Can You Match These '80s Sitcom Characters to Their Careers?

By: Becky Stigall
Image: NBC

About This Quiz

Are you a teacher or a doctor? Maybe you sell shoes or work as a musician. When it comes to all the types of job in the world, you'll find them in the characters of '80s sitcoms. From Dorothy Zbornak in The Golden Girls to Jason Seaver in Growing Pains, can you match the '80s sitcom character to his or her career?

Sitcoms of the 1980s are in a class all on their own. Since the shows of the decade focused on the family, it was easy to find career people focused on providing. As is common in the real world, the TV professions heavily mirrored that of real life. You'd have your teachers, doctors, lawyers, and accountants. You might even come across your architects, business owners, and mail carriers. When it comes to the popular characters of the '80s, can you match them to their profession? 

Jason Seaver from Growing Pains and Cliff Huxtable from The Cosby Show shared the same profession. George Jefferson and Howard Cunningham were both business-owners. What kind of business did they own? The long list of '80s characters ranges from those who were raking in that dough and those who were just trying to make ends meet. From extravagant jobs to day laborers, can you differentiate between these characters and their jobs? Let's find out! 

Steven Keaton, the father on "Family Ties," is employed as what?

Steven Keaton was the manager of WKS. The character was played by Michael Gross.

Cliff Clavin, of the sitcom "Cheers," held what job?

Cliff was a mail carrier who lived with his mother. The character was a security guard in the series pilot.

Dorothy Zbornak of "The Golden Girls" worked as what?

Dorothy was a substitute teacher. The character of Dorothy was played by Bea Arthur.

Dr. Jason Seaver, head of household on "Growing Pains," was what type of doctor?

Dr. Jason Seaver was a psychiatrist who worked out of the house. The character was played by Alan Thicke.

Elyse Keaton, the mother on "Family Ties," held what high-powered job?

Elyse Keaton worked independently as an architect. The character of Elyse Keaton was played by Meredith Baxter Birney.

Norm Peterson, a regular fixture in the "Cheers" pub, was employed doing what?

Norm was employed off and on as an accountant. In the later years of the series, he worked as a house painter and decorator.

"The Cosby Show" character, Cliff Huxtable, was a physician in what specialty?

Heathcliff Huxtable was an obstetrician. The original concept of the show had Cliff working as a limo driver.

Rose Nylund, of "The Golden Girls," was employed at what job?

Rose, played by Betty White, was initially employed as a grief counselor. In later seasons, she found work as an assistant at a television station.

The "Growing Pains" mom, Maggie Seaver, worked doing what?

Maggie Seaver was a reporter. The character was played by Joanna Kerns.

Willie Tanner, the dad on "ALF," worked at what job?

Willie Tanner was a social worker. He also enjoyed amateur radio and model trains.

Jesse Katsopolis, Uncle Jesse if you will, worked as what?

Jesse had a little trouble finding his niche. He believed his true calling was as a musician.

Blanche Devereaux, of "The Golden Girls," worked in what type of establishment?

Blanche, played by Rue McLanahan, was employed at an art museum.

Clair Huxtable, the unflappable mother on "The Cosby Show," held down what high-powered job?

In the series concept, Clair was either to be a plumber or a Spanish-speaking housewife.

Danny Tanner, of the show "Full House," worked in what industry?

Danny Tanner was first a television sportscaster, then a talk show host.

Kate Tanner, the mother on the show "ALF," worked at what job?

Kate Tanner worked off and on in real estate. It is hinted that her true love was poetry.

Joey Gladstone, of "Full House" fame, worked as a ________.

Joey Gladstone was a comedian, but if you said he was in advertising, we'll accept that, too. Everyone needs a day job.

Roseanne Conner, of the "Roseanne" show, worked at what job?

Roseanne Conner began the series working in a plastics factory. She then worked as a waitress for several seasons, finally opening her own diner.

On "The Jeffersons," George Jefferson, owned a chain of what type of business?

George Jefferson owned a chain of dry cleaning stores. Their success enabled the family to "move on up."

Kip and Henry, of "Bosom Buddies," both worked in what field?

Both Kip and Henry worked in advertising. The characters were played by Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari, respectively.

Dan Conner, the father on "Roseanne," worked at what job?

Dan Conner was a drywall contractor. The family was created to represent blue-collar America.

Louise Jefferson, of "The Jeffersons," worked doing what job?

Weezie was a homemaker and a philanthropist. The role was played by Isabel Sanford.

Jack Arnold, the father on "The Wonder Years," worked in what job?

Jack Arnold was a manager at NORCOM. In later episodes, he buildt and sold furniture.

TV mom Angela Robinson Bower, of "Who's the Boss," held down what job?

Angela Bower worked as a high-powered advertising executive. The character was played by Judith Light.

Laverne and Shirley worked at what business?

Laverne and Shirley, along with sidekicks, Lenny and Squiggy, worked in a brewery. Laverne and Shirley worked as bottlecappers.

Norma Arnold, the matriarch of "The Wonder Years," worked doing what?

Norma Arnold was a homemaker in earlier seasons. Later, she earned her degree and went to work for a software company.

Jack Tripper, a character on "Three's Company," became a ____.

Jack became a chef. The character was played by John Ritter.

Howard Cunningham, the head of household on "Happy Days," owned what type of business?

Howard Cunningham owned Cunningham Hardware. He was also a cook in the U.S. Army.

What job did Mrs. Garrett hold on "The Facts of Life"?

Edna Garret was the show's housemother. She also dabbled a bit in business.

Carmine Ragusa, Shirley's flame on "Laverne & Shirley," owned what type of business?

Carmine Ragusa owned a dance studio. He was also an occasional boxer.

Janet Wood, of "Three's Company," worked where?

Janet worked at the Arcade Flower Shop. The character was played by Joyce DeWitt.

George Papadopoulos of "Webster" worked as a ____________.

George Papadopoulos was a television sportscaster. The character was played by former football player, Alex Karras.

Arthur Fonzarelli held down what job in "Happy Days"?

Fonzie was a high school dropout, and he worked as a mechanic. He eventually went back to school and became a high school teacher.

Philip Drummond, of "Diff'rent Strokes," was a wealthy ___________.

Philip Drummond was a wealthy businessman. The role was played by Conrad Bain.

Chrissy Snow, of "Three's Company," worked as which of the following?

Chrissy's full name was Christmas Noelle Snow. The character was played by Suzanne Somers.

Katherine Papadopoulos, Webster's adoptive mom, became what on the show?

Katherine Calder-Young Papadopolis became a family psychologist. In earlier seasons, she worked as a consumer advocate.

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!

Explore More Quizzes