The 1970s was an interesting time for entertainment. The success of shows like “Star Trek” and “Gilligan’s Island” in the 1960s made audiences wonder what could top the prior decade. However, writers in Hollywood didn’t disappoint when it came to putting out new shows.
One of the most well-known shows in history is “Happy Days.” During the decade it was on air, the show followed a traditional family that lived in Milwaukee during the 1950s. While he wasn’t one of the main characters at first, Henry Winkler’s Fonzie character has become someone fans adored during the show.
Another impactful show that aired during the 70s was “The Jeffersons.” Even though there was a lot of progress made in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s, there were still plenty of people who didn’t think African Americans deserved the same rights as white people. This show tackled some of the major issues of race. The main character, George Jefferson, was at the forefront of these discussions. His character showed the world that African Americans were just as smart, kind, and hard-working as everyone else in the United States.
The 1970s was also a time when women were starting to join the workforce. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” followed Mary Richards, an ambitious young woman trying to make it in the television industry. Her tale of jumping through hoops to succeed shed light on exactly what women at that time had to go through while working. For more 1970s content, click here to read about the best movies from this decade.
To compile this list of the most relatable TV characters of the 70s, 24/7 Tempo consulted entertainment sources. These include IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Past Factory.
Fred G. Sanford
- Played by: Redd Foxx
- Show: “Sanford and Sons”
It’s normal for people to have problems they need to figure out during their lives. Fred Sanford from “Sanford and Son” showed audiences that it’s okay to fight through different problems by working to figure them out. His goal was to make as much money as quickly as he could, which usually didn’t go as planned.
However, the way he used humor to handle those situations whenever they did arise is what made his character so relatable. He also was one of the first African Americans to land a leading role in a television production. Millions of people finally had someone who looked like them to watch on TV.
Vinnie Barbarino
- Played by: John Travolta
- Show: “Welcome Back, Kotter”
High school can be an awkward time for most students growing up. One way to combat this feeling is by acting like the class clown and prankster. That’s what Vinnie Barbarino did in the show “Welcome Back, Kotter.” John Travolta played a character who would get into all kinds of trouble at school.
Viewers fell in love with Barbarino because of the humor he used and how charismatic he was while talking to others. As the show progressed, Barbarino grew and evolved, just as any TV character would. His charm and wit stayed with him for the entirety of the show’s run, which is why fans related to him.
Arthur Fonzarelli
- Played by: Henry Winkler
- Show: “Happy Days”
Going from a side character to a beloved main character shows how relatable and adored Arthur Fonzarelli was on “Happy Days.” Fans resonated with him because of his fashion sense and the way he talked. Whenever Fonzie came on screen, viewers knew the scene was going to be memorable to some degree.
Fonzie worked as an electrician and always had an attractive woman standing by his side. His catchphrases of “Woah!” “Heyyyy!” and “Sit on it” have been etched into entertainment history. There’s no telling how long “Happy Days” would have been on air if Fonzie didn’t become part of the main cast, but fans don’t have to worry about that.
George Jefferson
- Played by: Sherman Hemsley
- Show: “The Jeffersons”
Another African American TV show main character from the 70s was George Jefferson. He starred on the hit show “The Jeffersons.” Unlike Fred Sanford, Jefferson was a successful businessman who lived with his family in an affluent area. Jefferson was one of the first African American TV characters to be shown as successful and hard-working.
That led to him becoming one of the most relatable personas for African Americans, especially during the 1970s. He was the blueprint for success in the minds of people who might not have had the same opportunities and chances that everyone else had. Jefferson moved equal rights in the right direction with his character.
Jill Munroe
- Played by: Farrah Fawcett
- Show: “Charlie’s Angels”
Women’s rights became a huge talking point during the 1970s. One thing a lot of women wanted was the chance to have a respectable job. Jill Munroe was one of the first women on television to have a job that was typically geared for men. She was cast in “Charlie’s Angels,” where she worked as a detective and private investigator.
