his report card. What did we learn from the most celebrated COOGI-sweater pops to exist? The golden rule: get good grades and do what you’re told, because your father said so. Check out the classic ep.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=-1t9dg5dzQo
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3. Don’t Grow Up Too Fast Who: T.I.
Where: T.I. And Tiny: The Family Hustle
T.I. is a man of many talents. Along with raising six children with wife Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, the King of the South keeps the checks rolling in through music, movie roles and playing the loving family man in his popular Vh1 series. If there’s anything this father has taught us, it’s that kids should be kids. Teens want to do grown-up things, but you’ll never get your youth back. Watch as T.I. supervises a video shoot with his daughter’s group, OMG Girlz, and makes sure they’re dressing their age.Photo Credit: BlackEnterprise.com
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2. Don’t Eat With Your Mouth FullWho: Uncle Phil (James Avery)
Where: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Whether he was throwing Jazzy Jeff out the crib or putting Will in check, we learned a lot from Uncle Phil (James Avery) during The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s six seasons. One rule: Never eat with your mouth full or it might cost you an election (in this case, superior court judge). Check out the episode where Will almost taints his uncle’s career with a not-so-flattering campaign ad.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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4. Control Your Spending Habits Who: Rev Run
Where: Run’s House
Every Dad knows that 1) money is the root of all evil and 2) Young adults tend to be irresponsible when it comes to allowances, budgets and shopping. When Vanessa and Angela Simmons get a little wild with their spending choices, Rev Run reels them back in, the only way he can.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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5. Don’t Tell Anyone Your Personal Business Who: Gregg Leakes
Where: Real Housewives of Atlanta
Known as the calm and collected husband of the “rich bitch” Nene Leakes, Gregg is usually a man of a few words. However, in the Season 3 of the popular Housewives franchise, Gregg spoke one word too many to a “friend” that got him in one of the messiest divorces. What did this father teach us? Silence is golden.Photo Credit: Us Magazine
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6. Learn To Resist TemptationWho: Carl Winslow (Reginald Vel Johnson)
Where: Family Matters
In this episode, Carl “The Big Guy” Winslow (Reginald Vel Johnson) gets harped on by his pesky neighbor Steve Urkel about his weight. Carl finally decides it’s time to make some changes and goes on a diet. Things don’t go as planned when Urkel comes over eating a delicious extra cheese pizza. Watch this clip of The Big Guy teaching us how to fight temptation… or not.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]