How Many Obscure Classic Sitcom Characters Can You Name?

By: Monica Lee
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
How Many Obscure Classic Sitcom Characters Can You Name?
Image: NBC, Fox

About This Quiz

Constantin Stanislavski had it right when he said, "there are no small parts, only small actors." If that echoes your beliefs, then you'll love this quiz. It focuses on those characters who steal the scene even though they have a small role. People like the Soup Nazi in "Seinfeld" or Gunther from "Friends" even Eddie, the dog, from "Fraiser" steal the spotlight! So although they have small, albeit obscure roles, these actors have made them into memorable characters. This is where their true talent lies. Did you know that Larry Thomas, who portrayed the Soup Nazi, was nominated for an Emmy Award for his performance?

We can all name our favorite character actors, those who have the high-pitched laughs, the hysterical facial expressions, or play the stereotypical role with a twist, like Geoffrey the Butler, in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." We look forward to their appearance in each scene when we're guaranteed a laugh.  

Take this quiz now and recall all your favorite characters -- who were not the leads -- in some of the most popular sitcoms of the times. You'll be surprised at how many you can easily identify. Try it now. Gladys Kravitz, the nosy neighbor from Bewitched, promises not to tell anyone your score. 


Gunther - Friends What was the name of the manager of the coffee shop in "Friends"?
James
Joey
Gunther
Griffin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The coffee shop was called The Central Perk, and Gunther was the manager. James Michael Tyler is the actor who portrayed the sarcastic and unfazed Gunther.

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Yev Kassem - Seinfield What was the name of the Soup Nazi in "Seinfield"?
George
Ira Shapiro
Fred
Yev Kassem
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Yev Kassem is the name of the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld. Larry Thomas portrayed this role for which he was nominated for an Emmy Award.

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Harry The Hat Gittes - Cheers Who played flim-flam man/ magician in "Cheers"?
Harry "The New Houdini" Gittes
Harry "The Hat" Gittes
Herbert "The Rabbit" Gittes
Harold
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Harry Anderson appeared as the local flim-flam man/magician Harry “The Hat” Gitties, in Cheers. His character was also instrumental in a memorable sting episode in the TV series.

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Al Delvecchio - Happy Days Who was the Malt Shop Owner on "Happy Days"?
Al Smith
Al Delvecchio
Earl Demonch
Abraham Berman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The name of the malt shop owner on "Happy Days" was Al Delvecchio who was portrayed by Al Molinaro. Al also portrayed the cop on the "Odd Couple".

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Mrs. MacGillicuddy - I Love Lucy What was the character name of Lucy's mother, in "I Love Lucy"?
Mrs. Ball
Mrs. MacGillicuddy
Mrs. Ricardo
Mrs. Jones
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mrs. MacGillicuddy was the name of Lucy's mother on "I Love Lucy". Kathryn Card portrayed the mother-in-law perfectly!

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Russell Huxtable -The Cosby Show What was the name of Cliff's father on "The Cosby Show"?
Russell Huxtable
Irwin Huxtable
George Huxtable
Tyrone Huxtable
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Earle Hyman portrayed Cliff's father, Russell Huxtable on the "The Cosby Show". Earle Hyman was also an excellent stage and film actor.

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Spencer Williamson -  Everybody Loves Raymond Do you remember the name of this "annoying kid" from "Everybody Loves Raymond?"
Tyrone Met
Spencer Williamson
Ben Metcalf
Lee Bennet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In a particularly funny episode, Ray and Debra have their friends over, but Ray finds their friend's son, Spencer, incredibly annoying, and for good reasons. The mean-looking kid is portrayed by Brett Buford.

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Major Frank Burns -MASH What was the name of the uptight surgeon on "M*A*S*H"?
Corporal Klinger
Radar
Hot Lips
Major Frank Burns
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lawrence Lavon Linville portrayed the self-righteous surgeon, Major Frank Burns, on the television series "M*A*S*H". He was the victim of many pranks.

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Irene Lorenzo - All in the Family Who was Edith's friend and neighbor with liberal views on "All in the Family"?
Irene Lorenzo
Shirley Hamilton
Andrea Lorne
Julie Medina
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Betty Garrett won Best Supporting Actress in 1974 for the role of Irene Lorenzo in the television series "All in the Family".

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David Healy - Roseanne What was the name of the Darlene's boyfriend in the original "Roseanne"?
David Healy
John Kent
Joe Petrolo
Robert Stall
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Johnny Galecki played David Healy in the original "Roseanne" then skyrocketed into fame on "The Big Bang Theory".