Fans, especially women, resonated with her character’s willingness to do whatever was necessary to get the job done. Munroe became so popular among women that her hairstyle became a fashion trend for more than a decade. Ironically, that’s exactly how long the show was on air for.
Keith Partridge
- Played by: David Cassidy
- Show: “The Partridge Family”
Becoming a teen idol and role model for young kids is what Keith Partridge did on “The Partridge Family.” Partridge was one of two characters who was able to sing while on the show. Fans loved hearing his voice so much that the actor who played Partridge, David Cassidy, used the show to help further his singing career.
Aside from his voice, Partridge had the looks and charm that any girl during the 70s decade would be attracted to. Guys also looked up to him to act the same way as him. Partridge’s fictional sister was also a singer. Shirley Jones, the actress who played her, also used “The Partridge Family” to help her music career blow up.
Mr. Roarke
- Played by: Ricardo Mantalbán
- Show: “Fantasy Island”
“Fantasy Island” was a show in the 1970s where Mr. Roarke would grant visitors their wildest dreams. However, in order to obtain these dreams, there was usually some sort of catch that came along with it. Roarke always made audiences sit on the edge of their seats, wondering what was going to come next.
The reason audiences related to him was because of that sense of mysteriousness. There are plenty of people in the world who would like to come across as mysterious to other people who look at them. He was proud of the fact that nobody could see what was around the corner. He thrived off surprising them with bizarre methods to make their dreams come to reality.
Miss Piggy
- Played by: Frank Oz
- Show: “The Muppets Show”
How many shows are more memorable than “The Muppets Show” that first aired in the 1970s? There aren’t many. One character stands out amongst the rest with new movies and TV shows continually emerging today. Miss Piggy is known for her diva ways and always getting what she wants. She dreams of falling in love with a strong man who can take care of her the way she needs to. She’s been on countless different television programs and movies over the years since “The Muppets Show” first aired.
Girls fell in love with Miss Piggy because she was one of the first female characters to stand up for what she wanted in the world. She didn’t back down until she got it. Almost everyone who’s ever wanted to become a star during in their lifetime looks up to Miss Piggy and understands why she does what she does.
Mary Richards
- Played by: Mary Tyler Moore
- Show: “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”
“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” was one of the first shows to be centered around a strong woman who was independent and focused on elevating her career. Mary Richards cared about becoming the best television anchor she could – and nothing was going to stop her. Women around the world were starting to push the Feminist movement harder at that time.
This show, and Mary Richards herself, were emblematic of where women wanted to end up in the workforce. They desired respect and equality. Audiences and critics agreed with the message the show was spreading, and it remained on air for multiple seasons. On top of that, it won numerous awards in the process.
Laura Wilder
- Played by: Melissa Gilbert
- Show: “Little House on the Prairie”
“Little House on the Prairie” is one of the few television programs that’s based on a true story. The author who first wrote the novel series told stories about what her life was like growing up. Through the years, Laura Wilder was the main character on the show and she got to enjoy what a basic life was like on a farm. Many people dream of a life where they can do whatever they want to on open land.
There was much room to explore and have child-like fun, which is another reason why fans related to Wilder. She took advantage of all the space she had around her home for exploration and adventuring. Kids all around the world could watch this show and put themselves in a place where exploring the wilderness was encouraged.
Jack Tripper
- Played by: John Ritter
- Show: “Three’s Company”
Some people believe it’s fine to go through life being clumsy without a great understanding of their body. Whenever clumsy mistakes are made, people try their best to make light out of bad situations they find themselves in. That’s exactly how Jack Tripper lived his life. The character was known for never having full control of his body. Rather than getting too down on himself, he tried to make the best out of every mess he found himself in.
Tripper and his friends would also find themselves in plenty of other funny situations based on the pranks they’d pull on each other and random strangers. Tripper was also one of the first main characters on television who was potentially homosexual. The 1970s was one of the first eras of LGBTQ acceptance, so it made sense to have a gay character take center stage. For more 70s content, click here to read about the best cult classics of the decade.