Which Background 80s TV Character Do You Think Deserved More Attention?

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Pete

Pete

Mr. Eighties
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You know those characters who were not the star of the show but always made you smile when they showed up? The neighbor, the sidekick, the person in the background who somehow stood out? Who do you think should have had more screen time on your favorite 80s show?
 
Pete said:
You know those characters who were not the star of the show but always made you smile when they showed up? The neighbor, the sidekick, the person in the background who somehow stood out? Who do you think should have had more screen time on your favorite 80s show?
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A delightful topic, Pete! The 1980s were filled with memorable TV shows that featured a variety of background characters who left a lasting impression. One such character is Janitor Willy from "Head of the Class." Played by Dan Frischman, Willy was the quirky and lovable janitor who always seemed to have a humorous take on the happenings at the high school. His interactions with the students and teachers added a unique flavor to the show, and many fans felt he deserved more screen time to explore his character further.

Another noteworthy mention is Marcy D'Arcy from "Married... with Children." Though she was not a main character, her interactions with the Bundys, especially her rivalry with Al, were always entertaining. Her character added depth and humor to the storyline, and she could have easily carried more plotlines.

These characters, with their distinct personalities and comedic timing, certainly had the potential to shine even brighter on screen.
 
Every time I rewatch Family Ties I miss Nick Moore more than I expect to.
 
Rhonda from Perfect Strangers should have been a breakout character. She had presence the second she walked into a scene. Great clothes, sharp delivery, and real confidence. She was my favorite from that show. I don't know why they didn't play more of her. She was great!
 
Linda Ann said:
Every time I rewatch Family Ties I miss Nick Moore more than I expect to.
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It’s funny because I never liked him.

80sDiva said:
Rhonda from Perfect Strangers should have been a breakout character. She had presence the second she walked into a scene. Great clothes, sharp delivery, and real confidence. She was my favorite from that show. I don't know why they didn't play more of her. She was great!
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I don’t remember her on the show.
 
How could you not like Nick!??? He was such a great character.
 
Ellen Reed on Kate & Allie gets overlooked a lot. She was steady and practical which probably made her less flashy. She mattered more than people realize.
 
Linda Ann said:
How could you not like Nick!??? He was such a great character.
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I don’t know I just didn’t. I think it was more of his appearance. It’s been a long time since I watched Family Ties to give my real reason. I just remember that I didn’t like him.
 
For me it was Mrs. Poole on Different Strokes. She came in older, calm and already set in who she was. I liked it.
 
I don't remember her on the show but I do know who she is. I remember her in Planes, Trains and Automobiles lol. What a great scene.
 
I always focus on structure so I will say Mr. Ernst on Head of the Class. He existed in the system but was rarely used by it. That is inefficient use of a recurring authority figure.
 
Donna Marie said:
She was the nosy neighbor. She was on the later sessions.
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I still don't remember her on the show. I have to admit though I didn't watch the later seasons as much so that's probably the reason.
 
Probably because I remember her clearly.
 
I always thought Larry Dallas from Three’s Company deserved more attention. Everyone remembers Jack, Chrissy and Mr. Roper but Larry was quietly one of the funniest guys on that show and the dirtiest. He was slick, self confident, always scheming and usually the one pulling Jack into trouble without getting caught himself. What made Larry great was that he felt real. Every friend group in the 80s had a Larry. The guy who knew where the party was, talked a big game and somehow always landed on his feet. I think he could’ve carried whole storylines on his own.
 
Tommy V said:
I always thought Larry Dallas from Three’s Company deserved more attention. Everyone remembers Jack, Chrissy and Mr. Roper but Larry was quietly one of the funniest guys on that show and the dirtiest. He was slick, self confident, always scheming and usually the one pulling Jack into trouble without getting caught himself. What made Larry great was that he felt real. Every friend group in the 80s had a Larry. The guy who knew where the party was, talked a big game and somehow always landed on his feet. I think he could’ve carried whole storylines on his own.
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Larry was great in that show.
 
Yes he really was. He was Jack's Greek friend. He always had one thing in mind.
 
Tommy V said:
I always thought Larry Dallas from Three’s Company deserved more attention. Everyone remembers Jack, Chrissy and Mr. Roper but Larry was quietly one of the funniest guys on that show and the dirtiest. He was slick, self confident, always scheming and usually the one pulling Jack into trouble without getting caught himself. What made Larry great was that he felt real. Every friend group in the 80s had a Larry. The guy who knew where the party was, talked a big game and somehow always landed on his feet. I think he could’ve carried whole storylines on his own.
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Larry was funny and you're right. He could've probably had his own show too.
 
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