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Floyd Lawson -The Andy Griffin Show What was the name of the barber in "The Andy Griffin Show"?
Oliver Wright
Floyd Lawson
Joe Smoe
Terri Brader
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Howard McNear is best remembered as Floyd Lawson, the barber in "The Andy Griffith Show" although he was also an accomplished stage, screen and radio actor.

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Mr. Burns - The Simpsons Who is the penny-pinching owner of the nuclear power plant in "The Simpsons"?
Milhouse
Mr. Burns
Troy McClure
Fat Tony
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The money-grabbing billionaire owner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant is Mr. Burns. He is portrayed by Harry Julius Shearer, an actor, voice actor, comedian, writer, musician, radio host, director and producer.

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Kevin Malone - The Office What is the name of the accountant in "The Office"?
Kevin Malone
Kate Shade
Trixie Turner
Ben King
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Brian Baumgartner portrays Kevin Malone in "The Office". Malone is not given much responsibility by his supervisor, Angela Martin, but he is allowed to shred company documents and says that is all he really needs.

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Tobias Fünke -Arrested Development Who is the character on "Arrested Development " who thinks he can act?
Brian "Buster" Bluth
Gob Bluth
Tobias Fünke
Rebel Alley
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tobias Fünke is portrayed by David cross in "Arrested Development". David Cross is a stand-up comedian, actor, director, and writer.

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Eddie -Fraiser What was the name of the dog on "Fraiser"?
Rocky
Eddie
Max
Ajax
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eddie always added to the laughs on "Fraiser". Eddie's real name is Moose and he is a Parson Russell Terrier.

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Georgette - Mary Tyler Moore Show Who was Ted Knight's girlfriend on the "Mary Tyler Moore Show"?
Georgette
Joyce
Diana
Lou
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Georgia Bright Engel is an American actress and comedian who is best known for her role as Georgette Franklin Baxter on the "Mary Tyler Moore Show".

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Mel Cooley - Dick Van Dyke Who was the milk toast producer on the "Dick Van Dyke" show?
Jerry Paris
Mel Cooley
Carl Reiner
Larry Mathews
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Milk toast producer of the "The Alan Brady Show" was Mel Cooley. Rob Petrie worked as a writer for "The Alan Brady Show".

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Harry Bentley - The Jeffersons What character on "The Jeffersons" frequently got the door slammed in his face?
Thomas Willis
Harry Bentley
Florence Johnston
Allan Willis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Harry Bently was the Jeffersons' eccentric English next-door neighbor. Bentley worked as a Russian-language interpreter at the United Nations.

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Danielle - That '70's Show Who was the love interest of both Fez and Kelso in "That '70's Show?"
Danielle
Sara
Joan
Gracie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lindsay Lohan portrayed Danielle, the love interest of both Fez and Kelso in season seven.

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Geoffrey - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air What was the name of the butler in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"?
Harold
Geoffrey
Rob
Chaz
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The stoic and sarcastic Geoffrey provided enormous entertainment as the Butler. Geoffrey was portrayed by Joseph Marcell, a British actor and comedian.

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Gladys Kravitz - Bewitched What was the name of the nosy neighbor in "Bewitched"?
Louis Tate
Abner Kravitz
Gladys Kravitz
Maurice
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although there was more than one person who played Gladys Kravitz, there was just one nosy neighbor that constantly spied on the Stephens.

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Ann Perkins - Parks and Recreation Who is a nurse and Leslie Knope's best friend in "Parks and Recreation"?
Ann Perkins
April Ludgate
Donna Meagle
Tom Haverford
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ann has the habit of picking up the personality tics of whomever she's dating. Ann Perkins is portrayed by Rashida Jones.

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Tommy Strawn -Martin What was the name of the character who played Martin's best friend in the "Martin" tv series?
Tommy Strawn
Stan Winters
Shawn McDermott
Nipsey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tommy Strawn was the affable best friend who was often the straight man to Martin's jokes. He was portrayed by Tommy Ford.

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Barry Kripke -The Big Bang Theory Which character on "The Big Bang Theory" has trouble pronouncing his "R's"?
Leslie Winkle
Mrs. Wollowitz
Stuart Bloom
Barry Kripke
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Ross Bowie, an actor and comedian portrays Barry Kripke on "The Big Bang Theory". He is a nemesis to Sheldon.

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Kenneth -30 Rock What is the name of the NBC Page in "30 Rock"?
Kenneth
Jerry
Frank
Pete
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jack McBrayer, an actor and comedian, portrays Kenneth Parcell. His small town innocence is endearing and hysterical at the same time

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Stanley Zbornak- The Golden Girls What was the name of Dorthy's (Bea Arthur's) ex-husband in "The Golden Girls"?
Dr. Harry Weston
Stanley Zbornak
Herbert Berman
Benny Shawl
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stanley Zbornak was the ex-husband of Dorothy Zbornak. Stanley was portrayed by Herbert Edelman who was twice nominated for an Emmy Award for his television work.

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Sam the Butcher - The Brady Bunch Who is Alice's boyfriend in "The Brady Bunch"?
Sam the Butcher
Sam the Baker
Charles the Car Salesman
Joe the Short Order Cook
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sam the Butcher was Alice the housekeeper's boyfriend on "The Brady Bunch". Sam was portrayed by Allan Melville.

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Carol -The Bob Newhart Show Who was Robert Hartley's secretary on "The Bob Newhart Show"?
Carol
Emily
Susan
Julie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Carol had to deal with the wacky patients, and even wackier coworkers as secretary/receptionist to Robert Hartley.

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Ginger - Gilligan's Island What was the name of the movie star on "Gilligan's Island"?
Mrs. Howell
Ginger
Mary Ann
Mary Sue
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ginger was the movie star who got stranded on the island when the S.S. Minnow lost its way in a storm.

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Simka - Taxi What was the name of Latka's wife?
Louis
Yuri
Shirley
Simka
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Carol Kane portrayed Simka Dahblitz-Gravas, wife of Latka Gravas (Andy Kaufman), on the series Taxi, from 1981–83.

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Grady - Sanford and Son What is the name of Fred’s absent-minded friend on "Sanford and Son"?
Grady
Bubba
Ah Chew
Melvin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fred’s absent-minded friend and Lamont’s godfather is Grady Wilson, portrayed by Whitman Mayo.

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Ralph Furley -Three's Company What is the name of the second landlord who thinks of himself as a ladies man in "Three's Company"?
Larry Dallas
Ralph Furley
Stanley Roper
Frank Angelino
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ralph Furley is the flamboyantly dressed landlord in "Three's Company". Portrayed by Don Knotts, he fancies himself a ladies' man. Although he wasn't the original landlord, Ralph plays the part just as well.

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Matthew Rickety Cricket Mara - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia What is the name of the defrocked priest in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"?
Frank
Trey
Dennis Reynolds
Matthew "Rickety Cricket" Mara
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

David Hornsby has a recurring role as defrocked priest Matthew "Rickety Cricket" Mara on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" in which he also writes and co-produces.

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Venus Fly Trap - WKRP in Cincinnati Who had the low, sexy radio voice on "WKRP in Cincinnati"?
Venus Fly Trap
Arthur Carlson
Andy Travis
Les Nessman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Playing cool jazz in the evening and early night-time, Venus Fly Trap has a sexy low voice, perfect for a D. J.

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Vinnie Verducci - Married with Children What was the name of one of Kelly's boyfriends in "Married ... with Children"?
Vinnie Verducci
Jefferson D'Arcy
Steve Rhoades
Griff
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before Matt LeBlanc was Joey on "Friends" he was Vinnie Verducci on "Married...with Children". He was also cast for both of the spinoff series called Top of the Heap, and Vinnie and Bobby. However, both shows were short-lived.

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Wilson - Home Improvement What is the name of the neighbor in "Home Improvement" whose full face is never shown?
Al
Wilson
Harold
Charlie
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wilson had a fence that is too tall and he peers out from on top of it, no one saw the lower half of his face on "Home Improvement".

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Rebecca - Full House What is the name of Jessie's wife in "Full House"?
D. J.
Stephanie
Rebecca
Kimmy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When Jessie finally settles down on "Full House" he decides to marry Rebecca. She is a host alongside Danny on "Wake Up, San Francisco".

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Bull - Night Court What is the name of the bailiff in "Night Court"?
Henry
Rex
Sam
Bull
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On "Night Court" the well meaning but dumber than cotton Bull Shannon is the towering bailiff. He is portrayed by Richard Moll.

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Irwin Skippy Handelman - Family Ties One more to go. What is the name of Alex's best friend and neighbor?
Nick Moore
Robert Medina
Irwin "Skippy" Handelman
Ralph Tunkey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Skippy provided lots of laughs on Family Ties. Skippy was portrayed by Marc Price, an actor and comedian.

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Stella - How I Met Your Mother Final question: Ted Mosley fell in love with a dermatologist. What was her name?
Virginia
Stella
Anna
Skyler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ted meets Stella after he drunkenly gets a butterfly tattoo on his lower back and gets it removed by Dr. Stella Zinman.

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